The sports medical certificate: official statement of ability and health

The sports medical certificate, or otherwise called "medical certificate of non-contraindication to the practice of sport", is required in several cases. It allows various relevant federations, and the athlete themselves, to judge their ability and health.

How to obtain a medical certificate of fitness for sport?

The medical certificate must be issued by a sports doctor, a general practitioner or an occupational physician. Only one of these professionals is qualified to give this certificate at any one time, and the professional is legally committed to this process.

During the consultation, the practitioner will carry out a physical examination. The examination must take into account several aspects, including the practice and level of sport envisaged, the patient's history and lifestyle. Finally, the patient will give their personal details including height, weight, age and gender.

When is it necessary?

Depending on the sport practised, the presentation of a medical certificate may be compulsory. It is then possible to practise a sport either on your own, in a school environment or in a club while being affiliated to a sports federation.

• If you are of age and you are practising an activity in a club affiliated to a sports federation:

The presentation of a medical certificate of no contraindication to the practice of sport is compulsory.

• If you are a minor and you carry out an activity in a club affiliated to a sports federation:

In the case of a minor, the medical certificate is no longer required; it has been replaced by a questionnaire with 24 questions to facilitate registration. The questions deal with the mental and physical health of the minor.

However, for sports with certain constraints, the certificate is mandatory. These include: underwater diving; mountaineering; sports practised in competition where the fight can end in a knockout (kick boxing, English boxing, savate, etc.); caving; parachuting; competitive sports involving the use of vehicles, with the exception of radio-controlled model cars such as karting; car sports and motorcycling; sports involving the use of a weapon - either firearms or compressed air - such as shooting; biathlon or ball-trap;  rugby union; aeronautical sports practised in competition, except for model aircraft (gliding, hang gliding or aerobatics, for example).

• If you carry out an activity in a club not affiliated to a sports federation:

If you practice a sport without being affiliated to a federation, the presentation of a certificate is not legally required. However, the internal rules of the club may indicate that a certificate is required.

What is a sports federation?

The aim of a sports federation is to promote the various sporting activities practised in the given country. The sports federation of a club manages the supervision and organisation of events. It must follow the federal regulations and is able to issue the various licences.

How to participate in the events of a sports federation?

Sports federations organise events, including sports competitions. These events require a licence. In this case, the medical certificate of non-contraindication to the practice of sport is required. It is used to apply for a licence. There are three types of licences, depending on the federation:

• the leisure licence (for events organised by the federation, except competitions),
• the competition licence (to take part in the various competitions of the federation)
• and finally the referee licence (this licence does not authorise the practice of competitions of the federation).

To obtain one of these licences, the request is made to the federation itself. You must present a medical certificate dated less than one year from the day you apply.

For minors, only a questionnaire is required, except for the sports mentioned above with special constraints, a certificate is also compulsory. And depending on the answers to the questionnaire for minors, a certificate dated less than 6 months old may be required, plus a certificate of completion of the questionnaire.

The importance of regular sports activity

Being physically active is essential for your well-being and health. Regular physical activity has a positive effect on our muscles and helps to prevent certain diseases such as heart disease, obesity and vascular accidents. Sport is essential for relieving tension, and regular exercise even has a strong influence on our mood.

It is important to mention that sport improves both physical and mental health. At the level of the body, sport prevents the loss of muscle mass and also contributes to the reduction of cholesterol, which you may find out more on our sports nutrition page.

There is a wide range of physical activities available, so check with your city to find a sport that suits you.