Objective: To explore the potential impact of the Americans with Disab
ilities Act of 1990 on the practice of clinical sports medicine. Data
Synthesis: The Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans wi
th Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) have given physically impaired athle
tes the legal means by which to challenge medical sports participation
decisions. The Federal Rehabilitation Act prohibits the exclusion of
otherwise qualified individuals from participation in federally funded
programs, and the ADA extends the rights of disabled persons to inclu
de the private sector. These legal statutes contest the team physician
's traditionally unchallenged authority in determining sports particip
ation eligibility for medically impaired individuals. Conclusions: The
team physician is advised to use his or her best judgment and the opi
nions of consultants and to consider special circumstances to formulat
e a recommendation about sports participation. Consequently, the prosp
ective athlete, after becoming fully informed about the risks of parti
cipation, assumes greater responsibility in the decision-making proces
s. Sports medicine professionals must be cognizant of this potential c
onflict between medical safety recommendations and the expanded legal
rights of disabled individuals.