Stupid High School Physical

I've got one more story for tonight. But before I get into it, I need to mention that I had a period of time from 1:30-4:00pm this afternoon that was relaxing and fun. Four of my Sunday coffee friends brought coffee to my house and we talked, cried and laughed for a long time. I didn't cry but I was empathetic to those that did! ;-)


All right, last story. In between Anthony and Riley's baseball games last night, I took Brittney to her physical for high school sports. It's nothing new because she made the high school gymnastics team as a 7th grader. This is the 5th year we've had to go in for the yearly physical. The school won't let a student participate unless they pass a physical every year. We could just set up an appointment with Brittney's regular doctor and pay the regular fee for a standard office visit or we can go to the evening specifically set aside for school physicals for $25.


For anyone unfamiliar with the evening physical process, you start out by filling out an extensive medical history form and writing a check for $25. Then you hand it in at a check-in table and they send you through the line. Every year, Brittney asks me to go with her. Once I hand over the money, we proceed through different stations. Each station has 3-4 medical staff. For example, the first station has 3 people just taking weight and then writing it on the student's form. Then the student proceeds to the next station. They do this for weight, height, vision, blood pressure, physical balance/muscles, etc. The last stop is in the actual doctor's office with just a doctor. They go over the medical form, ask questions and do a quick general checkup. That's it. They've really streamlined it and it only takes about 20 minutes to complete. The clinic and medical staff are always very helpful and I've never had any issues.
Until yesterday.


The assistant athletic director for the high school wouldn't let any parent past the waiting area by the registration table. It wasn't just that she was suggesting that we wait for our student. She insisted and wouldn't let any parents past her. The few that tried were told that they "COULDN'T GO BACK THERE!"


I had three major issues and almost took it up with her right then.


1) I asked Brittney on the way into the building if she wanted me to go through with her. She said she wanted me too. She's under 18 and in my legal care. I have a legal right to go with her, especially if she wants me there.


2) When Brittney came out after the physical, she told me that the doctor had questioned her about items on her medical form and she didn't know the answers. For example, the form asked about heart issues and I listed that she had a paternal grandfather who died from a heart attack. There is also diabetes and asthma in our family. Those are some pretty serious medical issues that could potentially affect her while participating in sports, especially if the specifics aren't known or addressed. The doctor asked her how old he was when he died and some other questions she didn't know the answers to. I did know the specifics and could have answered all the doctors questions quickly and easily.


3) I was very uncomfortable sending my child into a room ALONE with an unknown adult, especially when my child requested that I accompany her. I have personally been in situations where inappropriate actions have occurred. So do not separate me from my child if I have concerns about her vulnerability!!! I also believe that were something negative to happen in these situations, the school and clinic would be open to serious litigation.




I understand that they need to keep things streamlined in order to keep the lines moving quickly but I don't think it was necessary to prevent parents from going through with their child. I was furious that in order to have the physical, the school was allowed to keep me from accompanying my child.


I realize that I probably sound like an over-protective parent but I think some people are much too naïve about what could potentially happen. Even in our small town. And when I get a gut feeling about protecting my kids, I'd rather be safe than sorry.


End of rant. I will, however, be sending an email about my concerns to the athletic director.
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