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The Islandian Times
Wednesday, March 31, 2004
IPA Commissioner Proclaims New 16-Team Playoff System
In a press conference today at IPA headquarters in Forest City, John Banford, the IPA Commissioner, issued his decision on the new Pro Cup playoff system. Banford approved the petition of 16 team owners that requested the number of playoff teams be lowered to 16 teams and each round of the playoffs be expanded to a best-of-five series, replacing the the best-of-three system in the early rounds.
Banford said he agreed that too often a lesser team could win a short series. Expanding the number of games made good sense and would make for better competition. Banford said he didn't think teams that did not play .500 ball deserved to be included in the playoffs, therefore he was reducing the number from 32 to 16 teams. Another important factor in his decision was the overwhelming support of the fans for the new system. He said his own private poll revealed 85% of them strongly favored it.
Banford said he knew his ruling would not be well-received by a good many owners. He advised them to improve their teams so that they would be worthy of the playoffs.
Banford told The Islandian Times that the new playoff system would go into effect this year. All of the playoff series would be best three-of-five series in the Sweet 16, Elite 8 and Final 4 rounds. The Pro Cup Finals would be increased to a best-four-out-of-seven series.
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