League unveils plans for return to play

It means all Saturday competitions - including senior football and open netball - will play round 12 fixtures without crowds due to government restrictions.

Junior semi finals for Sunday competitions will also take place at Terang Recreation Reserve as planned on August 15.

A Hampden league statement said it was still planning to commence finals for Saturday competitions on August 28 as previously planned. That will give clubs preparing for finals a two-week window to prepare.

Current rules surrounding community sport are as follows:

Open for all ages, training and competition.

- Only the minimum number of participants (players, coaches, referees, officials, and carers or parents) needed to train or compete are permitted to attend

- Spectators are not permitted (excludes people necessary for events such as teachers, instructors, trainers, coaches, umpires, carers, parents and guardians)

The league thanked all member clubs for cooperation.

"We recognise that these conditions are challenging, and encourage the entire HFNL community to respect and support the many volunteers and officials who are working hard to provide opportunities for football and netball to be conducted safely," it said.

"The HFNL will continue to monitor announcements and advice from the Victorian government and other relevant bodies and provide further updates as appropriate following consultation with member clubs."

Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.