GAA clubs in the north fear a "serious blow" to their finances due to games returning without spectators.
Competitive club fixtures resumed across Ireland yesterday, but while spectators are permitted in the south, none are allowed in the north.
In the Republic, attendances of 200 – including teams and officials – are permitted at venues as part of an easing of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.
Stormont on the other hand has allowed competitive sport to recommence, but without spectators.
However, GAA clubs yesterday said they had received clarification that parents or guardians transporting children to youth fixtures up to minor level may remain in attendance at the match.
Thomas Colton, treasurer of Dungannon Eoghan Ruadh hurling club, said the loss of revenue from playing matches without fans is a "serious blow to clubs".
He said some clubs have been able to avail of emergency grant funding, but they still face missing out on significant takings generated from local fixtures.
"It's the loss of revenue – it's a serious blow to clubs. Even if it's only 200 at a match that could end up being £2,000 between the gate and the half-time draw," he said.
The Co Tyrone man gave the example of a senior football derby in Donaghmore against Galbally scheduled for tomorrow.
"Between the tuck shop, the half-time draw and the crowd that they expect to get alone could be worth £4,000 to £5,000 to the club," he said.
Mr Colton said such funding, if crowds were allowed, could contribute significantly towards the upkeep of club facilities.
"It's ridiculous that the two jurisdictions, the different rules in terms of the north and the south," he added.
However, he said he was "stuck in two minds" about whether spectators should return yet.
He described it as a "catch-22 situation that it's hard in the club not to have spectators, but if something goes wrong" there was a risk of spreading the virus.
Among the first clubs returning to fixtures was Kilcoo in Co Down, which faced neighbours Clonduff last night.
Before the game, Kilcoo secretary Seamus O'Hanlon said it would be "strange" to have the match without fans.
"It's definitely strange times. It will be the first in my memory of going to a game without spectators," he said.
"People are definitely disappointed that they can't go. It's a local derby – it's two local parishes. It's disappointing, but you have to do what you're bid."
Meanwhile, GAA president John Horan yesterday called on the Irish government to allow outdoor gatherings of more than 200 people.
It follows the Republic postponing the fourth phase of its Covid-19 recovery plan, which had been due to permit crowds of up to 500 from Monday.
Mr Horan said the late change in attendance guidelines has "delivered a hammer blow to the organisation".
He told RTÉ: "All we are trying to do is get people to be active outside and there is a pent-up demand for people to go to these matches.
"I don't think by calling for an increase from 200 to 500 that I'm putting public health or anybody at risk.
"We have put a lot of education and protocols in place to protect those involved in our games and I think it is a safe call to say we could cater for 500 in our stadia."
Earlier this week, former All-Ireland winner and SDLP MLA Justin McNulty warned that differing coronavirus restrictions for sports events north and south were "undermining the all-island nature" of Gaelic games.
The Newry and Armagh representative called for greater government cooperation to "deliver sports alignment across our island".
