The competitions have, other than Conference South, replaced the National Conference League, which was due to celebrate its 40th birthday this year. Inclusion in the National Premier or National Division One is dependant on eligibility, i.e. meeting similar minimum criteria standards to those that previously applied in the National Conference League (NCL). As such it is recognised that not all National Conference South teams will currently be eligible for inclusion in the top two sections. Meanwhile the bottom two teams in National Division One will be relegated to the appropriate regional National Conference (Cumbria, North West or Yorkshire).