End of Step 6 starts for phoenix clubs ?

[Formic]

The UCL have published what looks like a new set of rules for the National League System - http://full-time.thefa.com/DisplayNews. ... ue=1625657

Am I reading it right that there are some key changes - particularly section 6.3 - which seems to indicate a "new club" will be considered for inclusion at Step 5 unless the former club was at Step 4 or below? Perhaps something has been changed following the decision to put us at step 6 without anticipating the issues this caused - or was it always worded like this?

[AndyKirkup]

This is a vast subject but to directly answer your question, broadly speaking the rule is the same as it was last year.

The notable change in this section happened some 3 years ago. The rules had previously stated that a reformed club should be placed a minimum of 2 divisions below the level from which it was removed. The change (if my understanding is correct) was precipitated by Chester FC who fought and won an appeal against the National Leagues Committee's decision to place them at Step 5 and managed to gain entry at Step 4. As a result the rule was changed to prevent this from happening in future.

To my knowledge this was the last notable change in the rule although I couldn't tell you if the wording has been left in an identical form.