Wick Academy invited to compete in Scottish Cup – but can refuse without being penalised
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Wick Academy have been invited to take part in a revamped Scottish Cup this season.
But they reserve the right not to take part in the tournament without being penalised.
This season's competition will have fewer rounds, due to the impact of coronavirus on the football season.
North Caledonian League outfit Golspie Sutherland have been invited to be one of 30 clubs to take part in the first preliminary round which takes place on Saturday, November 28.
They will start in the same round as clubs from the East of Scotland League and South of Scotland League, as well as junior and amateur teams.
Fifteen Highland League sides, including Academy, will enter the competition in the second preliminary round which takes place on December 12.
Highland League champions Brora Rangers and last season's runners-up Fraserburgh, along with all League Two clubs, will enter the competition in the first round on Boxing Day.
Caley Thistle along with all Championship and League One clubs will enter the competition in the second round on January 9.
All 12 Premiership clubs, including Ross County, will enter the third round on January 30.
There will be no replays for all matches, with the outcome of any drawn match being determined by extra time and penalties, if required.
The number of substitutes permitted in a match will revert back to three, with an additional one permitted in any period of extra time.
Clubs eligible to participate will be given the option to decline to do so if they decide that they cannot meet the requirements.
Clubs that decline to enter the competition will not be penalised financially and will still receive the bonus payment, equivalent to them being eliminated at the round they would otherwise enter.
