Football Federation Australia last week announced 70 per cent of its staff would be stood down as the governing body faced the harsh financial realities of the ban on competitions.

The suspension of grassroots football two weeks ago until April 14 appears certain to be extended for at least several weeks as government restrictions are tightened.

NNSWF chief David Eland has asked the footballing community to register ahead of a potential return of competitions but he conceded the game could be working through the COVID-19 crisis for months to come.

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"It's a very difficult time because our revenue streams are zero, so that's why we've been writing to clubs and participants trying to get the governing body fees to start flowing. That's important for the solvency of the game," Eland said. "We're not dismissing refunds at all. That is something that will need to be considered in due course, but now is not the time because we're still hoping to have a meaningful season, but no one knows, so we'll have to be patient.

"Solvency of the game is very important because we're going to have a huge part to play in rebuilding community and social cohesion when we get the go-ahead, so that's the focus."

Eland said NNSWF had already been "cutting costs left, right and centre" but more measures would need to be considered. He estimated that between 50 and 60 people were employed in football within NNSWF and its member zones.

"We have a board meeting on Wednesday night and we'll be presenting our cash flow and projections to the board, and they will provide us with some direction," he said. "We've got 30 full-time staff, and they are not immune to everything else that's going on, so it is difficult times.

"The past couple of weeks we've been right through our strategic and operational plans to put together a short-term plan, bringing forward some activities we haven't had time to dedicate to, or things that can be done internally.

"The staff have been fantastic. They have all been working remotely and they are fully engaged in that."

He said employees taking leave would likely be considered first. As for standing down staff, he said: "Every scenario will need to be looked at. As the crisis drags on without any revenue, it's going to be a significant drain on our reserves."

NNSWF has built up major capital - which was more than $4.5 million in 2018 - mainly through operations at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility.

"We are financially stable ... but we need to keep in mind that a significant portion of that cash is for the facility," Eland said.

"It's making sure that when we need to replace surfaces, the organisation has the reserves to do that without it being a millstone around our members."