A knock to the head during a weekend match at a Mornington Peninsula sporting ground can leave parents and coaches unsure of what to do next. The first 24-48 hours after a suspected concussion are important for observation and rest, and knowing what to watch for can help families make informed decisions about next steps.
Whether it happens on the netball court, the football oval, the basketball court or the cricket pitch, the immediate approach is similar. This guide walks through what to do in the first two days, drawing on recognised concussion frameworks such as those used by AFL and Complete Concussions (CCMI), the training background of our osteopaths at The Seaside Osteo in McCrae.
Recognise the Signs Early
Concussion doesn’t always involve a loss of consciousness, and symptoms can appear or change over the following hours. Junior sports players and young athletes are often reluctant to report symptoms because they want to keep playing, so it helps if parents and coaches know what to look for.
- Headache, dizziness or balance problems
- Nausea or vomiting
- Confusion, blank stares or slowed responses
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering recent events
- Unusual emotional responses, such as irritability or tearfulness
If any of these signs appear during or after a game, the player should be removed from play immediately. The general rule from concussion guidelines is straightforward: “if in doubt, sit them out.”
The First Few Hours: Immediate Steps
In the hours right after a suspected head knock, the priority is safety and observation rather than diagnosis on the sideline. A person should not return to sport or training on the same day, even if symptoms seem to settle quickly. Arrange for a responsible adult to stay with them and monitor for any worsening signs.
Seek urgent medical attention if there are any red flags, such as worsening headache, repeated vomiting, seizure, increasing confusion, weakness or numbness in the limbs, slurred speech, or if the person is difficult to wake. These signs warrant a trip to the emergency department rather than waiting for a scheduled appointment.
Rest and Recovery in the First 24-48 Hours
Once immediate safety has been addressed, the early recovery period generally involves relative rest. This doesn’t necessarily mean complete darkness and silence for two days, but it does mean reducing activities that clearly bring on or worsen symptoms.
- Limit screen time, including phones, television and gaming, if it increases symptoms
- Avoid strenuous physical activity and contact sport
- Get adequate sleep, but wake the person periodically overnight if advised by a health professional
- Keep schoolwork or study light, and communicate with teachers or coaches about a gradual return
- Stay hydrated and eat normally as tolerated
Most current guidelines have moved away from prolonged strict rest, favouring a gradual, symptom-guided return to light activity within a day or two, once medically appropriate. This is where individual assessment matters, because every person’s recovery timeline is different.
Why Professional Assessment Matters
Even when symptoms appear mild, a formal assessment can help build a clearer picture of how someone is tracking. Our team at The Seaside Osteo has trained through Complete Concussions (CCMI), giving them a structured framework for assessing concussion and supporting a considered, staged return to school, work and sport.
Booking concussion testing on the Mornington Peninsula in the days following a suspected head injury can help establish a baseline of how the person is presenting, which can then be used to track progress over subsequent visits. This kind of assessment supports informed decision-making around return to activity, rather than guaranteeing a particular recovery timeframe or outcome.
Families across McCrae, Dromana, Rosebud and Rye are increasingly encouraged by local clubs to have a suspected concussion properly assessed rather than relying on how a player looks or feels on the day. You can find out more about our approach to concussion assessment and care and what to expect from a first appointment.
Involving Coaches, Schools and Clubs
Recovery from concussion isn’t only a medical matter, it also involves communication with coaches, teachers and club officials. Letting the relevant people know about a suspected concussion helps ensure a young athlete isn’t pressured to train or play before they’re ready, and that schoolwork can be adjusted while symptoms settle.
Many local sporting clubs now have concussion policies in line with AFL and community sport guidelines, requiring medical clearance before a return to contact training. If your club or school is looking to build awareness among coaches and parents, our free concussion workshop covers recognition, immediate response and the return-to-play pathway in plain language.
What Happens Next
Once the first 24-48 hours have passed, ongoing management usually involves a graded return to school and sport, guided by symptoms and professional advice rather than a fixed calendar date. Some people recover within a couple of weeks, while others take longer, and persistent or worsening symptoms should always prompt a follow-up review.
If you’re unsure whether an injury needs assessment, or you’d like to understand how concussion care fits alongside other injuries our clinic manages, our page on the conditions we treat gives an overview of our broader approach to musculoskeletal and head injury care on the Mornington Peninsula.
Frequently asked questions
Should I take my child to hospital or a GP after a suspected concussion?
If there are red flag symptoms such as repeated vomiting, seizure, worsening headache, slurred speech or difficulty waking the person, seek emergency care immediately. For milder symptoms, a GP or a health professional trained in concussion assessment can guide next steps in the days following the injury.
Can someone go back to sport the same day if they seem fine?
No. Current concussion guidelines recommend that anyone with a suspected concussion is removed from play and does not return to sport or training on the same day, even if symptoms appear to settle quickly.
How soon after a head knock should concussion testing happen?
Assessment is generally useful in the days following a suspected concussion, once any immediate medical concerns have been ruled out. Early assessment helps establish a baseline that can be used to track recovery over following visits.
Does complete rest in a dark room help recovery?
Prolonged strict rest is no longer the standard recommendation. Most current guidelines favour a short period of relative rest followed by a gradual, symptom-guided return to light activity, tailored to the individual.
What is Complete Concussions (CCMI) and how does it relate to your clinic?
Complete Concussions (CCMI) provides a structured, evidence-informed framework for concussion assessment and management. Our osteopaths at The Seaside Osteo have trained through this framework to support informed, staged decisions around recovery and 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.