Playoffs - Yes or No?

The last few times I've had the opportunity for a frosty one and soccer conversations after a hard fought game, the subject of indoor playoffs has come up consistently. Its time we looked at the pros and cons of such an undertaking.

The pros are easily identified. Play-offs would extend the season by at least one game for some teams and oftentimes allow a re-match with an opponent that they would like to play one more time. As in college football, there is no doubt that a play-off system is preferable, especially in divisions that are large enough, where every team may not have had the opportunity to compete against each other. As a player currently participating in the league, I would love to see a division winner determined in such a manner.

However, from a league administration standpoint, play-offs are a nightmare for a number of reasons:

• At over $150 per hour for turf time the cost for even a few extra games is substantial. Even a 4-team play-off system would require an additional 3 games, increasing each team fees by $50-$100 depending on the size of the divisions.
  
• If only the top 4 teams qualify, are squads in places 5-10 willing to buck up for their extra games?
  
• Some divisions are small. Do you really want to play the same team a third time?
  
• Turn-around from the last league game to the first play-off game is sometimes only 3-5 days. That doesn't leave much time to submit referee reports, adjust the standings and then based on those standings get the right teams to the right fields at the right time. Step one is the most important. If a referee report isn't filed, scores aren't recorded and standings can't be adjusted. In turn some teams may not be sure where exactly they sit, resulting in....................
• The dreaded play-off forfeit. They suck during the regular season, but even more so in tournaments. It is costly and a waste of time for everyone involved.
  
• Ultimately the league is recreational in nature, with an emphasis on the game in a competitive, but relaxed environment, focusing on sportsmanship and camaraderie. The beer is equally as cold and tasty whether we win, or loose and the lies I tell about my quality of play, are the same!

Nick and I are at an impasse. We will continue to include the play-offs in the summertime, because we can circumvent most of the problems, but are hesitant to do so for indoor play. In lieu of the play-offs, is it viable to allow time for an end-of the season tournament after every session, for which those teams that are interested can pay separately? I'm interested in hearing your feedback.