SYDENHAMS Wessex League clubs passed a motion to allow three promotion and relegation places between its divisions for the forthcoming season at tonight's AGM. 

None of the competition rule changes were challenged, including the fourth-placed side in Division One being able take promotion should newcomers Weymouth reserves, who are ineligible to go up, finish in the top three.

The biggest bone of contention was over accepting the Terras' second string into Division One from the Dorset Premier League.

Club representatives, notably from Hythe & Dibden, Blackfield & Langley and Laverstock & Ford, vehemently argued it would “devalue” the competition in a lively debate conducted without prospective member clubs in the room. 

As it was, clubs could only vote to accept or reject the league's constiution outright with no amendments. There were no objections voiced over accepting Bashley, Shaftesbury, Baffins Milton Rovers or Hamble Club.

In the end, the league’s constitution was passed by 26 votes to 20 in a ballot of the existing member clubs that were represented at the meeting and 12 league committee members. All had the right to abstain.

The other unchallenged rule changes will see drawn Wessex League Cup ties go straight to a penalty shoot-out after 90 minutes other than the final. Semi-final ties will no longer be played at a neutral venue. 

In a new directive, anyone sent from the dugout in league competitions other than appointed physiotherapists will be sent back to the changing room for the remainder of matches instead of being allowed to watch from behind the barrier.