The current fourth tier of the Polish national league system was established on 19 February 2000, under the name IV liga.

In August 2000, the first official season of new fourth tier commenced with teams spread across 21 territorial groups.

In the remaining 11 voivodeships, only one group was held, the winner of which automatically earning promoted to a higher division.

The latest restructure came in effect ahead of the 2016–17 season, with the numbers of teams reduced to 72 across four groups.

The competition is played in a round-robin format, with each team facing others in their respective group twice, at home and away.