Promotion and Relegation
Win and rise. Finish near the bottom and move down.
At the end of each season, the top three teams in most leagues move up one level, while the bottom three move down one level. The middle eight teams remain in the same league for the following season. Every team’s position is determined by its record on the field.
↑ TOP 3 PROMOTED
Move Up One League
MIDDLE 8 STAY
Remain in the Same League
↓ BOTTOM 3 RELEGATED
Move Down One League
Why It Changes the Season
A Race to Rise
Teams near the top compete for promotion.
A Fight to Survive
Teams near the bottom fight to avoid relegation.
Meaningful Games
More games matter throughout the standings, not only games involving championship contenders.
Results Determine the Future
A program moves because of performance, not conference status, reputation, television value, or history.
What Happens Between Two Leagues?
The top three teams from League 9 move into League 8. The bottom three teams from League 8 move into League 9. The following season begins with both leagues newly balanced by performance.