The clubs are drawn from the historic counties of Aberdeenshire and Banffshire.
Historically, clubs from Moray and Angus also competed.
The competition began in 1919 as the North Eastern League and renamed in 1921.
It ran until the end of season 1952–53 when it was disbanded due to clubs' priorities being primarily on the Highland League.
Currently, teams are allowed to field three over-age players in their match squad.