When should pre-participation evaluations (PPEs) be conducted before a sports season?

Pre-participation evaluations (PPEs) are crucial for ensuring that athletes are physically and medically ready to compete in sports. Conducting these evaluations 6 weeks before the season starts allows adequate time for any necessary follow-up testing, treatment, or interventions to be completed prior to the start of practices and competitions.

This timeframe provides athletes enough opportunity to address any medical concerns that might be identified during the evaluation, such as musculoskeletal injuries, cardiovascular issues, or other health risks. Ideally, the evaluation should be completed in this period so that physicians, trainers, and coaches can ensure all athletes are cleared and prepared without rushing the process.

If PPEs are conducted too closely to the start of the season, it may lead to situations where athletes are not properly evaluated or where there isn’t enough time to address any potential health issues. Additionally, scheduling these evaluations well in advance helps to ensure organized planning for both healthcare providers and athletic departments, preventing last-minute crowds or rushed assessments. As such, timing the evaluations around 6 weeks before the season strikes a balance between readiness and thorough, thoughtful assessment of each athlete's health.