The league has been made aware of complaints from the public, with claims that footballers from the competition are gathering in groups of more than the allowed two-person limit for informal practice.

In an email to all BFNL clubs over the weekend, league manager Shane Anwyl urged all such training to cease immediately.

"The City of Ballarat has recently received a number of reports of BFNL clubs training on City of Ballarat sports grounds in groups of 5-10 (and in some cases more) with their respective club training shirts on," the email read.

"Whilst we are all keen to resume play and club activities, all clubs are requested (as a priority) to notify coaches and players that such training or gatherings are to cease with no formal arrangements to be made to "meet" at a venue for informal training.

"It is vital that we all work together and do the right thing so football and netball can resume as soon as possible. These measures are in place for a reason, and we must respect the advice being given."

Anwyl said the league had powers to enforce penalties on top of those handed out by police.

"This is not a path we intend to follow, but given the seriousness of the current situation, the league will consider steps if needed. These may include individual and club penalties," Mr Anwyl said.

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As it stands, stage three restrictions are in place throughout the state of Victoria. This means gatherings are restricted to no more than two people except for members of your immediate household and for work or education.

City of Ballarat mayor Ben Taylor said council had been made aware of people playing together at football grounds, but those reports were a few weeks ago.

"It's alright to go and have a kick of the footy with your family, but it's not about clubs getting together and training," Cr Taylor told The Courier.

Cr Taylor said it was obvious that people were "coming together" given the fact they were wearing jumpers from the same club.

"We identified that pretty quick and communicated that through the AFL Goldfields around the reminder of the obligations under the state government.

"Again, it's not up to council to police this side of things, but we are more than willing to just put that reminder out there to follow the state government guidelines."

AFL Victoria has put local football and netball leagues on hold until May 31 due to the coronavirus pandemic and more information is expected to be revealed about the resumption of community sport late this week.

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