State League

A state league is a level of competition in Australian sport directly below that of a national league. Most of these competitions are based in a single state or territory, and from this the term originates. State leagues are generally semi-professional and of a lower playing standard compared to national leagues. Several state leagues act as quasi- reserves competitions for teams that also compete in national leagues, while others are entirely separated from their national counterparts.

History

The Australian federation consists of six states and two territories. Historically, the highest level of club-based sports were the various leagues based in each state and territory. The change to national leagues began in 1977 when the National Soccer League was formed with clubs in most capital cities. Australian football and rugby leagues followed suit during the 1980s when the Victorian and New South Welsh leagues began to admit clubs from other states.

State leagues by sport

Association football (soccer)

The state league system in men's association football (soccer) is generally underpinned by the National Premier Leagues (NPL), which administers individual competitions in eight state-based member federations. Each of the state league competitions represent the second tier in the Australian soccer league system. Following the imminent introduction of the National Second Division in 2024, the premier NPL competitions will shift down to level 3 in the system. The term 'state league' is also used as a divisional name in several member federations' lower-tier competitions.

In women's soccer, the state league system is largely operated by National Premier Leagues Women's, which currently consists of seven state-based member federations.

Australian rules football

Rugby league

Rugby union

Netball

State leagues in women's netball form the third tier of competition in Australia, below the elite Super Netball and the second-tier Australian Netball Championships (ANC). However, unlike the ANC – which has been reduced to a week-long series of matches held largely between Super Netball reserves and academy sides – state league netball competitions operate throughout the winter months and provide consistent pathways to players aiming to reach a higher level in the sport.

While men's netball is growing in popularity, the sport is yet to establish a strong history of state league competitions. Half of the current men's state leagues are branded under the M-League name and are operated by the various state-based men's and mixed netball associations.

Cricket

State leagues in cricket are traditionally referred to as grade cricket, with most state-based organisations now operating competitions under the Premier Cricket name following a move by Cricket Australia in 2016 to standardise branding. These leagues form the third tier of Australian cricket, below the elite Sheffield Shield and Women's National Cricket League for men and women respectively, and the second-tier Second XI competition for men.

Tennis

State leagues in tennis in Australia are operated by the governing tennis organisation for that state. These leagues provide an opportunity for local and international tennis players to play quality matches. Most Australian pro players begin their careers playing in their respective state league competitions. These leagues represent the highest level of inter-club tennis competition within their respective regions.

References

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