PROMOTION/RELEGATION ISSUES without Lytham; UPDATE ON CLUBMARK; DATES for 2026; SUNDAY 3rd XI START TIMES in SEPTEMBER
Date: 4th September 2025
CLARIFICATION OF PROMOTION/RELEGATION ISSUES without Lytham
Further to the information in the Bulletin of 11 July
At the end of the 2025 season, Lytham’s 1st and 2nd XIs will be deemed to have been relegated regardless of their finishing position. In practical terms this means that: only one team (i.e. the team that finishes lowest of the remaining 11 teams) will be relegated from 1st XIs First Division; and 2nd XIs Premier and consequently, there will also only be one team relegated (the team that finishes 12th) from 2nd XIs First Division. Promotion issues will be unaffected.
Following precedents in previous seasons there will be no relegation from Division 2 at the end of season 2025.
The agreed arrangements for the potential promotion of the top finishing Club only, in the Southport and District Premier League, will apply.
CLUBMARK 2025/2026
We have received a number of enquiries about the Clubmark situation applying at the end of season 2025. Further to all the information forwarded on to Clubs by us and the LCF, please see the following clarification.
ECB Clubmark National Position
For the 2025 season, the ECB are not requiring any accredited club to undertake activity for the purposes of retaining accreditation. If your local County Cricket Board/Foundation has contacted you with local requirements to retain accreditation, please ensure these are actioned.
Clubs are not required to submit anything for re-accreditation. However:
The LCF position, fully supported by the Liverpool Competition, following on from the National Statement and notified to clubs, is:
For clarity, our stance is that all Lancashire clubs due for re-accreditation in 2025 must continue to update their Clubmark portal and evidence the criteria required. CDO’s will continue to work with their clubs to assist them meet the required standard.
Please remember that being 100% compliant on SHMS is none-negotiable. There are a number of Safehands courses organised and booking can be made via the LCF website - https://foundation.lancashirecricket.co.uk/workforce-and-volunteering/safeguarding/safeguarding-courses/
SEASON 2026 DATES
To help clubs with their planning, It has been agreed that the start and finish dates for the Liverpool Competition 2026 season will follow the same pattern as in 2025 as follows:
Saturday 18 April – Preliminary/Round 1 Cup Fixtures
Saturday 25 April – League Fixtures Start
Saturday 19 September – League Fixtures end
3rd X1 SUNDAY FIXTURES IN SEPTEMBER 2025
Please note that following some concerns expressed concerning light, it has been agreed that ALL Sunday 3rd X1 Sunday games played in September should start at 1pm.
L&DCC Management Committee
1 September 2025
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