These matches are held between two teams of either six or seven riders who are numbered 1 to 7. A team may nominate a non-programmed reserve at No. 7 without any restrictions.
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: | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
| 4: | 1 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| 5: | 2 | 6 | 3 | 5 |
| 6: | 4 | 5 | 1 | 6 |
| 7: | 1 | 6 | 2 | 5 |
| 8: | 2 | 4 | 3 | 6 |
| 9: | 3 | 5 | 1 | 4 |
| 10: | 1 | 4 | 2 | 6 |
| 11: | 2 | 5 | 4 | 5 |
| 12: | 3 | 6 | 1 | 3 |
| 13: 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.
The reserves may have a maximum of six rides that may be taken at any time. All exclusions count as 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 choose their starting gate positions (A & C or B & D). In addition, they 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.
Each team must nominate two riders for Heat 13. The team in the lead, or the home team if the scores are level, must nominate their riders 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.