School personnel from the New Albany and Union County School Districts are once again working with local physicians, physical and occupational therapists, and athletic trainers to make preparation for the upcoming pre-participation sports physical screening event to be held on Friday, April 5.

For the twelfth consecutive year, the physicians of Creekmore Clinic will allow the use of their office for this event.  However, Creekmore Clinic is not responsible for any required follow-ups.

The Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) requires all students who will participate in any MHSAA sanctioned event to have a pre-participation physical assessment.  This includes all students in grades 6-11 now who will participate in any sport, including cheerleading, as well as band and chorus during the 2019-2020 school year. This evaluation must take place every year in which a child participates in an activity.

This event is for planned for students wishing to participate in MHSAA activities at New Albany Middle School, New Albany High School, East Union Attendance Center, and Myrtle Attendance Center.

All students who plan to participate in an MHSAA sanctioned activity will soon be receiving a copy of a personal medical history form that MUST be completed, signed, and returned to the child’s school prior by March 29.  If a student does not have his or her form completed and signed by a parent, he/she will not be eligible to participate in the free health-screening event.  No free physicals will be offered after this date.

These physicals are good for 13 months only, therefore, students will not be allowed to participate in events or practices after May 2019, without a new completed, passed, and physician-signed physical form for the 2019-2020 school year.  This includes all summer practices, games, and camps.

School administrators appreciate the continued community support for extracurricular activities in the schools.  “Students who participate in these activities generally perform better in the classroom, have fewer discipline issues, and are less likely to drop out of school,” according to Dr. Lance Evans, Superintendent of New Albany Schools.

“Our schools are fortunate to be a part of a community where physicians, healthcare professionals, and so many others are willing to donate their time so that our students are eligible to participate in extracurricular activities” said Tammie Reeder, Health Services Coordinator for New Albany Schools.

Any parent with questions about this year’s pre-participation screening should contact the child’s school.