Netball is one of the most popular junior sports on the Mornington Peninsula, with hundreds of kids lacing up on weekends across McCrae, Dromana, Rosebud and Rye. It’s a fast, physical game involving sudden changes of direction, jumping, landing and plenty of contested contact around the ball. What many parents and coaches don’t realise is that this contact can also carry a genuine risk of concussion.
Concussion in junior sport isn’t just an AFL or football (soccer) issue. Any sport with collisions, falls or contact for the ball — netball, basketball, cricket included — can produce the kind of head knock that leads to concussion. Understanding what to look for, and what to do next, helps clubs, coaches and families make safer, more informed decisions for young athletes.
Why junior netball carries concussion risk
Concussion doesn’t require a direct blow to the head. In netball, a collision between two players going for an intercept, an elbow to the head during a rebound, or a fall onto a hard court can all cause the rapid head movement that leads to a concussion. Younger and developing brains may also take longer to recover than adult brains, which is one reason junior sport deserves particular attention.
Because netball is often seen as a “non-contact” sport, head knocks can be under-reported or dismissed as minor bumps. Community sporting bodies, including AFL concussion guidelines and frameworks developed by organisations like Complete Concussions (CCMI), increasingly stress that any suspected head injury — regardless of the sport — should be treated seriously.
Common signs and symptoms to watch for
Concussion symptoms can appear immediately or develop over the following hours. Coaches, teammates and parents are often the first to notice something isn’t right, so it helps to know the common signs.
- Headache, dizziness or balance problems
- Confusion, blank or vacant stare, or slowed responses
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering the passage of play
- Unusual emotional responses, irritability or fatigue
- Loss of consciousness (though this occurs in only a minority of concussions)
Symptoms are not always obvious to an outside observer. A young player may look physically fine yet feel foggy, nauseous or “not quite right.” This is why self-reporting culture matters as much as visible signs — junior athletes need to feel comfortable telling a coach or parent when something feels off.
What to do if a head knock happens on court
If a player takes a knock to the head or appears to have any of the symptoms above, the safe response is to remove them from play immediately. The long-standing guidance across community sport is simple: if in doubt, sit them out. Continuing to play with an unresolved concussion increases the risk of further injury and can prolong recovery.
From there, the young athlete should be monitored, kept away from further physical activity, and assessed by an appropriate health professional. Return to play and return to school or study should be gradual and guided, not rushed based on how a child “feels” a day or two later. Structured assessment can help support these decisions, though no test can guarantee a completely safe return — recovery varies from one young athlete to the next.
The role of concussion testing and assessment
Baseline and post-injury assessment can give clubs, parents and clinicians a clearer picture of how a young athlete is tracking through recovery. At The Seaside Osteo, our osteopaths are trained through Complete Concussions (CCMI) and use structured frameworks to support families navigating a suspected concussion. This kind of assessment doesn’t replace medical care or prevent injury — it’s one part of building a fuller picture to help guide safe, informed decisions around returning to sport and school.
For families searching for concussion testing on the Mornington Peninsula, having access to local, evidence-informed assessment means young netball, football and cricket players from McCrae, Rosebud, Dromana and Rye don’t need to travel far to get appropriate guidance after a head knock.
Building awareness at the club level
Concussion awareness works best when it’s a whole-of-club effort, not just something left to parents. Coaches and team managers benefit from understanding the basic signs of concussion, having a clear protocol for removing a player from the court, and knowing when to encourage a family to seek assessment.
Community clubs across the Peninsula can build this awareness through education sessions for coaches, parents and players. Local initiatives such as our free concussion workshop are designed to give junior sport communities practical, easy-to-understand information they can apply on game day, without needing to be medical experts themselves.
Supporting young athletes long-term
A single head knock, managed well, doesn’t need to end a junior athlete’s season or their love of sport. What matters is taking each incident seriously, allowing proper recovery time, and involving appropriate health professionals when there’s uncertainty. Repeated concussions, or returning to play too soon after one, are the situations most associated with poorer outcomes — which is why caution and patience are always the safer path.
Whether your child plays netball in McCrae, football in Dromana, or basketball in Rosebud or Rye, the same principles apply: know the signs, remove from play when in doubt, and seek guidance from a qualified professional. Our team can support families across the Mornington Peninsula with concussion assessment as part of a broader, considered approach to youth sport safety — you can read more about our approach to concussion care or get in touch to discuss your child’s situation.
Frequently asked questions
Is netball really a risk for concussion?
Yes. While netball is often considered a non-contact sport, collisions between players, falls on the court, and accidental knocks during rebounds or intercepts can all cause concussion. Any sport involving contact, contested play or falls carries some level of risk.
Can a child have a concussion without losing consciousness?
Yes, most concussions do not involve loss of consciousness. Symptoms like headache, confusion, dizziness or feeling foggy are far more common signs and should be taken just as seriously.
Should my child go back on court if they say they feel fine?
It’s safe to remove a player from the game whenever a head knock or possible concussion symptoms occur, even if they insist they feel okay. Symptoms can develop over hours, and a proper assessment helps guide a safer, gradual return to play.
What does concussion testing actually involve?
Concussion assessment typically looks at symptoms, balance, cognitive function and other markers to help build a picture of recovery over time. It supports informed decision-making around return to sport and school, but it does not prevent concussion or guarantee a risk-free return.
How can our netball or football club improve concussion awareness?
Clubs can educate coaches, players and parents on recognising symptoms and the importance of removing a player from the game when in doubt. Attending a local concussion education session, such as a free community workshop, is a practical way to build this awareness across a whole team or 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.