The regional sporting competitions are no different than national and international competitions, with almost all sport at a standstill.

Hume Football Netball League says the health and safety of the football community - participants, players, coaches, umpires, volunteers and fans - is paramount.

The AFL is closely monitoring the pandemic and will provide important information to local leagues.

It is regularly consulting with the federal government, the World Health Organisation and the AFL's chief medical officers on the best advice for the football community.

The health and safety of participants, players, umpires and volunteers underpin the ability to conduct matches and sessions that are so loved by communities, supporters and members.

Given COVID-19 remains a situation with the potential to change rapidly, the AFL will continue to work with the Hume Football Netball League updating the football communities as new information comes to hand.

For now, the start of the 2020 season has been pushed back until at least May 31.

Hume Football Netball League will communicate all future AFL correspondence directly to affiliated clubs, understanding that there is still much uncertainty surrounding the prospect of playing football and netball in season 2020.

Most Hume clubs had already played one practice match ahead of the season.

Players are now doing their own fitness programs with groups limited to 10.

At a minimum, most leagues would like to get at least one full round of matches against each club prior to finals.

The option of a later finish to the season (perhaps into October) and a shorter finals series have also been thrown around in discussions.

The Hume season had already planned general byes for the Easter weekend and the long weekend in June.