Athletics Participation

For Parents and Athletes entering Grades 7-12 as well as those entering Grade 6 who plan to participate in Cross Country or Wrestling:

The South Dakota High School Activities Association (SDHSAA) and the Harrisburg School District require certification as to the adequacy of a student’s health for athletic participation.

  • This certification shall be restricted to a duly licensed Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathy, Doctor of Chiropractic, licensed physician’s assistant, or licensed nurse practitioner.

  • All exams must be signed by authorized medical personnel as listed above.

  • Stamping the name of a medical clinic or a medical association as a substitute for the Doctor’s signature is unacceptable.

  • Physicals taken in the spring for the ensuing school term shall be taken after April 1.

    • For example, a physical taken on or after April 1, 2023, is valid for the 2023-24 school year.

    • A physical taken on March 1, 2023, expires on July 1, 2023, and is NOT valid for the 2023-24 school year.

To meet the requirements of the SDHSAA and the District, please follow the steps below. Once all steps are complete you are cleared to participate. Again, this process MUST be completed, and forms MUST be submitted to the HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES OFFICE prior to the first day of your sport’s season.

Please complete these steps prior to the first day of practice to be cleared to participate in your activity!

Step 1: Athletes fill out the  Pre-participation Physical Evaluation HISTORY FORM. Take the HISTORY FORM and the SDHSAA PHYSICAL EXAMINATION FORM to an authorized medical provider (listed above) for a physical exam. 

Step 2: Athletes and Parents fill out the  Parental and Student Medical Consent and Concussion Awareness Forms required by the SDHSAA and the District. 

Step 3: Once you have you have completed Steps 1 & 2, you may submit the forms in one of two ways:

  • Turn in ALL forms to the Harrisburg High School Office. (DO NOT turn forms in at any Middle School or Elementary School Office!)

INCOMPLETE MATERIAL WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED, PLEASE MAKE SURE THE ENTIRE PACKET IS COMPLETE.