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An important medicolegal issue is how best to resolve disputes about an athlete's medical eligibility. Team physicians typically recommend against athletic participation when they feel that it will pose an unreasonable risk of injury to an athlete who has an abnormality. But such athletes may cite federal laws designed to protect the disabled and claim a right to participate. The legal framework for resolving sports-participation disputes involving physically impaired athletes is still developing. Recent case law reflects a split decision regarding the legality of excluding athletes whose condition, in the opinion of the team physician, exposes them to an increased risk of significant harm.

In brief Though the risk of HIV transmission in sports' is slight, physicians who treat active patients can encounter some weighty legal issues. Mandatory testing, exclusion of HIV-positive athletes from competition, and breaching of patient confidentiality are actions that can lead to lawsuits. Knowing the possible consequences can help physicians in setting effective-and legal-prevention policies.