The Ballarat Football Umpires Association will officiate throughout the competition, but at a reduced cost this year.

In some cases, umpires will even work for free.

A statement from the BFUA said it had surveyed its umpires on their willingness to officiate for reduced pay and were overwhelmed with the response.

BFUA chair Justin Davey said he hoped this offer would enable CHFL clubs and the league to run junior football at a low cost, recognising the significant financial impact of COVID-19 on community football.

"We had over 80 members put their hand up to take a pay cut, with some even willing to umpire for free to support clubs and help develop our junior umpires," Davey said.

"50 per cent of the BFUA membership is made up of juniors, so these games will also be a fantastic development opportunity and a chance for them to get more games under their belt.

"We are a community-focused organisation and are glad to be able to support local football during such a difficult season."

The Central Highlands league season gets underway Saturday with under-18, under-15 and under-12 games to be played across the region. Venues to host matches this weekend include Wallace, Hepburn, Newlyn, Waubra, Daylesford and Learmonth.

CHFL president Doug Hobson said the league was very appreciative of the support offered by the BFUA.

"The league is encouraging all participating clubs to support the BFUA to ensure umpires have the opportunity to be engaged in sport during the 2020 junior season," he said.

"We also appreciate the work the BFUA have put in to ensure the availability of umpires."

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The CHFL has planned a nine-round season across all three grades before play-offs. The year is scheduled to finish on September 19.

Seniors and reserves football and all grades of the Central Highlands Netball League have been abandoned for 2020.