Junior sports players across the Mornington Peninsula take part in AFL, netball, football, basketball and cricket every weekend, and with that comes the occasional bump to the head. Schools and community clubs are increasingly asking how they can build concussion awareness and testing into their season planning, rather than only reacting once an injury has happened.
Getting started doesn’t need to be complicated. This guide walks through the basics of concussion testing, why baseline assessment is useful, and how schools and clubs in McCrae, Dromana, Rosebud, Rye and surrounding suburbs can begin putting a simple framework in place.
Why Schools and Clubs Are Turning to Concussion Testing
Concussion in junior sport is a recognised concern, and organisations such as the AFL have published concussion guidelines to help clubs and schools respond appropriately. Testing is not about preventing concussion from occurring, nor can any assessment guarantee a “safe” return to play. Instead, structured testing gives coaches, parents and clinicians a clearer, more consistent picture to support informed decisions about a young athlete’s recovery.
Many local clubs are now asking players to complete a baseline concussion assessment before the season starts. This creates a reference point that can be compared against results collected after a suspected head knock, which helps guide return-to-learn and return-to-play conversations with more context than guesswork alone.
What Baseline Testing Involves
A baseline assessment is typically completed while a player is healthy and symptom-free, before the season begins. It generally includes a combination of:
- A symptom checklist covering things like headache, dizziness, and concentration difficulties
- Balance and coordination screening
- Cognitive tasks assessing memory and reaction time
- A review of relevant medical history, including any previous head injuries
Clinicians trained through frameworks such as Complete Concussions (CCMI) use standardised tools to record these results, so that if a player is later assessed after a suspected concussion, the two sets of results can be compared as part of a broader clinical picture.
How to Set Up Concussion Testing at Your School or Club
For committees and school sport coordinators, introducing a testing program is usually a straightforward process. The general steps include:
- Deciding which age groups or teams will take part, particularly those in contact or collision sports
- Booking a block of baseline assessments before pre-season training ramps up
- Educating coaches and parents on recognising possible signs of concussion during a game
- Establishing a clear pathway for what happens after a suspected head knock, including who the player sees for follow-up assessment
- Keeping records so results are easy to access if a player needs review during the season
Local clinics offering concussion testing on the Mornington Peninsula can often coordinate group bookings for teams or year levels, which makes the logistics easier for busy volunteers and school staff.
Choosing the Right Concussion Care Provider
Not every clinic offers the same approach to concussion management, so it’s worth asking a few questions before committing a school or club to a provider. Consider asking whether the clinicians have completed recognised concussion-specific training, what assessment tools they use, and how they communicate results back to parents, coaches and, where relevant, the player’s GP.
It’s also worth understanding how a provider approaches return-to-learn and return-to-play planning. A staged, individualised approach that accounts for schoolwork, screen time and gradual activity reintroduction reflects current guideline thinking, rather than a fixed timeframe applied to every player. Osteopaths who work within a broader osteopathy scope can also support the musculoskeletal side of recovery, such as neck strain or headaches that sometimes accompany a head injury.
Building an Ongoing Relationship, Not a One-Off Test
Concussion testing works best as part of an ongoing relationship rather than a single appointment. Clubs that build a connection with a local clinic often find it easier to get timely appointments during the season, receive clearer guidance on staged return-to-play, and give coaches confidence in recognising the early signs of a possible concussion.
This is particularly relevant for junior athletes, whose recovery needs can differ from adults. A clinic familiar with a player’s baseline results and history is better placed to support consistent, informed decision-making across the season and into the following year.
Getting Started This Season
Whether your school or club is starting from scratch or looking to formalise an existing approach, the first step is usually a conversation with a clinic offering structured concussion assessment. From there, most providers can help plan baseline testing dates, run a short education session for coaches and parents, and set out a clear process for what to do if a head knock happens during a match or training session. For clubs and schools around McCrae, Dromana, Rosebud and Rye, having a local point of contact for concussion testing can make this process considerably more manageable heading into a new season.
Frequently asked questions
At what age should junior athletes start baseline concussion testing?
Many clubs begin baseline testing once players move into contact or collision sport age groups, often around primary school upper years through to secondary school. A clinician can advise on what’s appropriate for your club’s specific age groups and sports.
How long does a baseline assessment take?
A typical baseline assessment takes around 20 to 30 minutes per player. Clubs booking group sessions for a whole team or year level can usually arrange a schedule that works around training times.
Does a normal baseline result mean a player can’t get concussed?
No. Baseline testing does not prevent concussion or guarantee a particular outcome if a head injury occurs. It simply provides a reference point that supports more informed assessment and decision-making after a suspected injury.
Who should be involved in setting up a club’s concussion policy?
A workable policy usually involves input from club committee members, coaches, first aid volunteers and a clinician familiar with concussion assessment. Parents also benefit from a short briefing so they know what to expect if their child is affected.
What happens if a player is suspected of having a concussion during a match?
The player should be removed from play immediately and not returned to the field that day, regardless of how they seem to feel. They should then be assessed by an appropriately trained health professional before any staged return-to-learn or return-to-play plan begins.
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.