Why not an eight-team play-off for Jamaica's Premier League?

By Patrick Anderson

So the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) has ratified a four-team play-off for the red Stripe Premier League, rather than the proactive and smart eight-team play-offs sent to the JFF by the Premier League Clubs Association (PLCA).

And though it is a step in the right direction by the JFF for Jamaica's unique sporting and football reality, that is - the fans turn out as long as their team is in with a chance of qualifying or has qualified - I am personally disappointed the JFF watered down the exciting eight-team play-offs proposed by the PLCA to a four-team system, and not because I am a supporter of the eight-team play-offs, but because it is the right thing to do. I was one who advocated strongly for the eight-team play-offs, and when invited to put it in writing at the end of last season, I did.

It's not a reinvention of the proverbial wheel, the experience of watching up close the NBA, NHL and the NFL play-offs with a similar eight-team play-off system, is what drove me to strongly suggest that Jamaica adopt that system.

I have been at pains to point out the value of the eight-team play-offs, and my colleague, Earl Bailey, put it in context. Sports in Jamaica, especially those that are televised, need the support of the clubs, the fans, the sponsors and the media, that quartet of stakeholders must operate together for any televised competition to be successful.

A straight League such as in England, Italy, France, Germany and Spain will not work in Jamaica, unless it's a close race. And that's because the fans are fair weather fans, meaning they will support their team as long as they are in contention. When they are not, they stop turning out for matches. Not so in Europe; they support their teams right until the final whistle of the final match.

So, to guarantee excitement and interest every season, let eight teams make the play-offs in our now league-cup format.

Imagine teams in 9th and 10th and maybe 11th places battling for the 7th or 8th play-off spot. I also suggested that the 12th and last placed team after the three rounds of 33 matches should be automatically relegated, and the 11th placed team be forced to enter the Confed play-offs with the other Confed qualifiers, and the top two be promoted. This lifeline for the 11th place team is to ensure that teams don't just come up and down each season.

If the JFF can't see the value in that, then it's time for them to close shop. Or is it just about power, and putting the PLCA in their place.

The verdict is yours.