Pre-season is when club rooms fill up with new boots, fresh guernseys and a long list of things to organise before the first bounce, whistle or serve. For many families across the Mornington Peninsula, that list is starting to include something less visible but just as important: a concussion baseline test.
Baseline testing is a simple, structured way to record how a young athlete’s brain functions when they are well, so that if a knock to the head happens during the season, clinicians have something meaningful to compare against. This article explains what baseline testing involves, who it suits and how to book one before your team’s first game.
What is a concussion baseline test?
A baseline test is a series of assessments completed while an athlete is healthy and free of any recent head injury. It typically looks at balance, coordination, reaction time, memory and reported symptoms. None of these measures diagnose anything on their own — the value comes later, if a concussion is suspected, when a clinician can compare post-injury results with the athlete’s own baseline rather than relying on generic population averages.
This individualised approach is a core part of the Complete Concussions (CCMI) framework, which many allied health clinics and sporting clubs across Australia now use to guide their concussion management processes. It reflects a broader shift in sports medicine towards understanding each athlete’s normal function first, rather than assuming a one-size-fits-all recovery timeline.
Why book testing before the season starts
Timing matters. A baseline recorded weeks or months after a previous injury, or during a period of fatigue or illness, may not reflect the athlete’s true normal state. Booking testing in the pre-season window — before training intensifies and before contact drills begin — gives a cleaner picture to work from.
It also means the process is calm and unhurried. Rather than trying to organise an assessment in the anxious days after a possible head knock, the baseline is already on file, and everyone involved — the athlete, the family, the coach and the treating clinician — knows the plan if something happens later in the season.
Who should consider a baseline test
Baseline testing can be useful for junior sports players and young athletes involved in contact or collision sports, as well as those in fast-moving field or court sports where accidental head knocks can occur. Locally, this includes participants in AFL, netball, football (soccer), basketball and cricket across clubs in McCrae, Dromana, Rosebud, Rye and surrounding parts of the Mornington Peninsula.
- Junior and youth club players returning for a new season
- Athletes moving into a more physical age group or grade
- Players with a history of a previous head injury
- Coaches and club officials wanting a consistent process across their squad
Baseline testing supports informed decision-making around return to play — it does not prevent concussion from occurring, and it is not a substitute for immediate medical attention if a serious head or neck injury is suspected.
What to expect at your appointment
A baseline assessment is generally straightforward and non-invasive. Your osteopath will talk through the athlete’s sporting and medical history, then work through a series of standardised balance, cognitive and symptom-reporting tasks. The session is educational as much as clinical — many families find it a useful opportunity to ask questions about recognising concussion signs and understanding a graded return-to-sport process.
For families wanting to go further, our concussion testing services on the Mornington Peninsula are delivered by osteopaths trained through the CCMI framework, and results are kept on file so they can be referenced if an injury assessment is ever needed during the season.
How to book on the Mornington Peninsula
Booking ahead of the season is straightforward. Appointments can be arranged directly with our clinic in McCrae, and many local clubs coordinate group bookings for their junior squads before pre-season training ramps up. If you are unsure whether baseline testing is right for your child or your team, our concussion page outlines the process in more detail, or you can start with a general osteopathy consultation via our osteopathy services page to discuss your athlete’s individual situation.
Clubs and coaches looking to build broader concussion awareness across their playing group may also find our free concussion workshop a useful starting point, covering recognition, response and the basics of return-to-play planning for community sport.
A season-long approach, not a one-off test
Baseline testing works best as part of an ongoing approach to athlete welfare, not a single box to tick before round one. Encourage open communication within your team so that any knock to the head — even one that seems minor — is reported and assessed rather than played through. A calm, informed process, supported by good baseline data, helps everyone involved make more confident decisions if an injury does occur during the season.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a baseline concussion test take?
A typical baseline appointment takes around 30 to 45 minutes, covering a history discussion plus balance, cognitive and symptom-reporting assessments. Timing can vary slightly depending on the athlete’s age and the clinic’s process.
How often should baseline testing be repeated?
Many concussion frameworks, including CCMI, suggest re-testing periodically as young athletes grow and develop, such as at the start of each new season or age group. Your osteopath can advise on a suitable interval for your child’s situation.
Does a baseline test prevent concussion?
No. Baseline testing does not prevent head injuries from occurring. It provides a reference point that supports clinicians in making more informed assessments and return-to-play decisions if a concussion is later suspected.
Can whole sporting teams book baseline testing together?
Yes, many local clubs on the Mornington Peninsula arrange group baseline sessions for their junior squads ahead of pre-season training. Speak with your club or contact the clinic directly to discuss group bookings.
What happens if my child is later suspected of having a concussion?
If a head injury is suspected, the athlete should be removed from play and assessed by an appropriately trained clinician. Having a baseline on file allows that assessment to be compared against the athlete’s own normal function, supporting a more individualised return-to-sport plan.
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.