These matches are held between two teams of four riders who are numbered 1 to 4. The riders with the lowest and second-lowest averages in each team are designated as the reserve and supplementary reserve respectively.
The heat format is determined as follows:
| Heat | HOME TEAM | AWAY TEAM | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red | Blue | White | Y/B | |
| 1: | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| 2: | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| 3: | 1 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| 4: | 2 | 4 | 1 | 3 |
| 5: Nom | * | * | * | * |
The team captain winning the toss of a coin prior to the start chooses the starting gate positions for the first heat (A & C or B & D). These gate positions then alternate every heat. Gate A is on the inside of the track, whilst Gate D is on the outside.
A reserve may have a maximum of four rides that can be taken at any time. A supplementary reserve may also have a maximum of four rides, but may only be used as a replacement in heats where the reserve is also riding. In addition, a supplementary reserve may not replace a reserve excluded for a starting infringement or exceeding the two minute time allowance. All exclusions count as rides.
No rider is required to take a minimum number of rides.
Each team must nominate two riders for Heat 5; the home team declaring first.
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.