How the log is calculated
The points system is the same as in most leagues around the world: 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw and 0 for a loss. At the end of the season, the points total decides the order of the log from first to 16th.
Goal difference is calculated as goals scored minus goals conceded. It is the main measure used to separate clubs that finish on the same number of points. Take two hypothetical clubs, both on 52 points: if one has a goal difference of +12 and the other +8, the club on +12 finishes higher.
What happens when clubs are level
If clubs are still level on points and goal difference, the number of goals scored is used next, so the side that scored more goals over the season goes higher. Further steps, such as the results between the clubs involved and, as a last resort, a play-off, are set out in the PSL's rulebook. The order of these steps has differed between competitions and seasons, which is why a generic league-table rule should never be assumed to apply in South Africa.
Not every match finishes normally. When a club forfeits a match, the points are typically awarded to the opponent, often with a 3-0 scoreline recorded. When a match is abandoned, whether the result stands, the game is replayed or the remaining minutes are completed depends on the circumstances and on the decision of the league's disciplinary and competition bodies. Any change of points in these cases should be checked against the official PSL announcement rather than worked out from the table.
Why final log position matters
The final log decides more than the title. The top finishers qualify for CAF club competitions: the CAF Champions League places go to the clubs at the top of the log, followed by places in the CAF Confederation Cup. The number of places a country receives depends on CAF's rankings, so it can change from season to season.
The log also decides entry to the MTN8, which is open to the top eight finishers of the previous season. At the other end, the bottom club is relegated automatically and the club in 15th place goes into the promotion play-offs.
To work out what a club needs on the final day, start with points, then goal difference, then goals scored, and check the current PSL rules on psl.co.za for anything beyond that.
