Wikipedia - Norwegian Third Division
The Norwegian Third Division, also called Norsk Tipping-Ligaen, is the fourth highest division of the men's football league in Norway. Like the rest of the Norwegian football league system, the season runs from spring to autumn, running approximately from April to October. After the 2010 season, the league was reorganised, reducing the number of teams to 164 and halving the number of parallel sections from 24 to 12. After the 2016 season, the league was again reorganised, reducing the number of teams from 164 to 84, and halved the number of groups from twelve to six.
All six group winners promote to 2. divisjon, while the bottom four in all groups are relegated to 4. divisjon.
History
1963–2010
The 3. divisjon was known as the 4. divisjon from 1963 until 1990, when the top-tier league changed its name to Tippeligaen, the 2. divisjon became the 1. divisjon and the names of all the lower divisions were adjusted accordingly. Until 2010, there were 24 parallel sections of the 3. divisjon, each consisting of between 10 and 16 teams. The winners paired up and played each other in one home match and one away match in a playoff. Thus, 12 teams were promoted to the 2. divisjon. This system was in place from 2001. The number of teams that were relegated from each section to the 4. divisjon, varied from two to four, depending on the number of teams in each section.
2011–2016
From 2011 to 2016, 3. divisjon consisted of 12 parallel sections of 12 or 14 teams, and the winners of each group was promoted to the 2. divisjon. Ten sections consisted of 14 teams each, from the South of Norway, the last two sections consisted of 12 teams each, from the Northern Norway. In the sections with 14 teams, the bottom three teams were relegated to the 4. divisjon, and in the two sections with 12 teams each, the bottom two teams were relegated.
2017–
After changes in the Norwegian football pyramid, no teams were promoted from the 3. divisjon after the 2016 season. The fourth tier was split into six groups which for the 2017 season consisted of the teams finishing from 7th to 14th in the 2016 2. divisjon groups and the top 4 teams from the 3. divisjon groups along with the 8 best 5th-placed teams in the 3. divisjon. The rest of the teams in the 2016 3. divisjon was relegated. As of the 2018 season, the 3. divisjon consist of 6 groups of 14 teams.
Like in the rest of the Norwegian Football league system, all the teams play each other twice, once at home and once away. Three points are awarded for a win, one for a draw, and if two teams are equal on points, the one with the best goal difference is above the other on the table. The teams are placed in the 6 sections according to geographic considerations. Travel times have also been considered occasionally; Bjørnevatn IL in the outskirts of Kirkenes was placed in a group dedicated to the greater Oslo area in the 2017 and 2018 seasons, as commuting by plane between Kirkenes Airport and Gardermoen Airport was deemed easier than travelling westwards through northern Norway by road.
Welcome to the Norway Division 3 Group 8, an exciting and competitive soccer tournament that showcases the talent and passion of local clubs across the region. This tournament is part of the Norwegian football league system, serving as a vital platform for teams aspiring to climb the ranks and make their mark in the world of Norwegian soccer.
**Tournament Overview:**
Norway Division 3 Group 8 features a diverse array of teams, each bringing their unique style of play and fervent fan support. The tournament is designed to promote sportsmanship, teamwork, and the development of young talent, making it a crucial stepping stone for clubs aiming for promotion to higher divisions.
**Format:**
The tournament follows a round-robin format, where each team competes against every other team in the group. Matches are held on weekends, allowing fans to come out and support their local clubs. Points are awarded for wins and draws, with the top teams at the end of the season vying for promotion to Division 2.
**Key Highlights:**
- **Local Rivalries:** The tournament is known for its intense local rivalries, with matches often drawing large crowds and creating an electric atmosphere.
- **Emerging Talent:** Many players in Division 3 Group 8 are on the cusp of breaking into professional soccer, making every match an opportunity to witness the future stars of Norwegian football.
- **Community Engagement:** Clubs in this division are deeply rooted in their communities, often hosting events and activities that bring fans together and foster a love for the sport.
**Join Us:**
Whether you’re a die-hard soccer fan or new to the sport, the Norway Division 3 Group 8 tournament promises thrilling matches, unforgettable moments, and a celebration of the beautiful game. Come out to support your team, enjoy the camaraderie of fellow fans, and experience the passion of Norwegian soccer at its grassroots level!