With just five weeks to complete fixtures Cumbrian clubs are under pressure to fit in all their matches in the Conference League’s regional competition.
COVID has played havoc with matches and the Cumbria section is well behind the other six Leagues.
The plan is for the top two teams in each of the seven regional Leagues, together with the third-placed sides in Leagues B and F will play-off on a straight knockout basis with games on September 18, September 25 and October 2 to determine the Grand Finalists.
But to help clubs complete their fixtures, particularly in Cumbria, the NCL say that for the remainder of the season games between teams that have not already met can be played as four-point double headers.
Conference administrator Alan Smith said: “The first half will be played for two points and the second half for the other two points.
“If scores are level at the end of either half, a five-minute period of golden point will be played at the end of that half.
“Teams can agree which ground they play at but the default position if there is not a consensus is that the game will be played as per the fixture list for that day.
“If a four-pointer is agreed then clubs may wish to agree on a form of financial agreement between themselves to help the team that will miss out on the home game.
“All four pointers need to be agreed in writing between the clubs and sent to myself before close of business on the day before the game.
“In saying this, clubs are asked to make all efforts to get in as many games as possible.
“If games are not played then the NCL Management will make a decision on the outcome of the match.”
Askam have already pulled out of the Cumbria section leaving Wath Brow, Kells, Barrow Island, Millom, Egremont and Hensingham but so far only 11 games have been completed.
Hensingham and Millom were the latest clubs to be COVID-affected but they hope to be back in action against each other on Friday night at Hensingham.
Games planned for Saturday are Egremont v Barrow Island and Kells v Wath Brow.
