YORK City Knights' promotion challenge next season could become a mathematician's playground due to a radical shake-up of the way points are awarded.

Rugby Football League chiefs appear set to introduce a new system whereby three points are awarded for a win, two for a draw, one for a defeat by less than 12 points, and none for a defeat by more than 12 points.

This will replace the tried and trusted system of two points for a win, one for a draw and none for a defeat, which has always been used in rugby league and will continue to be used in Super League and in the amateur leagues.

The RFL has made no statement, but The Press understands that most National League clubs voted in favour of the new system, effectively rubberstamping the change ahead of the 2007 season.

It will be discussed further at a meeting of coaches and referees later this month, to be attended by Knights boss Mick Cook.

The Press believes the Knights were among those clubs with reservations, although the club have declined to comment until the changes become official.

If the changes are confirmed, it will be one of the rare occasions rugby league has taken an idea from rugby union, rather than the other way around. The National League in the 15-a-side game already has a similar system whereby losing teams can claim a bonus' point if they finish within seven points of the opposition.

It is argued that the new scheme rewards competitiveness and means teams could have something to play for even if it seems they could not actually win or draw the game.

The various permutations of results will also keep people on their toes.

On the other side of the debate, it could be claimed the bonus' point is a reward for losing, while three points for a win could help to lift teams into false positions.

Furthermore, it enhances rugby league's notorious reputation for messing with the rules of competitions on the eve of every season.

That said, the points shake-up could enhance the profile of the National League, a competition the RFL want to make more viable ahead of the introduction of a franchise-led Super League.

To that end, the RFL are currently working on a new television deal for the National League with digital channel Eurosport, in which live games would be screened on Thursday evenings. It is unlikely that any new sponsor for the National League would be in place before then.