How often should athletes re-baseline?

The short answer

Annually, and after any concussion once cleared.

Why annually?

Adolescent brains change rapidly. Cognitive processing speed, working memory, and balance stabilize through adolescence, then begin to shift again in the college years. A baseline from age 13 is not directly comparable to that athlete at age 16 — and if you use it as a comparison point, you may either clear them too easily or hold them out unnecessarily.

When else to re-baseline

• After a documented concussion, once fully symptom-free and cleared
• After a significant change in medication that affects cognition (ADHD stimulants, SSRIs)
• After an extended break from sport (e.g. a year out)
• Before transitioning to a new level of competition (youth to high school, high school to college)

When a re-baseline doesn’t add much

• Mid-season re-baseline for an asymptomatic athlete — rare reasons to do this
• Re-baseline less than 30 days after the last one without a clinical reason

How to plan for annual re-baselines

The best time is pre-season — when athletes are already motivated and routines are forming. Build it into your pre-season physical or player meeting. With self-administered platforms, it’s a 20-minute slot, not a week of evenings.