Players will return to the field on the first weekend of the July for the Bert Bampton Cup ahead of the IPL season, which begins in late July.

All teams will play each other once before finals and Football South Coast has announced two rule changes for the shortened season.

The biggest change is victorious IPL teams will receive two competition points, instead of the traditional three, and there will still be one point for a draw.

"I think it will make the competition a bit more exciting so that it would be closer in terms of points and gives clubs more of a chance to make it through to the finals," FSC chief executive officer Ann-Marie Balliana said.

"Because we're having the one round, we thought it would make the competition more competitive and potentially fairer for the clubs."

This year's revamped Premier League season will feature Bellambi, who were promoted after winning the 2019 District League title. Conversely, Fernhill finished at the foot of last year's IPL ladder and will compete in the 2020 District League.

However, in a second major change, Balliana said there would be no promotion or relegation between the IPL and District League at the end of this season.

"It's tough for the clubs because their season planning has basically gone out the window," she said.

"I would understand that teams in the District League that would want promotion. But it would be tough for teams in the Premier League to be relegated in a season that's beyond the control of the clubs because of the [pandemic's] implications."

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The state government last week gave the green light for community sport to resume on July 1 for people aged over 18 years. Junior sport had already been approved to return on that date.

Under the government's protocols, canteens and other food stalls will return while it's understood crowds of up to 500 people will be allowed to attend outdoor matches.

Players must adhere to strict health measures while spectators will need to maintain safe social distancing.

Balliana said crowds being allowed, along with canteens returning, would make a huge difference for all FSC clubs.

"They're [both] obviously a key driver of income for clubs," Balliana said.

"As we've seen more and more easing of restrictions, it's given us and our clubs a lot more comfort around their financial viability - which we obviously have to consider for clubs.

"It makes a fundamental difference for all of our clubs, not just in the Premier League, so that was one thing we were really waiting on to see how it would look. And that's really great for any sporting club."

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