These matches are held between two teams of six riders who are numbered 1 to 6. The rider with the lowest average in each team is the reserve and must be programmed at No. 6.
The heat format is determined as follows:
| Heat | HOME TEAM | AWAY TEAM | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red | Blue | White | Y/B | |
| 1: | 1 (A) | 2 (C) | 1 (B) | 2 (D) |
| 2: | 5 (D) | 4 (B) | 5 (C) | 4 (A) |
| 3: | 3 (C) | 6 (A) | 3 (D) | 6 (B) |
| 4: | 5 (D) | 4 (B) | 1 (C) | 2 (A) |
| 5: | 1 (D) | 2 (B) | 3 (A) | 6 (C) |
| 6: | 3 (A) | 6 (C) | 5 (B) | 4 (D) |
| 7: | 5 (C) | 4 (A) | 3 (B) | 6 (D) |
| 8: | 1 (C) | 2 (A) | 5 (D) | 4 (B) |
| 9: | 3 (B) | 6 (D) | 1 (A) | 2 (C) |
| 10: | 1 (B) | 4 (D) | 3 (C) | 5 (A) |
| 11: | 3 (D) | 5 (B) | 1 (A) | 4 (C) |
| 12: | 2 (C) | 6 (A) | 2 (D) | 6 (B) |
| 13: Lowest | * (B) | * (D) | * (A) | * (C) |
| 14: Middle | * (A) | * (C) | * (B) | * (D) |
| 15: Highest | * (B) | * (D) | * (A) | * (C) |
Riders take the starting gate positions indicated in parentheses. Gate A is on the inside of the track, whilst Gate D is on the outside.
A reserve may have a maximum of seven rides that can be taken at any time, although they may not replace riders excluded for exceeding the two minute allowance. All exclusions count towards the maximum number of rides.
No rider is required to take a minimum number of rides.
In Heats 4 to 12, a team behind by six or more points may substitute a programmed rider with any other rider in the team, provided each rider is only used as a tactical substitute once. A substitute rider takes the helmet colour and starting gate position of the replaced rider. Both riders in a heat may be substituted in this manner, provided the Referee is clearly notified which substitute replaces which rider.
After Heat 12, each team nominates their riders for the three remaining heats; the home team declaring first. Riders may only be nominated as follows: Heat 13 - two lowest scorers, Heat 14 - two middle scorers, Heat 15 - two highest scorers. The scores from programmed rides only are counted and bonus points are included. Team members scoring an equal number of points may be nominated for any heat where they are eligible.
The team scoring the greater number of points over all heats is declared the winner. When teams score an equal number of points, the match is declared a draw.