What criteria would you use to clear an athlete for non-contact drills after a musculoskeletal injury?

• A. Pain-free ROM and strength symmetric to the uninvolved limb
• B. Absence of swelling
• C. Ability to perform light drills with proper technique
• D. Pain during functional tasks; No medical clearance

Answer: (D)

Clearance for non-contact drills depends on the athlete having regained enough function to move and load the injured area without pain or compensations. The strongest signal of readiness is pain-free range of motion with strength that is symmetric to the uninjured limb. When motion is full and strength matches the other side, the athlete is less likely to experience a re-injury under drill conditions. Absence of swelling helps, but by itself it doesn’t prove full recovery—there can be lingering deficits in motion or strength even with no swelling. The ability to perform light drills with proper technique is a good sign, yet it should come after achieving pain-free ROM and symmetry. If pain occurs during functional tasks, that indicates the athlete isn’t ready for non-contact drills.