Concussion Baseline testing…

What is Baseline Testing?

Baseline testing establishes an athlete’s normal performance. By completing the SCAT6 when athletes are healthy, medical staff can gain an individualised reference point. In the event of a suspected concussion, this baseline information can support faster and more accurate clinical decisions regarding care, recovery, and return to play.

What to expect

The SCAT6 baseline procedure typically involves:

Medical and concussion history - previous injuries, relevant health conditions, and current well-being.

Symptom checklist - rating the severity of common concussion symptoms from 0 (none) to 6 (severe), e.g., headache, dizziness, feeling tired.

Cognitive tasks -

Orientation questions: e.g., “What is today’s date?” or “Where are we right now?”

Immediate memory: You’ll hear a short list of words and repeat them back.

Concentration: You may be asked to repeat numbers backwards or say the months of the year in reverse order.

Delayed recall: After a few minutes, you’ll be asked to repeat the word list.

Balance and coordination assessment - such as standing in different positions or completing a tandem gait task.

The process is non-invasive, takes approximately 15–20 minutes, and is conducted in a controlled environment.

All data collected during SCAT6 baseline testing will be stored securely and treated as confidential medical information. Access will be restricted to authorised medical staff involved in athlete welfare.

And here is a brief intro to the concussion workshop

This workshop will give you the knowledge and tools you need to recognise, respond to, and recover from concussion safely during the upcoming BUCS season.

We will cover:

What concussion is – understanding the signs, symptoms, and how it affects performance and health.

Recognising concussion on the field – what to look out for in yourself and teammates.

Immediate response and reporting – what to do if you suspect a concussion during training or competition.

Recovery and return-to-play guidelines – the step-by-step process for getting back to sport safely.

Long-term health – risks of playing on with symptoms and why proper management matters.

Where to get help – how to access university sports injury clinics and support services.

The workshop will also include time for questions so you feel confident about concussion safety heading into the season.