The Belgian First Division is going to be played in a new format. 2012 is going to be some sort of transition year. After a preliminary round with two double round robins the eight teams will be split as did in the last couple of seasons. Another double round robin within the top four/bottom four teams follows (season total 34 games). However in difference to 2011 the records from the preliminary phase will be maintained. The top-ranked team will be crowned champion, as there is going to be no championship series due to the European Championship in September. Games will be scheduled Saturday and Sundays at 3.30pm.
In 2013 the split after the first portion of the preliminary round will be eliminated. Instead all eight teams are going to play three double round robins for a season total of 42 games. The top two teams will qualify for the Belgium Series (best-of-five format). Additionally there is a plan to transform Saturday/Sunday game days into Sunday doubleheaders, starting at 12.30pm. However the Belgian Federation will decide on this definitely by the end of the 2012 season. Also the IBAF Extra Inning Tiebreaker will be used.
In both years the eighth-ranked club will be relegated directly to the second division. The seventh-ranked team has to play a best-of-three series against a team from the second division.
Download the Competition Structure PDF from the KBBSF-FRBBS Website