• Immediate or acute assessment of suspected sport-related concussion (SRC).
• Athletes aged 13 years and older (for children 5–12, use Child SCAT6).
• Intended for use within the first 72 hours (up to 7 days) post-injury.

• Best within 72 hours of injury.
• Limited clinical utility beyond 7 days (consider SCOAT6 for sub-acute phase).
• Can be used for baseline (pre-season) testing for comparison.

• Immediate Assessment/Neuro Screen: Red Flags, Observable Signs (LOC, seizures), GCS, Cervical Spine, and Maddocks Questions.
• Symptom Evaluation: Athlete-reported 22 symptoms on a 0–6 Likert scale.
• Cognitive Screening: Orientation, Immediate Memory (10-word list), and Concentration (Digits backward, Months in reverse).
• Coordination & Balance: Finger-to-nose and modified Balance Error Scoring System (mBESS).
• Delayed Recall: Re-testing the word list (tested >5 mins after immediate recall).

The SCAT6 updates the previous SCAT5 by adding a 10-word list (standard) for memory testing to reduce ceiling effects. It also integrates a "Total Cognitive Score" to improve sensitivity.

• A "normal" SCAT6 score does NOT rule out concussion. Clinical judgment is paramount.
• Red flags (e.g., worsening headache, seizure, focal neuro deficits) require immediate ER transfer.
• Baseline testing significantly improves the accuracy of post-injury interpretation.

• Immediate removal from play: "When in doubt, sit them out."
• No return to play on the same day as the injury.
• Initial 24–48 hours of relative physical and cognitive rest (not total "dark room" rest).
• Initiate Graduated Return-to-Play (GRTP) protocol.