Sports Central chief executive Michael Flynn said the fact grassroots games and active recreation, including gyms, could return to action so early in easing restrictions was a good show of faith from the state government clubs would do the right thing.

But limitations, including no crowds, still created extra pressures on club volunteers to successfully pull this off.

"It's so important clubs make sure they have got really strong, consistent leadership. Sport is very much a privilege," Mr Flynn said.

"It's clubs' responsibilities to ensure members are doing the right thing and creating a COVID-safe environment. We don't want to run any risks.

"...Clearly the government has recognised the values with sport. It just reinforces the health and well-being of the community in Ballarat and the whole region."

Mr Flynn said it was vital sports continued to receive state government and council support, including in grants, to help bounce back and boost participation.

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He said changing pandemic restrictions still created a lot of stress for clubs, particularly with ongoing losses in gate-takings, canteen revenue, lost sponsorship and cancelled fundraising activities - and the costs of running sport were not reducing.

Other active recreation groups, such as Parkrun, were still sidelined this weekend due to restriction concerns.

"There has been such a rise in popularity of active recreation groups and programs for what the community wants but there's also a lot of uncertainty for programs that were often unsure where they fall," Mr Flynn said.

"For all sports, clubs are a lot more used to and potentially prepared for volatility. I don't know if that makes it easier for them, particularly with missing last week with upcoming finals series."

Sports Central has also been working to juggle interrupted primary school sports competitions that need to run before the year's end amid changing timetables and regulations on indoor stadium capacity.

Mr Flynn said winter sports had borne the brunt of lockdowns a second season and there was a strong need for greater ongoing support and recognition for clubs to get back in the game.

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