Under current COVID protocols, only those deemed absolutely necessary for the games to occur are allowed to attend. There is also an allowance for one parent or carer to accompany a junior player.

AFL Victoria return-to-play guidelines specifically state "general spectators are not permitted."

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In a joint statement, CHFL president Doug Hobson and BFNL chairman Adrian Bettio acknowleged that the restrictions were tough, but said they were necessary for finals to go ahead.

"The entire football and netball communities across the wider Ballarat region are to be commended for adapting to the everchanging protocols that are in place to keep us all safe and healthy," the statement read.

"One of those protocols that are in place is the need to limit the number of people who can attend sporting events. This of course has a profound impact on our competitions, but we understand the need to have such measures to ensure we can move to a more normal environment soon.

"Across this weekend, we ask that the football and netball community respect the restrictions put in place by government and health experts, that both leagues must abide by."

AFL Victoria has implemented a "get in and get out approach", requiring players or parents there for a junior game to leave the ground at its completion.

The CHFL begins its junior and senior finals series this weekend.

The BFNL will proceed with its junior finals series, though the senior competitions remain on hold due to Melbourne's extended lockdown.

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