A football pyramid is a term that is used to describe a football league’s hierarchy system. This system showcases the teams that will be relegated or promoted as per result of the playoffs. It is referred to as a pyramid because of the increasing number of local and regional teams set down the steps or tiers, leading to a smaller number of teams up, just like a pyramid structure.
The pyramid shows how teams are transferred from one division to the other based on their performance in one completed season. As a rule, the best-ranked teams lie on the top of the pyramid.
In addition, the pyramid also shows the interconnectedness of leagues, the number of divisions and the number of clubs that should be included in each division.
Relegation and Promotion
The football pyramid shows the leagues that are tied together by what is called the principle of relegation and promotion. This principle basically explains the importance or the need for the pyramid and comes with several points that need to be followed.One of these points is the fact that the most successful clubs or teams that belong to the league always have the chance to rise to a higher league or level while those who finish at the bottom of the line or those who had endured great losses after a season, will be sinking below the bottom of the pyramid.
Furthermore, promotion up to the pyramid also depends on certain criteria that are usually set by the higher league. The clubs that can qualify for a promotion need to meet these set criteria in order for them to take their place in the upper end of the hierarchy. These criteria include appropriate budget or finances as well as facilities.
Though there are certain criteria that need to be met, a local beginner club still has a chance to be included in the annual promotions because of its excellent performance during the season and can even be at the top and be considered as champions. Though this is highly unlikely since most of those who are at the top of the pyramid also have achieved a lot, which will enable them to meet the specified criteria, it is still a possibility.
Lastly, most football pyramids that use the principle do not combine professional leagues to amateur ones. Amateur leagues have their own football pyramid.