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Baseline Concussion Testing Checklist

| By Dr. Jennifer Hunnicutt

Baseline concussion testing can be a proactive measure to safeguard athletes. Learn more in this essential guide.

What is Baseline Concussion Testing?

Baseline testing is an assessment of brain function that provides a comparison point for when an athlete sustains a suspected concussion. For sports teams, baseline testing should occur before the season starts to establish a reliable benchmark. 

Why Does Baseline Concussion Testing Matter?

Baseline testing promotes individualized athlete care. It helps healthcare professionals diagnose and manage concussions more effectively, ultimately improving return-to-play decisions and reducing the risk of long-term complications.

Baseline Concussion Testing Checklist

HEADCHECK Health has created the following checklist to help sports teams prepare and know what to expect when conducting baseline concussion testing. This checklist aligns with the SCAT6 (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 6), an internationally recognized concussion assessment protocol that is recommended by the Concussion in Sport Group. 

Download our complete Baseline Testing Checklist (2025).

Note: The SCAT6 is for athletes aged 13+ years. For younger athletes (ages 5-12 years), refer to the Child SCAT6. Non-medical personnel should use the Concussion Recognition Tool 6 (CRT6).

  • Download the Right Tool
      • Healthcare professionals should use the SCAT6 or Child SCAT6.
      • Coaches, parents, and non-medical personnel should use the CRT6.
  • Schedule Testing Before the Sports Season Starts
      • Baseline tests should be conducted pre-season under the guidance of a healthcare professional, such as the athletic trainer.
      • Consider scheduling a team-wide testing day.
  • Ensure a Controlled Testing Environment
      • Testing should be conducted in a quiet, distraction-free setting.
      • Ensure good lighting and comfortable seating.
  • Collect Athlete & Medical History
      • Record athlete name and demographic information.
      • Record previous concussions and head injuries.
      • Document medical conditions that may affect recovery (e.g., ADHD, headaches, migraines, anxiety, depression, learning disabilities).
      • Note any current medications that the athlete is taking. 

Assess Key Areas of Brain Function

      • Symptom Checklist
      • Athletes will document their symptoms and symptom severity based on how they typically feel in a checklist on the SCAT6. 
      • The healthcare professional will count the number of symptoms and document the symptom severity score. 
      • Cognitive Testing
      • Memory, concentration, and orientation assessments.
      • Balance & Coordination Tests
      • Evaluates postural control and movement.
      • Neurological Screening
      • Reflexes, eye movement, and motor function tests.
  • Document & Store Baseline Results
      • Securely store results in a centralized system for easy retrieval in the case of a suspected concussion. 
      • Ensure coaches, trainers, and medical staff have access to baseline information.
  • Educate Athletes, Parents, & Coaches
      • Explain the purpose and importance of baseline testing.
      • Emphasize early concussion recognition and reporting.
      • Provide resources on return-to-play protocols and how concussion testing will fit into those protocols.
  • Plan for Post-Injury Comparison
      • If an athlete sustains a suspected concussion, compare their post-injury SCAT6 results to baseline scores.
      • Work with a qualified medical professional for assessment, monitoring recovery, and return-to-play decisions.
  • Repeat Baseline Concussion Testing
      • Conduct baseline testing annually before the start of each sports season to ensure up-to-date data.  
  • Refer to HEADCHECK Health Checklists for Managing Concussions

Baseline testing does not prevent concussions, nor is the SCAT6 a standalone diagnostic tool. But baseline testing offers a critical and important step in ensuring safer sports participation. By following this checklist, sports teams can enhance player safety, improve concussion management, and support athlete recovery.

HEADCHECK Health

On a mission to prevent and manage head injuries, HEADCHECK Health provides end-to-end solutions to execute concussion protocols, mitigate risk, and promote recovery. Contact us today to learn how we can help! 

About the Author

Dr. Jennifer Hunnicutt is a licensed athletic trainer with a PhD in Health and Rehabilitation Science, who has worked with all types of athletes, including professionals and Olympians. She has held prominent research positions at Emory Sports Medicine and the NBA Hawks Center in Atlanta, GA, as well as serving on the national network of healthcare providers for U.S. Figure Skating. Now the owner of Hunnicutt Writing and Consulting, LLC, Dr. Hunnicutt collaborates with global institutions, spearheading innovation and research among professionals and businesses in Sports Medicine and Orthopedics. Learn more at https://drhunnicutt.com. 

Dr. Jennifer Hunnicutt
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