Sports Physicals in Tampa 

Available Across Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties

Getting ready for the sports season means more than just new gear and team tryouts. It also means making sure your child is healthy and safe to play. A sports physical is one of the most important steps in that process. It is not just a formality; it is a safeguard to catch potential health concerns before they become serious on the field or court.

Sports physicals are about more than just meeting school requirements, they are about giving families peace of mind and helping athletes of all ages stay active and injury-free. With our convenient locations across Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties, same-day service, and now a limited-time discount, there is no reason to put this important checkup off.

Sports Physicals Matter More Than You Think

A sports physical, also called a pre-participation physical examination, is designed to ensure that an athlete is healthy enough to safely participate in their sport. While it may feel like a routine box to check before the season starts, it is actually a crucial opportunity to uncover underlying issues that could put a player at risk.

These exams help identify heart conditions, joint weaknesses, or respiratory problems that may need further evaluation. They can also give young athletes a baseline health record that can be helpful for future care. Even if your child seems perfectly healthy, some conditions may have no symptoms until they are triggered by intense physical activity.

Key reasons sports physicals are so important:

• Ensuring cardiovascular health before strenuous exercise
• Checking for asthma or other breathing concerns
• Identifying joint or muscle issues that could cause injuries
• Reviewing past injuries to make sure they have fully healed
• Providing guidance on safe training and conditioning

What to Expect During a Sports Physical

Many parents and athletes are not sure exactly what a sports physical covers. At TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track, we make sure each visit is thorough while also keeping the process quick and efficient so you can get back to your busy day.

• Medical history review: We discuss past illnesses, surgeries, medications, allergies, and family history of serious conditions like heart disease.
• Vital signs check: Blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and respiration rate are measured.
• Vision screening: Basic eyesight tests help identify if corrective lenses may be needed for safe play.
• Heart and lung evaluation: We listen for irregular heart rhythms, murmurs, or breathing concerns.
• Musculoskeletal exam: Flexibility, strength, and joint health are checked to reduce injury risk.
• Neurological assessment: Balance, reflexes, and coordination may be evaluated.

After the exam, we fill out the necessary forms for your school or sports league so your athlete is ready to hit the field without delay.

The New Florida EKG Requirement for High School Athletes

Florida has made a historic change that will affect thousands of student-athletes statewide. Beginning with the 2026-27 school year, every high school athlete in grades 9-12 will be required to have an electrocardiogram (EKG) before they can participate in athletic competitions. This makes Florida the first state in the nation to adopt such a requirement.

The EKG rule, part of the Second Chance Act that took effect on July 1, is designed to catch potentially life-threatening heart conditions before they lead to tragedy on the playing field. Here is what you need to know:

• The EKG must meet standards set by Florida’s Sports Medicine Advisory Committee
• Any EKG completed within two years prior to the 2026-27 school year will count toward the requirement
• If an abnormality is detected, the student will not be cleared for play until they receive medical clearance
• Schools are required to seek partnerships to help keep EKG costs low for families

This change highlights the increasing focus on heart health in young athletes and the importance of screening for hidden conditions. While this law will not go into effect for a couple more years, families may want to start incorporating EKGs into their sports physical routine now for added peace of mind.

Special $25 Sports Physicals for August and September

We know the back-to-school season can be busy and expensive. To help make it easier for families, TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track is offering discounted sports and school physicals for just $25 during the months of August and September. This offer is valid for children under the age of 18 and is available at all of our locations. Whether your child plays soccer, football, volleyball, or runs track, we make getting cleared for play affordable and convenient.

If your child also needs an EKG for school or for your own peace of mind, we can help with that as well. It is one more way we are making athlete health and safety a priority in the Tampa Bay community.

When to Schedule a Sports Physical

The best time to schedule a sports physical is at least six weeks before the start of the season. This allows time to address any health concerns that may require treatment before your child starts practicing or competing. However, there are situations where scheduling sooner is especially important:

• If your child has had a recent injury or illness that may affect their ability to play
• If there is a family history of heart problems or sudden cardiac arrest
• If your child has asthma or another condition that requires ongoing management
• If the school or league has a strict deadline for forms

Even if the season is already underway, it is never too late to get a sports physical, especially with our same-day availability at TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track.

How Sports Physicals Help Prevent Injuries

One of the biggest benefits of a sports physical is injury prevention. By checking flexibility, muscle balance, and joint stability, we can identify areas that may be prone to strain or overuse. This is particularly important for growing children and teens, whose bodies are still developing and may be more vulnerable to certain injuries. A physical may reveal:

• Weak core muscles that could contribute to back pain
• Tight hamstrings that increase the risk of knee injuries
• Flat feet that may lead to ankle instability
• Limited shoulder mobility in overhead athletes like swimmers and baseball players

By spotting these concerns early, athletes can work with coaches or trainers on targeted exercises to improve strength, balance, and mobility, reducing their risk of sidelining injuries.

Sports Physicals vs. Annual Checkups: Why You Might Need Both

Some parents wonder if an annual wellness exam with their child’s primary care provider is enough. While annual checkups are important for overall health, a sports physical is more specialized and focuses specifically on the demands of athletic activity.

Annual exams look at growth, development, and preventive care, while sports physicals concentrate on physical fitness, joint health, and cardiovascular readiness for competitive sports. In many cases, schools and leagues require a dedicated sports physical form to be completed by a healthcare provider.

Sports Physicals Available Across Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties

TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track offers sports physicals at all of our locations in Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and Pinellas County. No matter where you live in the greater Tampa Bay area, there is a clinic nearby that can help your athlete get cleared for the season.

Our healthcare providers are experienced in evaluating athletes of all ages and ensuring they meet participation requirements. From middle school soccer players to high school athletes preparing for the new EKG mandate, we provide the thorough care and documentation needed for sports clearance.

From Checkup to Game Time, We’ve Got You Covered

The start of the season is exciting, but nothing matters more than your child’s health and safety. A sports physical is the first step in making sure they can play at their best while staying protected from preventable health risks. TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track has many locations across the Tampa Bay area, serving families in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties. We are open 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., so you can fit this important appointment into your schedule. 

With our Save My Spot e-Check-in system, you can fill out forms electronically for faster check-in and less time in the waiting room. Don’t wait until the season is underway. Come in for your sports physical today and make sure your athlete is ready to compete safely.

Common Questions About Sports Physicals