The National Ice Hockey League Division 1 (NIHL 1) is structured into North and South divisions, each with distinct formats for both the regular season and postseason competitions.

In the North division, teams face each other four times during the regular season—twice at home and twice away. After these matchups, the top four teams progress to a Playoff weekend, which is a series of one-off games rather than the previous home-and-away format. Notably, there is not usually a third place playoff. Promotion and relegation rules between the Moralee and Laidler divisions are subject to frequent changes, and occasional cup competitions are held, typically in a league format with adjustments from season to season.

In the South, the structure mirrors the North in the regular season, with teams playing each other four times—again, twice home and twice away. However, the playoffs retain a two-legged home-and-away format. Division 1 playoffs involve three rounds and the top eight teams from the regular season, while Division 2 playoffs consist of two rounds with the top two teams from each conference. Semi-final matchups see conference winners playing the opposite conference runners-up, culminating in a final between the two victorious semi-finalists.

Cup competitions are also featured in the South. In Division 1, six teams are divided into two groups of three, with the top two from each group advancing to a two-legged knock-out semi-final and final. Division 2 features eight teams, initially split into two groups of four (each containing two teams from each conference). The top two teams from each group qualify for a Cup Final Weekend at a single venue, with semi-finals held on Saturday and the final on Sunday.

NIHL 1 offers a dynamic and varied competition structure, with each division contributing its own traditions and innovations to the league’s competitive landscape.