The National, Northern Premier, Isthmian and Southern Leagues, together with the FA Executive, are currently finalising contingency plans for next season.

It would be foolish to assume there will be no disruption to fixtures next season, but in creating the flexibility needed to react to different circumstances, we must avoid painting ourselves into a corner.

As always, the devil is in the detail, so we are trying to consider as many issues as possible such as whether government grants will be available; whether it is viable to play in front of limited spectator numbers, possible COVID protocols and so on. In our planning, the common objectives are: -

To ensure promotion and relegation at all levels of the NLS
To provide clear guidance/information to clubs
To enable maximum flexibility in dealing with: -
Timing/duration of new waves/variants etc.
Local/regional/national restrictions
Potential government response and funding
To achieve, if possible, an NLS-wide solution

We plan to share these contingency plans with clubs before the start of next season. When I can give you more specific information, I will do so.

FA Cup

Replays will return next season from the extra-preliminary round up to and including the 4th round proper of the competition.

FA Cup prize monies will again be split 75% to the winners and 25% to the losers,
after costs, in the Qualifying rounds.

No Step 3 clubs will enter a round early, but 21 Step 4 clubs will enter at the extra preliminary stage.

These will be made up of three clubs drawn from five of the Step 4 divisions and two clubs drawn from the other three Step 4 divisions. As last year the FA executive will perform the draws.

FA Trophy

The NPL and our fellow Trident Leagues have been pressing for our clubs to be compensated for having to play against elite (i.e., Step 1 or 2) clubs behind closed doors during the 2020/21 competition.

The FA National Game Competitions Committee has approved our request and clubs will now receive some (limited) financial recompense over the coming weeks.

Unlike the FA Cup, there will again be no replays in FA Trophy or FA Vase this season with all games going straight to penalties and no extra time played.

For clubs that plan to live stream games next season, we are advised that UEFA article 48 will be reinstated, thereby making it illegal to live stream on Saturday afternoons between 3pm and 5pm.

Unless this decision is reviewed, clubs wishing to stream would need to either bring kick-offs forward or move to Friday nights or Sundays, in each case only with the agreement of the opposing club and the competition.

Round dates
First Round Qualifying - Saturday 25 September 2021
Second Round Qualifying - Saturday 9 October 2021
Third Round Qualifying - Saturday 30 October 2021
First Round Proper - Saturday 13 November 2021
Second Round Proper - Saturday 27 November 2021
Third Round Proper - Saturday 18 December 2021

County cups

The Trident Leagues are continuing to press for an extension of the dispensation for clubs at Steps 3 & 4 to opt out of their County Cup competition if they wish to do so.

If granted, this would help us with the flexibility needed to plan for potential disruption. However, I am already aware of at least one CFA that has advised a member club participation will be mandatory.

This is being addressed with the chair of the National Game Board to try and bring clarity as soon as possible.

League fixtures

Thank you to all clubs for returning your fixture questionnaires to Angie so quickly. This has enabled us to complete the necessary groundwork before handing the files over to ATOS, who compile fixtures on behalf of all Step 1 – 4 leagues.

Although, we are waiting the outcome of the Cambridge City/Histon appeals before ATOS can begin work, we will aim to publish NPL fixtures as soon as we can.

Minimum admission prices

The NPL board reviewed the current minimum adult admission charges applicable in all league game and has agreed that these will remain un-changed for next season at £8 for Step 3 and £6 for Step 4.

Match programmes

The board has also extended the dispensation granted to clubs to choose between producing a printed or digital matchday programme. However, all clubs are reminded that a new programme (printed or digital) must be produced for each league match.

Match hospitality

The provision of match day hospitality for visiting directors will be re-introduced next season, with a minimum required standard being communicated prior to the start of the campaign.

It will remain a mandatory requirement to provide opposing players & officials with post-match food.

Kindest regards
Mark Harris
Chairman
Pitching In Northern Premier League