The competition was due to start on April 4, but the governing body issued a directive on Monday that competitions be suspended for a month due to coronavirus concerns.

The edict also included a ban on all training and includes all junior competitions.

Meanwhile, Riverina race clubs have taken another major hit after three meetings were scrapped due to coronavirus, with local football competitions expected to be informed of their immediate futures within two days.

Three Riverina picnic race meetings - Ardlethan (Saturday, March 21), Tullibigeal (Saturday, March 28) and Cootamundra (Saturday, April 4) have all been abandoned, while the Albury Gold Cup carnival this Thursday and Friday will proceed without a crowd.

They were to be Ardlethan and Tullibigeal's only meetings for the year, and is another blow for the local racing industry after bushfires forced the postponement of several race days.

AFL Southern NSW regional manager Marc Geppert took part in a phone hook-up with the AFL on Monday, and it is expected the local leagues will have a definitive response from the governing body on their immediate futures by close of business on Tuesday.

AFL Riverina will adhere to any guidelines recommended by the AFL.

The Border Mail reports the start of the Ovens and Murray Football Netball League (OMFNL) is likely to be pushed back four weeks until early May.

"The Board is holding a special meeting on Wednesday night to discuss its response to the Coronavirus situation," chairman David Sinclair said in a statement.

"I spoke to all 10 clubs presidents yesterday (Sunday) and have advised them to prepare for the possibility of season commencement being postponed until May 2, and therefore impacting rounds 1-4."

The Riverina League's Coolamon Hoppers have cancelled all football and netball training until advised by AFL Riverina on protocols.

"We appreciate that some might find such action as unnecessary," the club said.

"However, the club is unapologetic about the importance of our duty of care and ensuring we are doing everything we need to do for the safety and well being of our players, members and supporters."

Schoolboys rugby league competition the Hardy Shield is also unlikely to be contested this year after it was cancelled the morning of Monday's scheduled opening match.

On Sunday the NSW Department of Education introduced proactive measures, including temporarily stopping whole-school sporting events and inter-school events involving three or more schools.

Convenor Ryan Price said the safety of players, staff and the wider community are paramount.

There is also uncertainty if the competition can be rescheduled.

"We may look to rescheduled but at the moment we won't be going ahead as it currently stands," Price said.

"We don't how long bans will last for but at this stage it will be cancelled with no new date set.

"We will cross that bridge if we can find a time but the sports calendar is pretty heavy with times as there is AFL, soccer and everything else to fit in as well.

"We might not fit it in."

A host of school athletics carnivals in the region have also been cancelled.

Wagga Futsal's semi finals scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday will still proceed, but people not essential to participation are asked to stay at home.

Harness Racing NSW will also ban crowds from Young's meeting on Tuesday and Wagga on Friday, but Wagga's greyhound meeting on Sunday won't be affected at this stage.

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