The BCA released a document on Sunday detailing the key hygiene measures that will be in place for all grades of junior and senior cricket.

Players, coaches and managers aged 12 and over are to wear face masks when not actively fielding. Masks are to be kept on each person (in pockets or pulled down) on the field and put on immediately upon leaving the ground. This includes waiting to bat either on or off the field, however active batters are not required to wear a mask.

Umpires will need to wear masks during games.

The structure of play has been changed across all divisions, with five-over blocks to be bowled from one end or from the same end throughout each innings.

Each fielding team is responsible for providing a bottle of hand sanitiser and equipment wipes at each end of the playing arena. A spot 10m-15m behind the stumps is being offered as an approximate guide.

Any item of playing attire taken off to bowl must be placed behind the hand sanitiser and wipes at the bowler's end.

Every player, including the wicket-keeper, on the fielding team must sanitise their hands at intervals of no more than 10 overs. Match balls must be wiped down at the same time.

No saliva or sweat can be placed on the match ball at any time and infringements may incur a five-run penalty.

"These guidelines are to be followed and strictly adhered to in all BCA senior and junior matches," a statement from the board read.

"Failure to comply may see any individual, team or club face BCA and/or government authority sanctions.

"It is a privilege to play cricket in a pandemic, not a right and we make no apology for taking a zero-tolerance stance on keeping our community safe."

READ THE FULL BCA STATEMENT BELOW

Cricket Victoria released a full COVID-safe plan for clubs recently and that can be read here.

The BCA kicks off on Saturday with all five divisions of seniors. In the first grade, the grand final showdown between Darley and Golden Point - which was never played last season - is the highlight of the opening weekend.