If your child plays club sport on the Mornington Peninsula, whether that’s junior football, netball, basketball, cricket or football (soccer), you may have heard coaches or club trainers mention concussion baseline testing. It can sound clinical and a little intimidating, especially for younger athletes who are already nervous about “being tested” on anything.
The good news is that baseline testing is a straightforward, low-stress process when children know what to expect. This guide walks through what a baseline test involves and some simple ways to help your child feel comfortable and prepared beforehand.
What Is a Concussion Baseline Test?
A baseline test is a series of measures taken while your child is healthy and free of any recent head knock. It typically looks at things like memory, concentration, balance, reaction time and reported symptoms. These results create a personal reference point for that individual child, rather than comparing them to an average or a generic score.
If a concussion is later suspected, a clinician can compare a post-injury assessment against this baseline to help build a fuller picture of how that child is tracking. This supports informed decision-making around recovery and gradual return to activity, alongside a broader clinical assessment. Baseline testing does not diagnose concussion on its own, and it does not prevent concussion from occurring. For families on the Peninsula, our team offers concussion testing on the Mornington Peninsula that follows recognised frameworks, including those from Complete Concussions (CCMI).
Why Baseline Testing Matters for Junior Athletes
Children and teenagers can present differently to adults after a head knock, and their baseline scores in areas like memory or balance can vary quite a bit from one child to the next. Having an individual baseline removes some of the guesswork, because the comparison is against that child’s own normal, not a one-size-fits-all number.
This is particularly relevant across contact and collision sports played locally, from junior football and netball through to basketball and cricket. No sport is being singled out here, as head knocks can occur in almost any physical activity, including falls, collisions and everyday accidents. Establishing a baseline before the season starts is a proactive step that many local clubs now encourage as part of good practice around player welfare.
How to Prepare Your Child at Home
A little preparation goes a long way toward accurate, meaningful results. Consider the following in the days before the appointment.
- Ensure a good night’s sleep. Tiredness can affect memory, reaction time and concentration, which may skew results.
- Avoid booking the test after a heavy training session or game. Physical fatigue can influence balance and coordination measures.
- Keep your child well hydrated and fed. A light meal beforehand helps them stay focused.
- Explain that this is not a pass-or-fail test. There are no “wrong” answers, and the goal is simply to record how your child performs when healthy.
- Mention any existing conditions. Let the clinician know about things like learning difficulties, ADHD, anxiety, migraines or previous head injuries, as these can all influence results and are useful context.
What Happens During the Appointment
A baseline assessment usually involves a conversation about medical history, followed by a series of short tasks covering memory recall, concentration, balance and symptom reporting. Most children find the process similar to a set of simple games or exercises rather than a formal exam. Sessions are generally brief and are conducted in a calm, unhurried setting so your child can perform to their normal ability.
Our practitioners are trained through Complete Concussions (CCMI), and use this training to guide how baseline assessments are conducted and interpreted for junior athletes across McCrae, Dromana, Rosebud, Rye and the wider Mornington Peninsula.
Talking to Your Child About Concussion Safety
Beyond the test itself, baseline testing is a good opportunity to have an age-appropriate conversation with your child about recognising concussion symptoms, such as headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion or unusual tiredness, and the importance of telling a coach or parent if something feels wrong after a knock to the head. Encouraging children to speak up, rather than “playing through it,” supports safer decisions on and off the field.
Clubs and coaches also play an important role here. Our free concussion workshop is designed to help parents, coaches and community sporting groups on the Peninsula better understand concussion recognition and management as part of a whole-of-club approach.
Ongoing Support Beyond the Baseline
A baseline test is one part of a broader approach to musculoskeletal and injury health for young athletes. Osteopathic care can also support recovery from sports-related strains, growing pains and general movement concerns that come with an active junior sporting life. You can read more about our approach to osteopathy and how it fits alongside concussion management.
If your child is starting a new sporting season or has never had a baseline recorded, it is worth discussing this with your local club and considering concussion testing before the season gets underway. Having that reference point in place means that, should a head knock occur, your child’s care team has more information to support careful, individualised decisions about rest and return to activity.
Frequently asked questions
At what age should my child have a baseline concussion test?
Baseline testing is generally suitable for children old enough to follow simple instructions and complete short cognitive and balance tasks, which is often from around age eight upward. Many junior sporting clubs on the Mornington Peninsula recommend baseline testing before each new season. Your osteopath can advise whether your child is ready.
How long does a baseline concussion test take?
A typical baseline assessment takes around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the child’s age and how the appointment progresses. It is a relaxed, unhurried process rather than a timed exam, so children are given the time they need to complete each task comfortably.
Does a baseline test hurt or involve any needles?
No. Baseline testing is completely non-invasive and involves no needles, scans or physical discomfort. It consists of conversation, memory and concentration tasks, and simple balance exercises.
How often does my child need to redo their baseline?
Baseline results can change as children grow and develop, so many clinics and clubs recommend updating baselines periodically, such as at the start of each new sporting season. Your osteopath can advise on a suitable schedule based on your child’s age and activity level.
What happens if my child does get a head knock after baseline testing?
If a concussion is suspected, your child should stop playing immediately and be assessed by a suitably trained clinician. A post-injury assessment can then be compared against the earlier baseline to help inform decisions about rest and a gradual, individualised return to activity.
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.