The Merit Table has been operational in its present format for more than two decades and serves as a mechanism for assessing the performance of facilities and administration including discipline for each club and team. This table assists the league in determining the eligibility of a team for promotion to a higher division, provided that the team is positioned for promotion. Additionally, it acts as a valuable reference for both the league and individual clubs to identify areas in need of improvement. 

As the league continues to grow with the addition of more clubs and teams, it has become apparent that having a single ranking system encompassing approximately 200 teams does not facilitate an effective comparison of teams competing at the same level, for either the league itself or the individual clubs to measure. 

What Will Be Different? 

 

While we will continue to create a single merit ranking, specifically featuring the top ten teams competing for the Clive Kay Trophy, we will also implement merit tables for each divisional level within the league structure. For instance, the merit table for Division One will include all 48 teams—specifically Beckett, Ebor, Galtres, and Holderness—consolidated into one table. Division Two will encompass all teams from the four respective regions, and this format will be maintained for subsequent divisions. Additionally, Premier One and Premier Two will be combined in a single listing. 

Regular Updating 

 

The individual merit tables shall be revised periodically, as feasible. Such updates will primarily involve the addition of demerit points and the deduction of disciplinary points where applicable. When clubs provide information regarding ground improvements and similar matters, the corresponding scores will be adjusted immediately. An effort will be made to update the markings for the pitch and outfield at the midpoint of the season. 

 

As part of the updates additional marks will be awarded for clubs who have attained the ECB ClubMark accreditation, and for those who have a defibrillator on the ground. 

 

Clubs will be assessed and marked regarding facilities, ground marks, submission of 

results, scorecards, captain’s reports, discipline, and sportsmanship marks where applicable. It is individual clubs’ responsibility to ensure that the league is made aware of any facility changes which may affect markings. 

 

Throughout the season, the League will monitor clubs and will collaborate with those identified as underperforming to help them improve their standing to an acceptable level.