FC Halifax Town: Shaymen will be back in action no later than July 18 if play-off proposals are approved

In a presentation to clubs, it is proposed that league standings will be decided on a points per game (PPG) basis, with promotion, play-offs and relegation taking place.

League leaders Barrow will be promoted as champions and six teams would then battle it out in the play-offs.

The PPG method would see 11th placed Barnet jump up four places into seventh above Stockport County.

The play-offs would start behind closed doors at club grounds by July 18 at the latest, and be completed by July 31.

Matches will be broadcast on BT Sport and the play-off final will be at a neutral venue.

As it stands, Halifax would be due to face Boreham Wood away, with the winners then facing a trip to second place Harrogate in another one-off game, with a place in the final up for grabs.

Clubs involved in the play-offs will need to test players and staff for coronavirus and fund the costs.  

There will be no sanction if a club declines to participate.

Clubs have been given until the end of Monday to cast their vote.

If the proposal is not passed then an alternative resolution will be put to clubs.

The FA Council will need to approve the National League’s decision.  

The National League is aiming for the new season to start in September with fans allowed in stadiums.

But in the presentation to clubs, the National League said: “However, we need to be cautious, we need to be adaptable, and we may need to consider alternative fixture formats.”
Extra protocols will need to be put in place with regards to travelling to matches, changing rooms, showering, toilets and bars.
Allowing teams to have five substitutes is one rule change that is being considered for the new season as well as what happens if another curtailment is required.
If the new campaign does start in September then it would finish in May followed by the play-offs.
In ordinary circumstances the 2020/2021 season would have started on August 8.