Hockey: New format for National League upsets clubs
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.AS THE full National League programme gets under way this weekend, there is gathering momentum to the opposition to the sweeping changes to the National League which should be effective from the 2004-05 season, but which will have a significant effect on this season's programme as far as promotion and relegation is concerned. .
The proposals - strongly opposed by the National League Committee and the majority of National League clubs - mean there will be a Premier League and two National Regional Leagues each consisting of 12 teams. Each league will split after the first round of matches, to be completed by Christmas.
After Christmas the top six teams in the Premier League will split and play each other twice, the bottom six doing likewise. The two National Regional Leagues would similarly split into National One and Two but only play each other once. The winners of the five Regional Leagues would each be promoted to the National League.
The majority of clubs are against regionalisation and losing five teams out of the League in one season. The Bradford manager, Bev Barstow, said: "I do not feel the National League Committee has been allowed to play an adequate role in the decision and consultation process."
A rare thumbs-up came from the Beeston manager, Graham Griffiths: "We are delighted with the new proposals as we believe they will increase competition throughout the league."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments