Baseline testing

Baseline testing refers to the practice of conducting neurological and cognitive testing on athletes before a season, so that a baseline is established for comparison should a possible concussion occur.

The testing is repeated after the injury, to compare the athlete’s performance on these tests before and after the event.

While not addressed by the jury in the Rowan Stringer inquest, the issue of baseline testing is one that has generated significant controversy. The Committee discussed the potential value of baseline testing, as well as the potential challenges. The latter include the associated costs (to athletes or their families, or to school boards or other sport delivery partners), and the difficulties in utilizing baseline testing in the child and adolescent population, in which changes due to normal growth and development can render baseline test results of little value within a short period of time. The Committee also reviewed and discussed the position on baseline testing that was articulated in the Berlin consensus guidelines. ^{footnote 3[3]}.

In the end, the Committee did not feel that there was sufficient evidence to support a recommendation for universal or even increased baseline testing for amateur athletes.