The following communication has gone out to all clubs.
Movement between Steps 2 and 3
The clubs in the bottom three places in each of the two divisions at Step 2 [Conference North/South]at the end of the playing season will be relegated to a feeder pool and placed in the most geographically appropriate division at Step 3 [UniBond/Ryman/British Gas]. They will be replaced by the clubs finishing in 1st position in each of the divisions at Step 3 together with a further three clubs determined by a series of play off matches involving those clubs finishing in a play-off position (normally positions 2 to 5) in each of the divisions at Step 3. In exceptional circumstances where a club in positions 2 to 5 does not meet the criteria to enter the play-offs they should be replaced by a club finishing in the next eligible position. Clubs finishing below position 7 would not be considered. The promoted clubs will also be placed in a feeder pool and placed in the most geographically appropriate division at Step 2.
Movement between Steps 3 and 4
The clubs in the bottom four places in each of the Isthmian and Southern League Premier Divisions at the end of the playing season will be relegated to a feeder pool and placed in the most geographical appropriate division at Step 4. With regard to the Northern Premier League, due to the withdrawal of Scarborough FC after the date of their recent AGM, only three clubs will be relegated to Step 4. These relegated clubs will be replaced by the club finishing in 1st position in each of the six divisions at Step 4 together with a further six clubs to be determined by a series of play off matches involving those clubs finishing in a play-off position (normally positions 2 to 5) in each of the divisions at Step 4. In exceptional circumstances where a club in positions 2 to 5 does not meet the criteria to enter the play-offs they should be replaced by a club finishing in the next eligible position. Clubs finishing below position 7 would not be considered. The promoted clubs will also be placed in a feeder pool and placed in the most geographically appropriate division at Step 3.
Movement between Steps 4 and 5
Isthmian Football League – The clubs finishing in 21st and 22nd positions in Divisions 1 North and South will be relegated to Step 5.
Northern Premier League – The clubs finishing in 18th position in Divisions 1 North and South will be relegated to Step 5.
Both these divisions will be increased to 20 clubs for season 2008/2009. Due to there being only 18 clubs in these two divisions it was felt appropriate to only relegate the clubs in the bottom positions.
Southern Football League – The club finishing in 21st position in Division 1 Midlands will be relegated to Step 5. The clubs finishing in 21st and 22nd position in Division 1 South and West will be relegated to Step 5.
Division 1 Midlands is one club under strength following the late withdrawal of Slimbridge FC
All relegated clubs will be placed into the most geographically appropriate league at Step 5.