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THE Bendigo Football-Netball League has reiterated it will have no hesitation in immediately shutting down its junior season if clubs and spectators don't adhere to the COVID protocols.

The BFNL will begin its under-18 football and 17-and-under netball seasons on Saturday with round one games to be played at the QEO (two), Maryborough's Princes Park and Eaglehawk's Canterbury Park.

All clubs except for Gisborne will be participating in the two competitions, which will run over nine home and away rounds, followed by a finals series under a yet-to-be-confirmed format.

While the league is excited to finally get its junior season up and running, manager Cameron Tomlins said on Friday there could afford to be no complacency among clubs when it comes to abiding by the combination of state government, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria protocols.

"Our message to the clubs is if we don't get this right then we won't continue the competition," Tomlins said.

"We know that everyone has been hanging out to get football and netball back and we've heard some whispers that there could be some big crowds and clubs being concerned that they can't control it.

"But the bigger the crowds that come in, the more pressure it puts on our clubs to work within the confines that they need to.

"We understand everyone has missed the football and netball, but our message is if you are going to come through the gates, work with us and help us help you."

While there is no cap on the number of people permitted at games, the protocols state that "only spectators necessary to support participation should attend".

Those spectators that do attend are encouraged to stay in their vehicles where possible with only family members.

Changerooms, social rooms and canteens won't be open, with all participants needing to turn up ready to play.

No spectators will be permitted on grounds for any reason during breaks or after games.

"If the clubs are unable to control the crowd in terms of what's required within the protocols then they will call the police, who will then arrive to shut down matches or fine those who aren't doing the right thing, so that's the consequence," Tomlins said.

"As a board we've spoken about that we're here to put on a competition and we know how important it is, but at the same time we are not going to be putting ourselves and everyone in jeopardy to do so.

"So to those who don't want to listen to us or work with us, there won't be a second chance and we'll take it away.

"It has been incredibly tough to pull all this together and we're under very strict instructions of how we've been able to get back playing and been told this is how it must happen... it could only take one hiccup for the police to come in and say, 'that's it, you're done'."

Protocols for the running of the competition include:

1 - If you, or people you have been in contact with are sick, do not attend any training or games.

2 - People who present with symptoms will be sent home immediately.

3 - Any person wishing to attend training or games that has underlying health conditions or is considered a vulnerable person should consult with a healthcare professional prior to attending.

4 - Only spectators necessary to support participation should attend training and competitions, and must abide by current group gathering restrictions.

5 - Where venues allow for vehicle access surrounding the ground, spectators are encouraged to remain in their vehicle where possible.

6 - Spectators should be in groups of no more than 10 people in open, outdoor venues and spread out around the ground or venue.

7 - Spectators must keep 1.5 metres apart.

8 - Changing rooms (player/umpire), social rooms and canteens will not be open or operational. All participants must turn up ready to play, with a strict get in, play, get our policy in force

9 - Only players and officials are allowed on the ground during matches, including breaks, and at training. No spectators are permitted on grounds for any reason during breaks or after the match.

10 - It is recommended that grandstands are not used at venues.

11 - Any non-compliance to the Victorian State Government / AFL Victoria / Netball Victoria direction and restrictions may be reported to Victoria Police, and any game could be abandoned as a consequence if deemed necessary.

Golden Square v Kangaroo Flat (QEO)

football 11.15am, netball 11.30am

Sandhurst v Strathfieldsaye (QEO)

football 2.30pm, netball 2.45pm

Maryborough v Castlemaine (Mb)

football 2.30pm, netball 2.45pm

Eaglehawk v South Bendigo (Eh)

football 2.30pm, netball 2.45pm

Kyneton bye

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