If your child plays club sport on the Mornington Peninsula, you may have heard coaches or other parents mention “baseline testing” as part of concussion preparedness. It’s a term that gets used a lot, but not always explained clearly.
This article breaks down what Complete Concussions (CCMI) baseline testing actually involves, why clinics like ours use this framework, and how it fits into a broader approach to concussion care for junior sports players across McCrae, Dromana, Rosebud, Rye and surrounding suburbs.
What Is Baseline Testing?
Baseline testing is an assessment completed before a season starts, while an athlete is healthy and free of any concussion symptoms. It records information about how that individual normally performs across a range of measures, including balance, coordination, memory, concentration and reported symptoms. This creates a personal reference point that is unique to each athlete, rather than relying on a generic population average.
The Complete Concussions framework, which our osteopaths are trained in, structures this testing so that if an athlete is later suspected of having a concussion, clinicians have something concrete to compare against. This comparison can help support a more informed clinical picture, alongside a full assessment, rather than acting as a stand-alone diagnostic tool.
Why Baseline Data Matters
Every athlete is different. Some naturally have quicker reaction times, others may have pre-existing headaches, learning differences or anxiety that could affect how they score on cognitive or balance tasks. Without a baseline, a clinician assessing a young athlete after a knock has to rely on general population norms, which may not reflect that individual’s usual functioning.
Having pre-season data means a clinician can look at how far an athlete has shifted from their own normal, not just from an average. This is one of the reasons Complete Concussions promotes baseline testing as part of a comprehensive concussion management pathway, alongside on-field recognition, symptom monitoring and a structured, gradual return-to-activity process.
What Happens During a Baseline Session
A baseline session with a trained osteopath is generally straightforward and non-invasive. It typically includes:
- A symptom checklist completed by the athlete themselves
- Balance and coordination screening
- Cognitive tasks assessing memory, concentration and processing
- A general history, including any past head injuries, headaches or relevant medical background
The whole process is designed to be practical for teams and clubs, including junior sports players across AFL, netball, football, basketball and cricket, so that testing can realistically be built into pre-season routines rather than becoming a burden on families or club schedules.
How Baseline Testing Supports (Not Replaces) Clinical Assessment
It’s important to be clear about what baseline testing is, and what it isn’t. Baseline results are not a diagnostic tool on their own, and testing does not prevent concussion from occurring, nor does it guarantee a “safe” return to play. What it does is give a clinician additional context to work with when assessing a suspected concussion after the fact.
Any suspected concussion still requires an individual, in-person clinical assessment. Our team uses the Complete Concussions framework to help guide that assessment, structure decision-making around graduated return to school, work and sport, and communicate with GPs or other health professionals where needed. You can read more about our general approach to concussion assessment and management for further detail.
Why This Matters for Mornington Peninsula Clubs and Families
Community sport is a significant part of life across the Peninsula, and junior athletes are often moving between school sport, weekend club fixtures and training sessions throughout the year. Having accessible concussion testing on the Mornington Peninsula means clubs and families in McCrae, Dromana, Rosebud and Rye don’t need to travel into Melbourne to access baseline testing or post-injury assessment.
Our osteopaths’ training through Complete Concussions means baseline and post-injury assessments are approached using a consistent, evidence-informed framework rather than an ad hoc process. This can be particularly useful for clubs looking to build concussion awareness into their broader player welfare planning, alongside general injury management and osteopathic care.
Getting Started
Baseline testing is best done before the season begins, giving plenty of time to build results into an athlete’s file ahead of any potential injury. If you’re a parent, coach or club administrator wanting to understand more about how this works in practice, our free concussion workshop is a useful starting point, covering recognition, response and the basics of the Complete Concussions approach in plain language.
For families wanting to book a baseline assessment or discuss concussion management for a young athlete, our clinic also offers broader osteopathy services that can support recovery and general musculoskeletal health alongside concussion-specific care.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a baseline concussion test take?
A typical baseline session takes around 30 to 45 minutes, covering symptom checklists, balance screening and cognitive tasks. Clubs often arrange group sessions before the season starts to make this more convenient for multiple athletes.
How often should baseline testing be repeated?
Many concussion frameworks, including Complete Concussions, suggest re-testing periodically, such as at the start of each season, since balance, cognition and other measures can change as children grow and develop. Your clinician can advise on an appropriate interval for your child.
Does a normal baseline result mean my child won’t get concussed?
No. Baseline testing does not prevent concussion and cannot guarantee outcomes. It simply provides a personal reference point that can support a clinician’s assessment if a head injury is later suspected.
Can adults get baseline testing too, or is it just for junior athletes?
Baseline testing can be useful for athletes of any age, including adult community sport players, though it is particularly emphasised for junior sports players whose brains are still developing. Speak with your clinician about whether it’s appropriate for your situation.
What happens if my child is suspected of having a concussion but wasn’t baseline tested?
A concussion assessment can still occur without baseline data, using general population norms and a full clinical history instead. Baseline results simply add extra context; they are not a requirement for receiving appropriate concussion care.
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.