A knock to the head during a weekend match at a McCrae oval or a fall at training in Rosebud can be alarming for any parent or coach. Most concussions are manageable with rest and a gradual, guided return to activity, but a small number of head knocks involve warning signs that need emergency medical attention straight away.
Knowing the difference between “watch and monitor” and “call an ambulance now” can make a real difference to a young athlete’s safety. This guide walks through the red flags every family, coach and community club across the Mornington Peninsula should recognise, and explains where concussion testing fits into the bigger picture of recovery.
What is a concussion, in simple terms
A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury caused by a knock to the head, or a forceful blow to the body that jolts the head and brain. It temporarily disrupts normal brain function and can happen in any contact or collision sport, including AFL, netball, football (soccer), basketball and cricket. A player does not need to be knocked unconscious for a concussion to have occurred, and symptoms can sometimes take hours to appear.
Because symptoms vary so much between individuals, recognised frameworks such as the Complete Concussions (CCMI) approach and AFL concussion guidelines emphasise careful observation in the minutes, hours and days following any head knock, rather than a single quick check.
Red flags that mean emergency care, not a wait-and-see approach
If any of the following signs appear after a head knock, the person should be taken to a hospital emergency department or have an ambulance called immediately. These signs suggest there may be bleeding or swelling around the brain, which is a medical emergency separate from a typical concussion.
- Loss of consciousness, even briefly
- Worsening headache that does not settle
- Repeated vomiting
- Seizures or convulsions
- Increasing confusion, agitation or unusual behaviour
- Weakness, numbness, tingling, or loss of coordination in the arms or legs
- Slurred speech or difficulty recognising people or places
- Neck pain, or pain and tenderness anywhere along the spine
- Very drowsy, or difficulty waking the person up
- Double vision or seizures
If in doubt, treat it as an emergency. It is always safer to seek urgent medical review than to wait and see whether symptoms improve on their own.
What to do on the sideline while help is on the way
If a red flag is present, the priority is keeping the person still and safe. Do not allow them to keep playing, do not give them food or drink, and avoid moving their neck or spine unnecessarily in case of an associated injury. Someone should stay with them at all times and monitor for any change in condition until paramedics or emergency staff arrive. Removing a young athlete from play immediately, at any level of sport across McCrae, Dromana, Rosebud or Rye, is the safe first step whenever a head knock is suspected.
When red flags are absent: the next steps
If none of the emergency red flags are present, the person still needs to be removed from play for the day and should not return to sport until they have been properly assessed. Ongoing symptoms such as headache, dizziness, fogginess, sensitivity to light or sound, or difficulty concentrating are common in the days following a concussion and are generally managed with a structured, gradual return-to-activity plan rather than an emergency response.
This is where a clinical assessment becomes valuable. Concussion testing on the Mornington Peninsula can help build a clearer picture of how someone is tracking, supporting informed decisions about rest, schoolwork and a graded return to training. Testing does not prevent concussion or guarantee a safe return to play, but it is one part of a broader, evidence-informed approach to monitoring recovery over time.
Baseline testing and ongoing monitoring
Many junior sports players and young athletes now undergo baseline assessments before the season starts, which gives clinicians a reference point for comparison if a head knock occurs later on. Our osteopaths are trained through the Complete Concussions (CCMI) framework and use this structured approach when reviewing head knocks and supporting families through recovery. If you would like to understand the process before your child’s next season, our free concussion workshop is a helpful starting point for parents, coaches and club volunteers.
For families managing a concussion alongside other injuries picked up on the field, such as neck strains or joint sprains, it can also help to understand the full range of conditions we treat so recovery is looked at holistically rather than in isolation.
Supporting local clubs and schools
Community sport is a big part of life on the Mornington Peninsula, and clubs and schools play an important role in concussion awareness. Encouraging a “if in doubt, sit them out” culture, having a clear action plan for suspected head knocks, and knowing when to call an ambulance rather than wait can support safer outcomes for young athletes across the region. Ongoing, individualised assessment with a qualified health professional remains an important part of any concussion recovery journey, alongside broader concussion support tailored to the person and their sport.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if a head knock is a concussion or something more serious?
Any confusion, memory loss, headache or unsteadiness after a head knock may indicate concussion. If there is loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, seizures, worsening headache, weakness or unusual drowsiness, this may indicate a more serious injury and requires emergency care.
Should a young athlete return to play the same day after a head knock?
No. Recognised guidelines, including AFL concussion guidelines and the Complete Concussions (CCMI) framework, recommend immediate removal from play for the remainder of that day whenever a concussion is suspected, regardless of how mild the symptoms seem.
What does concussion testing actually involve?
Concussion testing typically involves a clinical assessment of symptoms, balance, memory and cognitive function, sometimes compared against a pre-season baseline. It supports informed decisions about recovery but does not replace individual medical assessment or guarantee a particular outcome.
Can concussion symptoms appear later, not straight away?
Yes. Some symptoms, such as headache, fogginess or difficulty concentrating, can take hours to become noticeable. This is why ongoing observation after any head knock is important, even if the person seems fine immediately afterwards.
Where can Mornington Peninsula families learn more about concussion safety?
Our free concussion workshop is designed for parents, coaches and club volunteers across the Mornington Peninsula, covering recognition, response and the role of testing in supporting a safer return to sport.
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.