It is important to note that the recommended change over date for fixtures is 2012.
Every five or six years the nominal start date for the season moves forward to reflect the rolling impact of the 365 day year and the 366 in leap year - neither of these numbers being divisible by 7.
In 2011, the nominal first weekend of the season was that of 23rd/24th April with most league competitions starting over the weekend of 7th/8th May.
For future years the nominal start dates are as follows:
- 2012 28th/29th April
- 2013 27th/28th April
- 2014 26th/27th April
- 2015 25th/26th April
Leagues who choose to use a later year for change will merely start their season on week 2, if it had previously been year 3, and so on. The guide is issued to all member clubs and to all League Secretaries in membership.