Preparticipation screening of the potential athlete.

The importance of the preparticipation physical examination (PPPE) is highlighted because it constitutes one of the few occasions in which the physician can actively prevent sports injuries. An understanding of the goals and objectives of the PPPE is discussed. The need is not for a standard evaluation form, but rather for a consistent understanding of the need to adjust the evaluation to the age and sex of the candidate, the type of sport engaged in, and the anticipated level of competition. Implementation procedures, frequency of examination, content, and finally, assessment of the athlete are discussed.