The tentative compromise plans included two divisions of 12 teams each with the top two making the season-ending Super Four, mirroring the league's format in the 2006 and 2007 seasons.
This idea was canceled by the NPL on October 7 and the league returned to 20 teams for the season.
Due to enforcement of minimum pitch standards, several teams have been made to play in different stadiums outside their home cities.
The second half of the season began 11 May after a six-week break, including two delays for national elections.
The season was finished on 13 November 2011 after another six-week delay to allow for the Federation Cup and teams playing on the continent to concentrate on their fixtures.