After consultation with member clubs, the BCA has settled on Saturday, October 17 to kick off all five senior grades.

It's expected juniors will follow suit, but that has not yet been confirmed.

The BCA has also confirmed no play on October 24, which is the date of the AFL grand final and a long weekend.

After that, cricket will resume on October 31.

One-day matches will be played across all senior grades until at least December 19. The BCA board is set to meet on December 5 to discuss the fixture going forward.

READ MORE: BCA awaits club feedback on new start date

BCA president Rob Florence said clubs were almost unanimous on October 17 being the start of the season.

"I think what's exciting is that we're at the stage that it enables community sport to be played," Florence said.

"The Ballarat region has done the right thing. People are complying and abiding with regulations and it's obviously had a positive health impact."

Florence said a "very high majority" of clubs wanted October 24 off for the long weekend and the AFL grand final and that the board had acted on that advice.

The president also reiterated that clubs needed to be ready with their COVID-safe plans.

On Friday, Cricket Victoria released updated return to training and return to play guidelines. A range of measures have been implemented for matches, including directives that no sweat or saliva be placed on the ball by anyone at any time. Masks are to be worn by umpires during matches but are optional for players, the umpire is not allowed to hold any clothing or equipment of the bowler and players and umpires shall not gather within 1.5m before and after play, during any breaks or following wickets.

"(Clubs have) got almost a month for them to work on that," Florence said.

Darley was declared first grade premiers last season when the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in BCA grand finals being abandoned.

Cricket Victoria is conducting a range of webinars which will focus on return to training and play in a COVID-safe environment. The next for regional Victorian players and clubs is scheduled for Thursday.

For more information visit cricketvictoria.com.au.