PLAY OFF RULES

Format.

1) At the end of each season, subject to their grounds being, in the opinion of the Management Committee, suitable for the requirements of higher division games, the second bottom club in the First and Second Divisions and the second, third and fourth placed clubs in the Second and Third Divisions shall take part in a play off competition to determine which further clubs are promoted and relegated.

2) First Division Play Off

The second lowest placed club in the First Division will play the fourth placed club in the Second Division on a home and away knock out basis. The second highest placed club in the Second Division will play the third highest placed club in the Second Division on a home and away knock out basis. The winners of the two ties will play off on a home and away knock out basis. The winner of this tie will play in the First Division in the following season.

3) Second Division Play Off

The second lowest placed club in the Second Division will play the fourth placed club in the Third Division on a home and away knock out basis. The second highest placed club in the Third Division will play the third highest placed club in the Third Division on a home and away knock out basis. The winners of the two ties will play off on a home and away knock out basis. The winner of this tie will play in the Second Division in the following season.

4) The winning club in each tie will be the club to score the greatest number of goals over the two matches. In the event that the aggregate scores are equal after the second leg of each tie in the play off competition extra time of 30 minutes (i.e. 15 minutes each way) will take place and thereafter if necessary kicks from the penalty mark will be taken in accordance with the rules laid down by the International Football Association Board which will decide the winner.

5) The play off matches will take place on dates arranged by the Management Committee.

6) The Management Committee shall be entitled to vary the format of the play off competition if circumstances so require.

7) In the event of any club which gains promotion from the Second Division refusing to go into the First Division, or either of their grounds not being suitable, in the opinion of the Management Committee, for the requirements of First Division games, then either or both of the two lowest clubs in the First Division shall remain in that Division.

8) In the event of any club which gains promotion from the Third Division refusing to go into the Second Division, or either of their grounds not being suitable, in the opinion of the Management Committee, for the requirements of Second Division games, then either or both of the two lowest clubs in the Second Division shall remain in that Division.