A sports exemption, now called incapacity, can be granted for various exceptional medical, psychological or situational reasons. We will explain the steps to be taken and the reasons for obtaining this exemption from physical activity.
Key points include:
- Incapacity officially replaces the concept of exemption since 1990
- Only a health professional can draw up a certificate of incapacity
- Reasons may be temporary or permanent, partial or total
- A precise administrative approach must be followed
What is a sports exemption?
Since 1990, the term "sports dispensation" no longer exists officially in medical and school vocabulary. We are now talking aboutInability to practice EPS. This terminology evolution reflects a more nuanced approach to pedagogical adaptation.
Incapacity refers to the medically determined impossibility of performing all or part of the physical activities proposed in the school setting. It can take different forms depending on the situation of each student and the medical recommendations.
What difference between incapacity and dispensation?
We distinguish two fundamental concepts:
Incapacity constitutes an objective medical opinion which may be:
- Temporary (a few days to several months)
- Definitive (for chronic diseases)
- Partial (prohibition of certain activities only)
- Total (impossibility of physical activity)
Administrative exemption intervenes only when no pedagogical adaptation is possible. It remains exceptional and is subject to the decision of the teacher or head of the school after an assessment of the possibilities of setting up the course.
Who can grant an exemption or incapacity?
Only authorized health professionals may issue a certificate of incapacity:
- General practitioner
- Specialist physician
- School Nurse (for specific situations)
The process takes place in several stages:
- The doctor makes the diagnosis of incapacity
- EPS Professor evaluates adaptation possibilities
- In case of impossibility, the teacher or management may grant an administrative exemption
How to get a sports exemption?
We recommend following this procedure:
Step 1: Medical Consultation Make an appointment with your attending doctor who will assess your situation and, if necessary, establish a medical certificate of incapacity.
Step 2: Certificate Delivery Send this document to the school nurse and to your school teacher at the earliest opportunity.
Step 3: Implementation of adaptations The teaching team will study the possibilities of organising the course (observation, arbitration, adapted heating, etc.).
Step 4: Administrative monitoring Some institutions may request a supplementary form to be completed by parents.
What are the valid medical reasons?
The medical reasons accepted for incapacity are numerous and varied:
Temporary health problems:
- sprains, sprains, tendinitis (duration: 2 to 8 weeks)
- Fractures with immobilizer (duration: 6 to 12 weeks)
- Postoperative recovery (appendectomy, caesarean: 4 to 6 weeks)
- Infectious diseases (influenza, angina: 3-7 days)
Chronic Pathologies:
- Severe asthma requiring specific adaptations
- COPD (chronic obstructive broncho-pneumopathy)
- Diabetes by intensity of activity
- Active autoimmune diseases
- Cardiac problems (arrhythmia, severe hypertension, heart failure)
Accepted psychological or emotional reasons
Psychological disorders are also valid reasons for incapacity:
Anxiety disorders:
- Generalised anxiety affecting sport performance
- Physical Activity-Related School Phobies
- Post-traumatic stress after a sports accident
Neurological disorders:
- Uncontrolled epilepsy
- Motor disorders affecting coordination
- Neurological series impacting the balance
Mood disorders:
- Severe depressive states
- Acute bipolar disorders
Exceptional situations: rules, mourning, childbirth
Certain special situations are recognized as valid reasons:
Menstrual period:
- Very painful rules (dysmenorrhoea)
- Endometriosis diagnosed
- Severe premenstrual syndrome
Family events:
- Recent family mourning (7-15 days)
- Significant emotional shock
- Postpartum period (6-8 weeks)
Exceptional fatigue:
- Overwork
- Chronic sleep disorders
- Physical or mental exhaustion
What must a valid medical certificate contain?
A medical certificate of incapacity must state:
| Mandatory element | Example |
| Date and signature | "Established on 15/03/2025, Dr. Martin" |
| Medical stamp | Practitioner's official stamp |
| Type of incapacity | Partial incapacity |
| Duration | "From 15/03 to 30/04/2025" |
| Prohibited activities | "Avoid running and jumping" |
| Possible adaptations | "Pool activities permitted" |
Example of a Sport Exemption Application Letter
Here is a sample cover letter that we propose:
Madam, sir,
We inform you that our child [Name and First Name] has a [partial/total] incapacity for the practice of EPS, according to the medical certificate issued by Dr. [Name] dated [Date].
This incapacity concerns the following activities: [e.g. race, group sports, gymnastics], for a period from [start date] to [end date].
We remain available for further information on possible educational adaptations.
Regards, [Signature of parents]
What to do in case of refusal of exemption?
If your request for incapacity is refused, we advise you:
First step: Contact the school nurse for further medical advice and clarification.
Second stage: Request a consultation with the school doctor who can reassess the medical record.
Step 3: Talk to the head of the institution with a full medical record and ask for an interview to explain the situation.
Final recourse: Contact the academic inspection if all previous steps fail.
What to remember about sports exemptions
EPS incapacity is a medical and educational device that adapts sports education to the specific needs of each student. It requires a rigorous medical approach and collaboration among all actors: family, medical team and school.
We stress the importance of not considering incapacity as a simple exemption, but as an opportunity for educational adaptation. The goal remains to maintain a link with physical activity, even in a different form, to preserve the physical and mental health benefits of the movement.
Don't hesitate to dialogue with the teaching team to find the best adaptation solutions. Each situation is unique and deserves a personalized approach that respects medical constraints while preserving the vitality of the movement.
