Building the Budget Case: How to Convince Your School Board That Baseline Testing Is Worth the Investment

Athletic directors and school administrators who see the value of baseline testing often face a practical challenge: convincing budget decision-makers to fund it. Here’s how to build a compelling case.

The liability argument

The average concussion-related lawsuit settlement in youth sports exceeds $1 million, according to sports law analysis published in the Journal of Legal Aspects of Sport. A comprehensive baseline testing program for a typical high school with 300 athletes costs $4,500–$22,500 per year depending on the level of assessment. The program cost represents less than 2.5% of a single adverse legal outcome. More importantly, a documented baseline program demonstrates institutional due diligence — proactive implementation of evidence-based safety measures that courts recognize as a standard of reasonable care. See liability, lawsuits, and baseline tests.

The compliance argument

While only 4 states currently require baseline testing, the trajectory of concussion legislation is toward more stringent requirements. Schools that implement baseline programs now are ahead of likely future mandates rather than scrambling to catch up when laws change.

The parent trust argument

In an era where families are increasingly aware of concussion risks (and, in some cases, withdrawing children from contact sports because of those concerns), a visible baseline testing program communicates institutional commitment to student-athlete safety. This builds trust, supports enrollment in athletic programs, and reduces parent anxiety.

The clinical argument

The NATA position statement recommends baseline testing for all athletes when feasible. The 6th International Consensus Statement emphasizes multimodal assessment. Schools that align with professional best practices provide better care for their students — and that alignment is defensible if outcomes are ever questioned.

Sample budget line items

ImPACT Baseline (at-home cognitive test): $15–$20/athlete. In-clinic comprehensive baseline: $40–$75/athlete. Athletic trainer time for BESS administration: included in existing salary. SCAT6 symptom checklists: free. Staff training: typically one-time cost of $200–$500 per administrator. Data management platform: varies by vendor.

At Headquarters, we help athletic directors prepare budget proposals with clear cost-benefit analysis, comparative pricing, and implementation timelines. We also offer phased rollout options that allow districts to start with high-risk sports and expand coverage over time.

Frequently asked questions