Every winter and summer season, junior sports clubs across the Mornington Peninsula gear up for another year of football, netball, basketball, cricket and football (soccer). Along with new boots and training schedules, many clubs and parents are now asking a sensible question: should our players have a concussion baseline test before the season starts?
Baseline testing has become a common part of community sport planning, but not all programs are the same, and it can be hard to know what actually matters when comparing options. This guide walks through what baseline testing involves, what to look for in a provider, and how it fits into a broader approach to head injury care for junior sports players.
What Is Concussion Baseline Testing?
A baseline test is a series of simple assessments, often covering balance, memory, reaction time and symptom reporting, completed while an athlete is healthy and free of injury. The results give a personal reference point for that individual. If a concussion is later suspected, clinicians can compare post-injury results to the athlete’s own baseline rather than relying only on general population averages.
This individualised comparison is one of the reasons baseline testing is included in recognised concussion frameworks, including those used by Complete Concussions (CCMI) and referenced in guidelines such as the AFL concussion guidelines. It is important to understand that baseline testing does not prevent concussion or guarantee a “safe” outcome. It is one tool that supports a more informed clinical picture if an injury occurs.
What to Look for in a Baseline Testing Provider
Not every baseline program is built the same way. When comparing options for your club or family, consider asking about the following:
- Whether the assessment covers multiple domains (balance, cognitive function, symptom checklist) rather than a single quick screen
- Whether the clinicians administering the test have specific training in concussion management, such as through Complete Concussions (CCMI)
- How results are stored, and how easily they can be accessed if a player is later assessed after a suspected head knock
- Whether the provider also offers post-injury assessment and graded return-to-sport support, not just the initial baseline
- How the testing process is explained to young athletes and parents, so everyone understands what the results do and do not tell us
A program that only offers a one-off test with no pathway for follow-up care provides limited practical value. Baseline data is most useful when it sits within a broader relationship with a clinic that can also manage the assessment and recovery process if a concussion does occur.
Why This Matters for Mornington Peninsula Clubs
Community sport is a significant part of life across the Peninsula, from junior football and netball in McCrae and Dromana to cricket and basketball clubs in Rosebud and Rye. With many families juggling multiple codes and age groups across a season, having a consistent, local approach to head injury management can make things simpler for coaches and team managers alike.
Local access also matters practically. If a player experiences a suspected concussion during a Saturday match, having a nearby clinic familiar with baseline data and recognised return-to-sport protocols can support a smoother assessment process, rather than families needing to travel further afield. You can read more about our approach to concussion testing on the Mornington Peninsula and how it fits alongside broader athlete care.
How Baseline Testing Fits Into a Season Plan
Many clubs choose to schedule baseline testing during pre-season training, before contact drills or matches begin. This timing means results reflect the athlete at their usual, uninjured state. Some families also choose to have testing repeated every one to two seasons, as cognitive baselines can shift as children grow and develop.
It is worth noting that baseline testing is only one part of a sensible concussion management plan. Education for coaches and parents on recognising possible signs of concussion, a clear plan for removing a player from play when a head knock is suspected, and access to appropriate post-injury assessment are equally important. A clinic experienced in this space can help a club put all of these pieces together, rather than treating baseline testing as a standalone box to tick.
Getting Started as a Club or Family
If your club, school sport program or family is considering baseline testing this season, a good starting point is a conversation with a clinic that understands both the assessment side and the ongoing care side of concussion management. Osteopaths trained through Complete Concussions (CCMI) can talk through what baseline testing involves, how it is administered, and how results would be used if a player is later injured.
Our team also provides broader osteopathy support for junior and adult athletes managing injuries across the body, which can be useful context if your club is looking for a clinic to support overall player wellbeing, not just head injuries. For more detail on our concussion testing process for teams and individuals across the Mornington Peninsula, visit our concussion page or get in touch to discuss options for your club.
Frequently asked questions
At what age can baseline concussion testing be done?
Baseline testing can generally be adapted for a wide age range, though the specific tools used may differ for younger children compared with teenagers and adults. A clinician trained in paediatric and youth assessment can advise on the most appropriate approach for a particular age group.
How long does a baseline test take?
A typical baseline assessment takes around 20 to 30 minutes per athlete, covering symptom checklists, balance testing and cognitive screening. Clubs often arrange group bookings during pre-season to test multiple players efficiently.
Does a baseline test replace the need for assessment after a head knock?
No. A baseline test is a reference point only and does not replace an in-person clinical assessment if a concussion is suspected. Any player with a suspected head injury should be removed from play and assessed by a qualified clinician.
How often should baseline testing be repeated?
Many clinics suggest repeating baseline testing every one to two seasons, particularly for younger athletes whose cognitive and physical development changes over time. Your clinician can advise on a suitable schedule based on the athlete’s age and sport.
Can a whole club or team book baseline testing together?
Yes, many Mornington Peninsula clubs arrange pre-season baseline testing sessions for an entire team or age group. This is often a convenient way to build consistent record-keeping across a club before the season starts.
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.