The competition is divided into six periods (Dutch: periode) of six matches each. The winner of each period (Dutch: periodekampioen) qualifies for the playoffs at the end of the season. If the winner of a period has already won a prior period in the season, the second placed team in the period is awarded the playoff slot. If the second placed team has also won a prior period, no winner is called, and the playoff slot is decided by league standing at the end of the season.
^FC Volendam, the winner of period 4, had finished first in this period. FC Den Bosch, winner of period 1, had finished second. This period has not been awarded, the playoff slot will be awarded to the highest-ranked team without a period title in the final standings.