FA CONFIRMATIONS on the National League System (NLS) will have ramifications for some of Dorset’s biggest clubs.

In the 2022/23 season, the Vanarama National League, Weymouth’s division, will return to a full set of 24 teams, with only three relegated this campaign and four promoted from Step 2.

At Step 3 – Dorchester Town’s level – there will only be nine relegated teams in four divisions.

This covers the bottom two sides and the worst of the third-bottom clubs, measured on points per game (PPG).

For 2022/23, the number of teams taking the drop to Step 4 will return to 16 across the four divisions. Promotions in each season are unaffected.

This term, the 10-best second-placed clubs on PPG in Step 5 – Portland United and Bridport’s level – will be automatically promoted.

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Twelve of the 16 second-bottom clubs in Step 5 will escape relegation on PPG. Bottom-three clubs in Step 6 could be relegated pending promotion candidates from Step 7 – grassroots level.

Only Step 7 champions will be considered, unless they forfeit promotion to allow a second-placed side the chance to go up.

Should first, second, third and fourth and fifth-placed teams at Step 7 not seek promotion, no other clubs will be considered.