Seconda Categoria

The Seconda Categoria is the 8th level (since 2014–15) in the Italian football league system. Each individual league winner within the Seconda Categoria level progresses to their closest regional league in the Prima Categoria level. Depending on each league's local rules, a number of teams each year are relegated from each league, to the 9th level of Italian football, the Terza Categoria. This level of Italian football is completely amateur and is run on a regional level by a Regional Committee (Comitato Regionale). The top-placed teams in each group move to the Prima Categoria, while the last-place finisher drops to the Terza Categoria. Play-offs and play-outs are expected to be held, usually on the condition that there are no gaps of no more than 7 points. In all Seconda Categoria matches, except in cases of absolute necessity, the competent technical body of the Italian Referees Association, often the OTS, designates only the referee. The role of assistant referee is covered by a member of each of the clubs participating in the match. Only in some events and tournaments, especially the semi-finals and finals, does the competent technical body also designate the federal assistants and, sometimes, even the fourth official.