The National League are working towards a September start for the 2020/21 season.
Government policy continues to change, but the current stance taken by the National League is that September is a realistic target date.
The National League Premier is set to finish with play-offs, but the North and South Divisions are unlikely be allowed to as they don’t fully meet the Government’s elite status criteria. To meet the criteria, players must earn a living from competing in sport. Although clubs such York City are full-time, the National North and South is made up mainly of part-time teams.
The future of Step 3 and below could begin to be mapped out in the next eight days when the FA hosts a online meeting for those leagues.
Large gatherings is not such a problem on the whole at those levels. Neither is fans social-distancing inside the grounds.
However, because the two metre rule is in place, changing rooms and clubhouses, which are vital sources of revenue, are major issues.
The fact that over 70s and vulnerable people who are deemed at risk and those who they live with are advised to shield at home also adds to the stumbling blocks.
If September is a realistic return date for the Step 3 leagues and below, the case for restructuring immediately will grow stronger.