Schneck Medial Center has informed local high school athletic departments that it will no longer provide mass sports physicals for students who require them to compete for teams in activities sponsored by the Indiana High School Athletic Association as it previously did.

The medical organization sent out a letter to athletic directors last week informing them of the change in policy.

The letter, from D. Ryan Stone, D.O., chief medical officer, said the step was being taken on the recommendation of the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Sports Medicine, American Medical Society for Sports Medicine and the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine, which “do not endorse mass sports physicals. They recommend the sports physical be incorporated into the student’s routine health screening/wellness visit for reasons that include ensuring privacy, having access to comprehensive medical records and reserving time to discuss health, diet, immunizations, drug/alcohol use, and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.”

Schneck has agreed the mass physical approach is not in the best interest of individuals.

“For these reasons, we feel compelled to follow the guidance from the above medical organizations and discontinue providing volunteers for mass physicals,” the letter said.

Schneck recommended coaches, athletes and their families be notified so arrangements can be made for physicals with private doctors within the time frame required by the IHSAA to participate in a sport.