If you coach junior sport anywhere on the Mornington Peninsula, from Saturday footy at the local oval to netball training in McCrae, Dromana, Rosebud or Rye, chances are you will one day be the first person to notice something isn’t quite right with a player after a knock. Coaches are often on the frontline of concussion recognition, well before a parent, physio or GP gets involved.
You don’t need to be a clinician to play this role well. What you do need is a clear idea of what to look for, the confidence to act cautiously, and a plan for what happens next. This guide walks through the practical basics every coach on the Peninsula should know.
Why coaches matter in concussion recognition
Concussion doesn’t always look dramatic. There isn’t always a knockout blow, a player lying still on the ground, or an obvious head strike. Many concussions happen from a heavy body collision, a fall, or an accidental knock during a contest, and the signs can be subtle enough that only someone watching closely, like a coach on the sideline, picks them up.
Because coaches see players week to week, you’re also well placed to notice when someone “isn’t quite themselves” compared to their usual behaviour. That kind of change is often more telling than any single symptom.
Common signs to watch for
Concussion signs generally fall into a few categories. You don’t need to memorise a clinical checklist, but it helps to know the broad patterns so nothing gets missed in the moment.
- Physical signs: unsteadiness on their feet, slow to get up, holding their head, dazed or blank facial expression, vomiting.
- Cognitive signs: confusion about the game situation, slow to answer simple questions, difficulty concentrating, or seeming vacant.
- Behavioural changes: unusually emotional, irritable, or quiet compared to how the player normally presents.
- Reported symptoms: headache, dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light or noise, or “not feeling right”.
Any one of these on its own is a reason to stop and assess further. You don’t need every box ticked to take action.
What to do at training or on game day
If you suspect a player has a possible concussion, the safe approach is straightforward: remove them from play immediately. This applies even if the game is close, it’s finals, or the player insists they’re fine. Junior sport bodies across Victoria, including those aligned with AFL concussion guidelines, are consistent on this point, and frameworks such as those used by Complete Concussions (CCMI) reinforce the same “if in doubt, sit them out” principle.
Once removed from play, a player suspected of concussion should not return to training or games that same day, regardless of how quickly symptoms seem to settle. Symptoms can also appear or worsen in the hours after an incident, so ongoing observation matters, and parents or guardians should be informed of what was noticed so they can follow up.
Why “just resting it off” isn’t the answer
It’s a common instinct to let a player have a few minutes on the bench and see how they feel before sending them back out. With concussion, this approach carries real risk. A player who returns to contact sport while still concussed is vulnerable to further injury, and recovery can become more complicated if the brain hasn’t had adequate time and appropriate guidance to recover.
This is where a formal assessment adds value. Trained clinicians can use structured tools and a graded return-to-play framework to help support informed decisions about when a young athlete may be ready to return to contact activity. This isn’t about rushing a diagnosis pitch-side, it’s about having a considered process rather than guesswork.
Building a concussion plan for your club
Clubs across the Peninsula benefit from having a simple, agreed protocol before the season starts, rather than figuring it out in the moment. A useful club-level plan generally includes:
- A clear “remove from play” rule that every coach and team manager understands and follows consistently.
- A designated first point of contact (often the team manager) responsible for notifying parents and keeping basic records of the incident.
- Guidance on where families can go for a proper assessment, such as concussion testing on the Mornington Peninsula, rather than leaving it to chance.
- A shared understanding that return-to-play decisions sit with a qualified clinician, not with the coach or the player’s own judgement.
Having this conversation with your committee or coaching group early in the season means nobody is scrambling to work out the right process under pressure on game day.
Where to get support
Osteopaths trained through the Complete Concussions (CCMI) framework can support families and clubs with structured concussion assessment and graded return-to-sport guidance, whether that’s straight after an incident or as part of ongoing monitoring. This kind of assessment is designed to support informed decision-making around a young athlete’s recovery, not to replace the judgement of your child’s own treating team.
For coaches and clubs wanting a deeper understanding of concussion recognition, a free concussion workshop is a practical way to build knowledge across your whole coaching group, not just one person. It’s also worth being aware of the broader range of conditions treated by allied health professionals, since some injuries in junior sport can present with overlapping symptoms.
Recognising concussion isn’t about diagnosing on the spot, it’s about noticing when something seems off, acting cautiously, and knowing where families on the Mornington Peninsula, from McCrae through to Dromana, Rosebud and Rye, can turn for a proper assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Should a player always be removed from play if concussion is suspected?
Yes. If a coach suspects any signs of concussion, the safe approach is to remove the player from training or the game immediately, even if symptoms seem mild. This applies regardless of how important the match is or how much the player wants to continue.
Can a player return to sport the same day if they seem to recover quickly?
No. A player suspected of concussion should not return to play on the same day, even if they appear to feel better within minutes. Symptoms can change or worsen over the following hours, so same-day return is not considered appropriate under recognised concussion guidelines.
What should a coach do immediately after removing a player from play?
Keep the player under observation, avoid leaving them alone, and inform their parent or guardian about what was noticed. Encourage the family to arrange an appropriate assessment rather than making a return-to-play decision based on how the player looks on the sideline.
Who is qualified to clear a young athlete to return to sport after a concussion?
Return-to-play decisions should involve a qualified clinician using a structured, graded approach, not a coach, parent or the player themselves. Osteopaths trained through frameworks like Complete Concussions (CCMI) can support this process as part of a broader care team.
Does concussion always involve losing consciousness?
No. Most concussions do not involve loss of consciousness. Signs can be subtle, such as looking dazed, being slow to answer questions, or seeming a little different from usual, which is why careful observation by coaches and parents matters.
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.