Way Forward
Stop “pyramid” discussions with SJFA. Agree to amicably continue as separate organisations.
The Lowland League to have two feeder leagues, EOS and WOS.
Increase number of teams in Lowland League to 18. Top teams in EOS and WOS automatically promoted. Bottom two teams in Lowland League automatically relegated. Third bottom team in Lowland League plays off against second top teams in EOS and WOS.
Postpone floodlight requirement for Lowland League for two years, by which time any team in Lowland League without floodlights will be relegated and any team wishing to be promoted to Lowland League will require floodlights.
Increase number of teams in League 2 to 12 with similar split arrangement to Scottish Premier League. Top teams in Lowland League and Highland League automatically promoted. Bottom two teams in League 2 automatically relegated. Third bottom team in League 2 plays off against second top teams in Lowland League and Highland League.
Any ERSJFA teams wishing to join the EOS league system will enter at the bottom tier. If number joining was sufficiently high, a one season conference set-up, similar to the EOS FOR 2018-19, could be considered for leagues below EOS league.
Any WRSJFA teams wishing to join the WOS league would join the league directly, similar to Kelty Hearts in the East of Scotland League in season 2017-18. If number joining was sufficiently high, a one season conference set-up, similar to the EOS for 2018-19, could be considered.
If sufficient Highland Junior League teams interested in joining the pyramid, create a feeder league for Highland League. For promotion to Highland League, floodlights would be required.
All current ERSJFA teams eligible to join EOS leagues (forget the Tay divide). Depending on numbers, leagues below EOS could be regionally split e.g north and south of the Forth.
Only teams that are part of the Highland League, EOS leagues and WOS league to be eligible for Scottish Cup entry.
Create a SFA Trophy competition open to members of the Highland League, EOS leagues and WOS league. Scottish Amatuer Cup winners could be invited to participate in this competition.
Teams can elect not to be promoted to Lowland League. In time, the floodlights requirement is likely to rule out weaker teams.
