The organisation announced plans earlier this year to move from two divisions to a three-tier competition, with clubs needing to meet criteria relating to junior pathways, financial compliance and player numbers to be awarded premier league admission.

Last week the NTFA met with presidents from all 20 clubs, who were then required to give their preference of whether the restructure should take place from 2019 or from 2020, with the final decision to be made by the NTFA board. 

NTFA president Paul Reynolds announced on Tuesday evening that while the restructure would go ahead as planned in 2019, clubs would have until June 1 to meet the criteria.

Seventeen clubs voted to postpone the restructure until 2020, while three voted to have the changes implemented immediately.

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Reynolds said the final decision reflected the majority balance of both the membership clubs and the NTFA board.

“There was an overwhelming support by the presidents of the NTFA for a delay or a postponement of 12 months into the implementation of the restructure,” Reynolds said.

“I gave an undertaking to the presidents that I would take those sentiments back to the board and facilitate the board with an outline of the arguments supporting the requests by the respective membership clubs. 

“The NTFA listened to the concerns raised by membership clubs and the board voted in relation to their position based upon that communication and co-operative process.

“As president of the NTFA I welcome the endorsement of the clubs to restructure as the needs dictate, but in co-operation with those clubs for the best outcomes for football in Northern Tasmania.”

It is believed clubs were most concerned by the requirement of an NTJFA program or alignment for premier division sides.

The six-month pushback should come as some relief to the four division 1 clubs without such a connection; Hillwood, Rocherlea, Bridgenorth and Bracknell. 

Meanwhile, any expansion to the proposed third tier, division 2 competition will be subject to approval from the NTFA council, which consists of NTFA board members and club representatives.

Campbell Town, Winnaleah and Mole Creek have all expressed interest in competing in the one club, one team division 2 competition.

“Ultimately the council will have the responsibility of voting on propositions put forward by respective clubs because that’s what our by-laws require,” Reynolds said.

“The council have indicated that there is no current capacity for the NTFA to make that vote in isolation.”

East Coast and Bridport were admitted to the current division 2 competition for the 2017 season on the recommendation of the NTFA council.