While many sporting bodies across the Central West - including the Bathurst Hockey Association and Bathurst Netball Association - have opted to suspend play this weekend due to the current NSW Health stay-at-home rules, the BDF has taken a different approach.

"The BDF committee, since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, has based its decision making process upon instruction and guidelines from the NSW Government, NSW Health, Football NSW and Bathurst Regional Council," the BDF committee said in statement.

"As it stands, all advice is that football may be played this weekend provided all orders are complied with, not withstanding possible cancellations because of weather, BDF has decided to continue with football this weekend."

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However play will be subject to a number of safety measures and naturally anyone who lives in, or has visited the restricted areas will not be allowed to participate.

Should more than half of the games in any grade be deferred because of clubs being unable to fill teams due to COVID-19 restrictions, the entire round in that grade will be cancelled.

Social distancing rules apply, the change rooms are closed, masks must be worn and aside from one parent for juniors, spectators are not permitted.

Field Inspections will occur at 4pm Friday and again at 6.45am Saturday morning if required.

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