Third Division

The term Third Division usually describes the third highest division in a league hierarchy. Often the weakest clubs are relegated to a lower-tier, usually fourth-highest league after the end of a season, and receive the best-placed clubs from this lower tier in compensation. In addition, at the end of a season, the top-ranked clubs often move up in a league above, usually a second division . In some countries, the Third Division is no longer the third highest division after it was replaced by the introduction of additional (professional) leagues and pushed down one level at a time.

Important Third Division leagues in the English-speaking area are:

• Football League Third Division , English Third Division (after the season 2003 / 04 resolved)
• Scottish Football League Third Division , Scottish Third Division (currently the fourth Scottish League)
• Welsh Football League Third Division , Welsh Third Division (fourth Welsh league, in addition to which there are also seven other fourth Welsh leagues)

For further meaning of the term see division .