The AFL announced late on Monday that all state leagues nationwide for men and women would be postponed.

It followed a meeting with state chief executives which led to a collective "to postpone the operation and commencement of each premier state league and state talent program".

This includes the NAB League boys' and girls' competitions.

The decision was collectively agreed upon based on the part-time nature of these competitions and the financial implications for state leagues and their clubs.

The statement said the decision is effective until May 31.

It added: "The AFL will continue to explore all fixturing alternatives to ensure matches are played, however, acknowledges the situation is fluid and any decision made may change."

The move followed Netball Tasmania's decision to pause its statewide competition, a call made just hours before Launceston's ladder-leading clubs Cavaliers and Northern Hawks were due to meet at the Silverdome last Friday.

The Tasmanian State League season was due to get underway on Saturday, April 4, with clashes between the Tigers and Lauderdale at the Twin Ovals, Launceston and North Hobart at Windsor Park and Glenorchy and Clarence at KGV.

Reigning premiers North Launceston were due to start the season with a bye before beginning their title defence with a Good Friday derby against the Blues at UTAS Stadium.

The announcement was made on the TSL Facebook page with respondents swift to ask whether regional competitions like the NTFA would be forced to follow suit.

In December, the TSL announced its 2020 fixtures which included a revamped finals structure and Sunday grand final.

The competition's finals structure planned to move from a final five to a final four competing over a three-week period, culminating in Grand Final Day which was scheduled to be on Sunday, September 20.