Q: What is the timeframe for a health exam to be considered valid to participate in athletics?
A: The health examination for qualifying a student's participation in athletics is valid for a period of 12 continuous months, through the last day of the month in which the exam was conducted and through the entire sports season, even if the exam’s expiration is before the season is completed.

Q: Is a separate health exam needed for participation in interscholastic athletics?
A: No separate health exam is required. A valid New York State (NYS) Required School Health Examination Form signed by a duly licensed physician, PA, or NP who is authorized to practice in NYS can be used.

Date Updated 7/29/26

7/31/26 Please see the NYSED the Athletic Placement Process for Interschool Athletic Programs FAQ (7/30/26) for details about the changes and requirements to participate in athletic activities from the amendments of Commissioner's Regulations Sections 135.1 and 135.4.

Mixed Competition
For clarification of the New York State Education Department Commissioner’s Regulations for Physical Education and Athletics regarding Mixed Competition, please contact the Office of Curriculum and Instruction at (518) 474-5922. For inquiries specific to competition governance, you may wish to contact your local athletic governing body. For inquiries specific to competition governance, you may wish to contact the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) at (518) 690-0771 and/or toll-free at (866) 598-2816.

Q: What is the procedure for requesting permission for special devices and prostheses for athletic participation?
A: The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) has a procedural guideline, Permission for Special Accommodations, which details the process that a school district should follow for students who have special devices, such as insulin pumps or sensors, to participate in interscholastic sports. The guidelines state that the District Athletic Director (AD) must request approval of any special devices from the NYSPHAA Assistant Director responsible for safety, who will provide written notice of approval or denial to the school district. Once NYSPHSAA has approved the accommodation for a student, it remains in effect for the entire time the student plays interscholastic sports. This notice is kept by the AD. A copy should be given to the student’s coach, who is responsible for showing it to the referee upon request.

7/31/26 Please see the NYSED the Athletic Placement Process for Interschool Athletic Programs FAQ (7/30/26) for details about the changes and requirements to participate in athletic activities from the amendments of Commissioner's Regulations Sections 135.1 and 135.4 relating to the Athletic Placement Process and Use of the Tanner Sexual Maturity Scale.