Proposal to reduce divisions

In light of a number of critical factors that are having an alarming effect on the overall playing structure of the league the Meath & District League committee will be putting forward a motion to reduce all divisions to 10 teams on a phased basis over a maximum two-year period. Among the critical factors having an effect are a lack of players available to some teams, the fact that a large number of teams are struggling to finish out their league campaigns and changing weather trends over the past few years which can make pitches unplayable at any time of the year. The current play-off formats in place for this season allows for a provision to reduce sections with 13 teams to the normal 12 teams as some of the teams that withdrew may not be applying in the new season, and there is one known case of two clubs merging. It may be possible to fast track the process in the lower divisions over a one season period. The proposal, while not yet fully ratified, will offer two options. One would see all divisions reduced to 10 teams over two years, and in the intervening period, would still guarantee promotion for the top team in each division, with two teams as normal liable for relegation. A play off to determine promotion/relegation would involve the second highest teams paired against the third from bottom in the division above them. Option two, while more radical, would reduce each division to 10 teams over one season, and would still guarantee promotion for all divisional winners, but three teams would be liable for relegation with no facility for play offs. Clubs are requested to discuss the proposals at length with their members, and give due consideration in prioritising what maybe best for the future well-being of the league as against any short-term effects it might bring about during its implementation. For this season all promotion/relegation play offs will take place over the next couple of weeks, but depending on the entry for next season, play-off winners for promotion to division"s two and three may not be guaranteed promotion. Teams finishing in the top two will go up as normal.