Parents raise concern over question on a girls soccer physical form

SALT LAKE CITY — High school athletics are about a month away from beginning. Lately, there’s been a lot of questions about a form parents must fill out in order for their daughters to play high school soccer.

The controversy began on Twitter when a mother asked why she had to provide information about her daughter’s menstrual cycle.

Lisa Walker is a certified athletic trainer. She is also a member of the Utah Athletic Trainers’ Association Board and advises the Utah High School Activities Association. The form in question came from the UHSAA.

 

Walker tells KSL NewsRadio says the question is part of a normal physical exam.

“The boys and girls have to have physicals every year,” she said. “There is one question for the girls, regarding have they started their menstrual cycle? And if so, when was the last time that they menstruated?”

Walker says she has been doing this for more than 30 years, and the question has been on the form.

“It’s medical information,” she said. “And it’s definitely medically necessary that we get this information on behalf of the girl.”

“Why is it necessary?” KSL NewsRadio’s Jeff Caplan asked. 

Walker says the information is part of a girl’s education records, and coaches do not read the records. 

Additionally, Walker says failure to answer the question on the form wouldn’t ban the girl from participating in soccer. 

Jeff Caplan’s Afternoon News can be heard on weekdays from 3 to 7 p.m.

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