Group 16 chairman Allan Wilton said it was a lengthy meeting and a difficult decision, but the senior competition would be suspended for this season to return stronger in 2021.

"The general atmosphere surrounding discussions was the South Eastern part of NSW has suffered tremendously from firstly drought, then horrific bushfires and then the COVID-19 pandemic," Mr Wilton said.

"And this area has suffered more than some."

Mr Wilton said the junior competition was going ahead with a July 18 start date and reiterated the suspension was only of the senior draw.

The 11 senior clubs reached the decision to not go ahead with a shortened draw based on the welfare of players and their clubs as well as the financial hardship placed on sponsors and supporters of the game.

"It was based particularly on the health and safety and wellbeing of the players and volunteers as well as the general community," Mr Wilton said.

Clubs would also have to provide a COVID-19 Officer and adhere to strict social distancing measures that would have been difficult to enforce.

"The conditions and requirements that clubs would have had to conform with would have been a challenge for the volunteers and provided a significant barrier for clubs and volunteers."

Discussion was also held around the financial impact to sponsors and supporters of clubs including clubs and pubs.

Mr Wilton said a number of businesses had faced hardship through the fires, or been placed on government-mandated shutdowns as part of social distancing measures.

"The clubs realised there are a lot of people in the community severely affected by the fires and coronavirus that are now struggling to rebuild momentum and get going again," he said.

"You can feel it in the community, our area has been hit hard - they just want to re-establish themselves free of additional commitments - people are concentrating on getting their lives and businesses back together."

While the decision impacts first grade, reserve grade and league-tag, Mr Wilton said endeavours are being made to continue the under 18s as a follow-on from the minor league competition that will go ahead this year.

"Group 16 minor league will commence on July 18 and the senior clubs hope to continue to support our under 18s to hopefully be played on a Saturday afternoon following the under 16s matches.

"We want to play that within the parameters of the minor league - it's most important for us to keep younger players in the game."

The Group 16 board will continue to consult with clubs to regroup and rebuild for the 2021 season.