Sara: Mr. Salazar, Coach Vega told me to come see you. Volleyball tryouts start Monday, and she said I can't try out yet.

Mr. Salazar: Let me look at your file. You turned in the concussion form, so that part is done. What's missing is your physical. Every athlete needs a check-up from a doctor each school year, and yours is from last year.

Sara: But I'm not sick. I feel fine.

Mr. Salazar: It isn't about being sick. The doctor checks your heart and your blood pressure, things like that, so we know it's safe for you to play hard.

Sara: My doctor's office is booked for weeks. My mom already called.

Mr. Salazar: Then here's what you can do. This Saturday, the high school is holding a free physicals day in the field house, from eight to noon. Bring this form, signed by a parent, and a doctor there will fill it out.

Sara: This Saturday? Then I'd have it before Monday.

Mr. Salazar: Exactly. Just get there early. Last year the line was out the door by nine.