Canberra sports in limbo after NSW announces community comp restart for July 1

The ACT government is yet to set a date for an amateur sport resumption, although teams can train in groups of 20 and ground-hiring fees have been waived until September.

The ACT has a staged COVID-19 recovery plan, with sporting organisations expecting to get more detail when the government reviews stage 2.1. Stage 2.2, which includes further easing of restrictions for indoor and outdoor sports, could come into effect from June 19.

Stage 2.2 allows for gatherings of up to 50 people, while stage 3, slated for mid July, allows for gatherings of 100 people.

The AFL and NRL are preparing to allow small crowds attend professional matches this weekend, but amateur junior and senior athletes are unsure when they'll be eligible to start playing again.

Most Canberra competitions have ACT and NSW teams involved at all levels. Four of the nine Canberra rugby league first grade teams are based in NSW - two in Queanbeyan, one in Goulburn and one in Yass.

The cross-border nature of those competitions has caused confusion for several weeks, with NSW teams unable to train at their home venues but eligible to hire ACT sports grounds.

The Canberra Rugby League is a subsidiary of the NSWRL, but needs ACT government approval before games can resume.

Some first grade teams across all Canberra sports have been concerned about the viability of playing this year given major sponsors and licensed-club backers have withdrawn funding because of the coronavirus shutdown.

Canberra's oldest rugby union team, Easts, has withdrawn from the John I Dent Cup because of a lack of players, while some regional Australian football competitions have already cancelled their premiership seasons.

Capital Football has drafted plans for an 11-week season, with an announcement likely to be made this week. Junior soccer teams have already restarted training, but finals are likely to be cancelled to focus on maximising playing time for all participants.

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NSW Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said: "Sport is the lifeblood of our community and it gives me great pleasure to say adult sports can return to their competitions at the same time as 18 years and under.

"We have reduced the spread of COVID-19 to the point where further restrictions can be lifted. It is only because communities have followed the strict social distancing guidelines that this announcement is possible."

Crowds of 500 people could be allowed to attend outside sporting venues. NSW Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said: "Today's announcement is about a staged re-opening of the sports economy in a way that minimises the risk to the public. This makes a level playing field for sports stadiums, in line with the clubs and pubs re-opening to patrons."