Winter and summer sport are a big part of life on the Mornington Peninsula. From weekend AFL and netball at grounds in Dromana and Rosebud to junior football and basketball comps around McCrae and Rye, local kids are active, competitive, and — like all contact and field sport participants — at some risk of head knocks.
Concussion doesn’t only happen in high-contact sports. It can occur from a fall, a collision with another player, or contact with the ground or equipment in almost any sport played at a reasonable pace. Understanding how risk differs between sports, and knowing what to look for regardless of the sport, helps parents, coaches and clubs respond appropriately when something happens on the field.
Why Risk Varies Between Sports
Different sports carry different concussion mechanisms. Sports with regular player-to-player contact, such as AFL, tend to have more opportunities for head knocks through tackles, marking contests and collisions. Sports like netball and basketball carry risk from falls, collisions under the ring or goal circle, and accidental contact during fast direction changes. Football (soccer) carries risk from head-to-head or head-to-ground contact, particularly in aerial contests, while cricket carries a smaller but real risk from ball impact or collisions between fielders.
No community sport is entirely free of concussion risk. This is why recognising the signs of a possible concussion matters across every code played on the Peninsula, not just the ones typically thought of as “high contact”.
Recognising the Signs
Concussion doesn’t always look dramatic. A player doesn’t need to be knocked unconscious to have a concussion, and symptoms can appear immediately or develop over the following hours. Common signs coaches, teammates and parents can watch for include:
- Headache, dizziness, or balance problems
- Confusion, slowed responses, or vacant/glassy-eyed appearance
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Memory gaps around the incident
- Changes in mood, such as unusual irritability or emotional responses
Because these signs can be subtle, junior sports players are often the ones least likely to report them, either because they don’t recognise something is wrong or don’t want to leave the game. This makes the role of coaches, trainers and parents in observing changes in behaviour especially important.
Responding When a Head Knock Occurs
The recognised principle across concussion guidelines, including those used by the AFL and taught through the Complete Concussions (CCMI) framework, is straightforward: if in doubt, sit them out. A player suspected of having a concussion should be removed from play immediately and not returned to the field that day, even if symptoms seem to settle quickly.
This isn’t about being overly cautious for its own sake — it reflects that the brain needs time to recover, and returning to play too soon while still symptomatic can extend recovery. Clubs and schools across Dromana, Rosebud, Rye and surrounding areas are increasingly building this principle into their return-to-play protocols for junior sport.
Why Assessment Matters, Even for “Minor” Knocks
Because concussion symptoms can be inconsistent and sometimes delayed, a proper assessment by a trained health professional supports a more informed decision about next steps. This is where concussion testing on the Mornington Peninsula plays a role — not to declare a player “cleared” outright, but to help build a clearer picture of how a young athlete is tracking against relevant baseline measures and symptom checklists as part of a broader management plan.
At The Seaside Osteo in McCrae, our osteopaths are trained through Complete Concussions (CCMI), which provides an evidence-informed framework for assessing head injuries in a sporting context. You can read more about our approach to concussion assessment and management and how it fits alongside your GP or treating specialist.
Supporting Clubs and Families Across the Peninsula
Concussion awareness works best when it’s a shared responsibility between families, coaches and clinicians. Encouraging open communication, where young athletes feel comfortable reporting symptoms without fear of missing out on selection, is one of the most valuable things a club culture can build. Understanding the range of conditions related to sports injury that osteopaths can support also helps families know when to seek an assessment beyond concussion alone, such as neck strain or other impact-related injuries that often accompany a head knock.
For coaches and club committees wanting a deeper understanding of concussion recognition and response, attending a structured education session can be a practical starting point. Our free concussion workshop covers the basics of recognising signs, understanding return-to-play principles, and knowing when to seek further assessment.
A Community Approach to Head Injury Safety
Whichever sport your child plays across the Mornington Peninsula, the same core message applies: take any suspected head knock seriously, remove the player from play, and seek appropriate assessment before a return to sport is considered. Concussion testing and structured assessment don’t prevent concussion from happening, but they do support more informed, considered decisions around recovery and return to play for junior sports players and adult athletes alike.
Frequently asked questions
Is concussion risk only a concern in contact sports like AFL?
No. While sports with regular physical contact carry higher rates of head knocks, concussion can occur in almost any sport through falls, collisions or contact with equipment. Netball, basketball, football (soccer) and cricket all carry some degree of risk.
Can a player have a concussion without losing consciousness?
Yes. Most concussions do not involve a loss of consciousness. Symptoms such as headache, confusion, dizziness or balance problems are far more common indicators and should be taken seriously even if the player seems alert.
How soon after a head knock should a young athlete be assessed?
It is generally recommended that assessment happens as soon as practical after a suspected concussion, and the player should not return to play on the same day. An osteopath trained in concussion management can help guide next steps as part of a broader care plan.
Does concussion testing guarantee a safe return to sport?
No testing or assessment can guarantee safety or prevent concussion. Testing is intended to support a more informed decision-making process around recovery and return to play, alongside guidance from a GP or treating specialist where needed.
What should coaches and clubs on the Mornington Peninsula do to prepare?
Having a clear return-to-play protocol, educating players and parents on recognising symptoms, and knowing when to refer to a health professional are all practical steps. Attending an education session, such as a local concussion workshop, can help build this understanding across a club.
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.