Committee narrows student physicals policy, agrees religious-exemption language aligned to NHIAA
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Summary
The policy committee reviewed JLCA (physical examinations), clarified timing for required exams (one year prior to seventh grade and again before high school), removed intramural requirements, and agreed to add that religious exemptions for sports follow NHIAA guidelines; consultant Karen Upgaard joined by phone for technical clarification.
Committee chair (Chair) convened a focused review of JLCA, the district policy on student physical examinations, during the policy committee meeting. Members agreed to clarify timing language for required physical exams, remove a blanket intramural requirement, and add a simple line deferring religious exemptions for sports physicals to NHIAA guidance.
The change most members backed requires evidence of a physical examination within one year before entry to seventh grade and again before entry into high school. Committee member (S3) said the intent was to ensure students had documentation at the typical booster point: “By requiring it within that year prior to entry to seventh grade… they would have documentation,” and the group instructed staff to add “year” into the draft where needed.
The committee also addressed whether intramural activities should require the same medical documentation as school athletics. Karen Upgaard, who joined remotely to discuss the NHSBA sample policy, confirmed district practice has not required nurses to check intramural participation, and the committee agreed to remove language that would impose that requirement.
Members discussed religious exemptions for sports physicals and agreed on straightforward wording. A committee member suggested adding: “Religious exemptions from physicals for interscholastic sports will follow NHIAA guidelines,” and the group accepted placing that sentence near the policy’s line 30.
On administrative details, members fixed minor typographical/formatting errors and decided that references to students experiencing homelessness should use the phrasing “students” or “students experiencing homelessness” to match other district language. The chair said staff would consolidate the edits and, if further clarification is needed, the committee would reach back out to the consultants who reviewed the policy.
Next steps: the committee captured the edits for JLCA, and the chair said staff would incorporate the factual clarifications and present the revised draft for the board’s first reading. If additional questions arise, staff will follow up with the consultant and the district nurse coordinator.
