Every winter and summer season, junior sports clubs across the Mornington Peninsula gear up for football, netball, basketball, cricket and football (soccer). Along with new boots and fresh guernseys, more clubs are asking coaches and committees a practical question: should our team have baseline testing done before the season starts?
Baseline testing is a pre-season measure that gives a snapshot of an athlete’s normal cognitive and physical function, so that if a head knock happens later, that information can help inform a broader clinical picture. This article walks through how a team baseline testing session typically runs, from the first phone call through to what happens if a player is later concussed.
What baseline testing actually involves
A baseline assessment is a structured set of tests completed when an athlete is healthy and not recovering from injury. It usually includes questions about medical and concussion history, balance and coordination checks, and cognitive tasks that look at memory, reaction time and concentration. Some clinics, including those trained through the Complete Concussions (CCMI) framework, also incorporate symptom checklists and simple vision or oculomotor screening.
None of these tests diagnose concussion on their own, and baseline results are not a pass or fail. They simply create a personal reference point for that individual athlete. You can read more detail about the assessment process on our concussion page.
Booking a session for a whole team
Most clubs approach baseline testing as a squad-wide exercise rather than something arranged player by player. A typical process looks like this:
- A club official or team manager contacts the clinic to discuss numbers, age groups and preferred dates.
- A session is scheduled, often in the lead-up to pre-season training so results are ready before the first match.
- Parents or guardians are sent consent forms and a short history questionnaire to complete beforehand.
- Testing is run in blocks, with players moving through stations so a large squad can be seen efficiently.
Clubs in McCrae, Dromana, Rosebud and Rye have organised sessions this way, sometimes booking testing at a clinic location and sometimes arranging for a clinician to attend a club venue if numbers and logistics allow it.
On the day: what players and parents can expect
Each athlete usually spends between ten and twenty minutes moving through the assessment. It is not physically demanding and does not involve contact or exertion testing at this stage. Younger athletes are guided through each step, and parents are welcome to ask questions about what a particular task is measuring and why it matters for later comparison.
Results are recorded and stored securely so they can be retrieved quickly if that player experiences a suspected head knock during the season. This record-keeping is really the whole point of baseline testing on the Mornington Peninsula: having something to compare against later, rather than relying purely on memory of how a player “normally” performs.
How baseline data is used after a head knock
If a player is later suspected of having a concussion, a clinician can repeat comparable tests during the assessment process and consider the results alongside the athlete’s baseline data. This does not replace an on-field or clinical assessment, and it does not tell a clinician whether it is “safe” to return to play. It is one piece of information that supports a more informed, individualised decision-making process, sitting alongside symptom reporting, physical examination and time-based recovery guidance consistent with recognised frameworks such as the AFL concussion guidelines.
It is worth being clear with clubs and parents that baseline testing does not prevent concussion from occurring, nor does it guarantee a safe return to sport. Its role is supportive rather than protective, helping build a clearer picture of an individual athlete’s recovery over time.
Why clubs on the Peninsula are building this into pre-season
Community sport is a big part of life across the Mornington Peninsula, and junior sports players are often moving between codes across the year. Clubs that build baseline testing into their pre-season routine, alongside general strapping, first-aid and injury-management planning, are simply adding another layer of preparedness. Some clubs pair this with our free concussion workshop for coaches and team managers, so the people on the sideline understand what a concussion might look like and what steps to take if one is suspected.
For families wanting to understand more about how ongoing care fits in after an injury, our osteopathy services page outlines how osteopathic assessment can support a broader recovery plan alongside concussion-specific care.
Getting a team session organised
If your club, school or team is considering baseline testing ahead of the next season, the practical steps are straightforward: confirm rough player numbers, agree on a timeframe before matches begin, and get consent forms out to families early. Clinics familiar with concussion testing on the Mornington Peninsula can usually advise on scheduling large groups efficiently so the whole squad is seen without disrupting training too much.
Baseline testing works best as part of a season-long approach to head injury awareness, not a one-off box to tick. Combined with clear return-to-play protocols and informed coaching staff, it gives clubs another practical tool for managing head knocks thoughtfully across the season.
Frequently asked questions
What age can a young athlete start baseline testing?
Baseline testing can generally be adapted for a wide range of ages, though very young children may find some cognitive tasks harder to complete reliably. A clinician can advise on suitable timing for a particular age group and sport.
How long does a baseline result stay valid?
Many clinics recommend re-testing on an annual or pre-season basis, since children and adolescents change quickly as they grow and develop. This keeps the comparison point relevant for that season.
Does baseline testing hurt or involve physical exertion?
No. Baseline testing typically involves questions, balance checks and cognitive tasks rather than contact or high-intensity exercise. Most athletes find it straightforward and it does not involve any exertion-based component at this stage.
Can a whole club or school get tested together?
Yes, many clubs and schools on the Mornington Peninsula arrange group sessions ahead of the season so a squad or year level can be assessed efficiently in one or two visits.
Does a baseline test mean a player can’t get concussed?
No. Baseline testing does not prevent concussion and does not guarantee safe return to play. It simply provides a personal reference point that can support a clinician’s broader assessment if a head injury is later suspected.
Concussion testing on the Mornington Peninsula
To learn more or arrange concussion testing, assessment or return-to-play support, visit our concussion testing page or book an appointment online with The Seaside Osteo in McCrae.
This article is general information for Mornington Peninsula families and is not a substitute for individual medical assessment. If you suspect a concussion, seek advice from a qualified health practitioner, and call 000 if there are emergency warning signs.