Victorian-based country football-netball leagues were thrown a major curveball on Tuesday when the state government dumped the 150 person limit at venues for the bare minimum of volunteers to run matches.
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The 150-person cap has been replaced by those allowed into a ground being equal to the minimum number of volunteers who can run a game, with the only spectators able to attend games being parents and guardians.
With even less people attending, clubs won't open canteens and can bars which are their financial lifelines.
Crisis talks were underway across the region in response to the latest changes.
The Ovens and King league announced it would be playing under the tougher operating conditions and for the second week in a row all Ovens and Murray league matches are almost certain to be played at NSW grounds.
Corowa-Rutherglen president Stuart Lingham confirmed he had already been in talks about the Roos hosting Wodonga at John Foord Oval for the second time this season after they met in the first round.
"We've been talking to Wodonga and putting plans in place to maybe have the game at Corowa, but that was based on the 150-person limit," he said.
"It sounds like we've picked up another game at home.
"The week after is going to be the real challenge because at this point in time four of the five games are in Victoria."
The O and M successfully shifted all games to NSW grounds last week including a double header at Lavington.
Wangaratta is due to play Wodonga Raiders at Norm Minns Oval, but may become part of another double header at a NSW venue.
"We are still waiting for some clarity around what these new changes mean," O and M chairman David Sinclair said.
"It's difficult to plan ahead with things changing as rapidly as they are.
"But there is a possibility that we may have games in Victoria, but we're not locked into it yet."
Other than access to toilets, the use of indoor facilities such as clubrooms, changerooms and sitting areas is not permitted and must remain closed for all fixtures in regional Victoria this weekend.
A get in, get out approach to playing and training is in place and face masks must be worn in any indoor space by all people at the venue over the age of 12, unless they have a lawful exemption.
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Ovens and King league general manager Cam Green revealed football and netball will return on Saturday, with 45 minutes between reserves and senior football and approximately 35 minutes between each of the five netball grades.
"There is a plan in place; with the time between games allowing the players to adopt the 'get-in, get-out' philosophy," Green said.
"By spacing the matches out throughout the day, we anticipate that traffic will be moving in and out of the venue consistently.
"We understand and appreciate that long term this isn't a solution, but we are hopeful for a better outcome later this week in regards to the easing of restrictions.
"We had to present something that is financially viable for all clubs as we restart the season."
Whorouly president Eddie Constenaro credited the league for having a go a resuming the season, but admitted it's all very confusing.
"They've got to start somewhere, so we'll give this a bit of crack," he said.
"Keeping out of clubrooms is going to be a bit of a challenge. If you're at home it might not worry you too much, but we've got to travel to Bonnie Doon this weekend and if it's a cold, wet day it's going to make it interesting.
"They've got to start somewhere, so we'll give this a bit of crack," he said.
"Keeping out of clubrooms is going to be a bit of a challenge. If you're at home it might not worry you too much, but we've got to travel to Bonnie Doon this weekend and if it's a cold, wet day it's going to make it interesting.
"A lot of people obviously travel together and bring kids up, so they're going to have to hang around to a certain point.
"That's the major concern we had, so I think they have to be a bit flexible."
Constenaro said the players were all keen to get back out there, but hopes it won't further add to the club's sizeable injury list.
"It's a bit of a tough one, but obviously after three weeks off you're going to have to manage a few of the players as well," he added.
Upper Murray Football Netball League officials have begun to work through options for a return to play this weekend, with a club delegates meeting scheduled for Thursday.
The Tallangatta and District league confirmed on Tuesday night it would resume on Saturday, with all games to be played at fixtured venues.
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