Joint Handbook 2022 2023

APPENDIX A

Regional NLS Feeder League Regulations

1. League Structure

1.1 The Leagues currently operating as Feeder Leagues are set out at the end of the Appendix.

1.2 At Feeder League level the maximum number of Clubs in each division shall be determined by the Sanctioning Authority taking into account all relevant factors. In any case, this shall not be more than 18 Clubs. The minimum amount of Clubs should be 14. 1.3 Any league wishing to become a Feeder League must apply to the FA Leagues Committee by 31st December in the relevant year in such form and /or providing such information as shall be required by the Committee from time to time. The decision as to whether or not a league should be admitted as a Feeder League shall be made by the Committee. 2.1 All Feeder League Clubs seeking promotion to Step 6 must make an application using the prescribed form direct to The Association, copied to their existing League, by 31st December in the relevant year. In order to be considered for promotion Clubs must finish in 1st position in their Feeder League. If the Club finishing in 1st position does not wish to be promoted or fails to meet the entry criteria then the Club finishing in 2nd position will be eligible for promotion. If the Club in 2nd position does not seek promotion or fails to meet the entry criteria then Clubs down to 5th position may be considered for promotion provided that they meet the appropriate entry criteria. Clubs finishing below 5th position may not be considered for promotion and only one Club may be considered for promotion from each League. Each application must be accompanied by the agreed application fee, as determined by the Committee, which is non - refundable. 2.2 Clubs competing in a Feeder League must comply fully with the minimum requirements of Grade 8. To be considered for promotion to Step 6, Clubs must meet the requirements of Grade 7 and attain Grade 6 by 31st March in the year following promotion. Clubs can be promoted from Feeder Leagues to Step 6 without floodlights, provided that that all other requirements of Grade 7 are met by 31st March in the Playing Season in which the Club wishes to gain promotion and that the Club has the following in place: -

2. Rules and Regulations for Promotion and Relegation

• Planning permission granted for floodlights.

• That by 30th September following promotion that floodlights are installed and in working order.

• A development / business plan

• Quotations / estimates for the work to be carried out.

• Funding applications submitted, if required.

Failure to install floodlights in working order by 30th September following promotion will result in a sanc tion being imposed at the discretion of the League of which the Club is a member. If by 31st March in the year following promotion the floodlights are still not installed then the Club will be a relegated Club and be dealt with accordingly.

3. Placement of a Club in a League

3.1 The matter of draft placements for Clubs in Feeder Leagues is for the League in conjunction with its Sanc tioning Authority. Once drafted, proposed placements are to be submitted to the Committee for ratifica tion by an appropriate date as prescribed by the Committee from time to time. This is save for Clubs be ing allocated to Feeder Leagues having been relegated from Step 6, which is a matter for the Committee.