These matches are held between two teams of seven riders who are numbered 1 to 7. The two riders with the lowest averages in each team are the reserves and must be programmed at Nos. 6 and 7 (in any order). In addition, the three riders with the highest averages in each team are the heat-leaders and must be programmed at Nos. 1, 3 and 5 (in any order). The latter restriction does not apply to KO Cup matches.
The heat format is determined as follows:
| Heat | HOME TEAM | AWAY TEAM | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red | Blue | White | Y/B | |
| 1: | 1 (A-B) | 2 (C-D) | 1 (B-A) | 2 (D-C) |
| 2: | 6 (B-A) | 7 (D-C) | 6 (A-B) | 7 (C-D) |
| 3: | 3 (C-D) | 4 (A-B) | 3 (B-A) | 4 (D-C) |
| 4: | 5 (C-D) | 7 (A-B) | 5 (D-C) | 7 (B-A) |
| 5: | 3 (B-A) | 4 (D-C) | 1 (C-D) | 2 (A-B) |
| 6: | 1 (C-D) | 2 (A-B) | 5 (B-A) | 6 (D-C) |
| 7: | 5 (B-A) | 6 (D-C) | 3 (A-B) | 4 (C-D) |
| 8: | 2 (D-C) | 7 (B-A) | 2 (C-D) | 7 (A-B) |
| 9: | 3 (D-C) | 4 (B-A) | 5 (A-B) | 6 (C-D) |
| 10: | 1 (D-C) | 2 (B-A) | 3 (C-D) | 4 (A-B) |
| 11: | 5 (A-B) | 6 (C-D) | 1 (D-C) | 2 (B-A) |
| 12: | 3 (A-B) | 7 (C-D) | 3 (D-C) | 6 (B-A) |
| 13: | 1 (B-A) | 5 (D-C) | 1 (A-B) | 5 (C-D) |
| 14: | 4 (C-D) | 6 (A-B) | 4 (B-A) | 7 (D-C) |
| 15: Top | * | * | * | * |
Riders take the starting gate positions indicated in parentheses. The actual gate sequence used during the match is determined by the team captain winning the toss of a coin prior to the start, with the gate positions for Heat 15 being decided by another toss of a coin. Gate A is on the inside of the track, whilst Gate D is on the outside.
Each reserve may have a maximum of seven rides that can be taken at any time. All exclusions count as rides, and a reserve that has been replaced in a heat is not eligible to replace a rider subsequently excluded from that heat.
A rider committing a starting infringement may be replaced by a reserve, or they may take a fifteen metre penalty if neither team is using a Golden Tactical Substitute. If they choose the latter, the starting positions are amended so the handicapped rider starts from an outside gate (first D, then C), with their partner starting from an inside gate (first B, then A). Any further starting infringement results in exclusion without replacement. Should the partner of a handicapped rider also commit a starting infringement, they may only be replaced by a reserve.
All riders must take at least three rides prior to Heat 15 unless declared injured by the track medical officer. If a rider is unable to take the minimum number of rides, their place in a heat may not be taken by any other rider until this requirement is met (i.e. a team may not track a rider). For the purposes of this regulation, an exclusion for a starting infringement or exceeding the two minute time allowance only counts as a ride if the excluded rider is not replaced.
In Heats 5 to 14, 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.
In the League and Craven Shield competitions only, one Golden Tactical Substitution may be made per match instead of a normal tactical substitution, provided that a team is behind by eight or more points at the time. The Golden Tactical Substitute starts fifteen metres behind the starting line, but any points scored by that rider are doubled (i.e. winning the heat would yield six points). The starting positions are also amended so the substitute rider starts from Gate D, with their partner starting from Gate B. Any starting infringements result in a further handicap of ten metres. A rider may not become a Golden Tactical Substitute in a heat they are already programmed to ride in.
Each team must nominate two riders for Heat 15 who must either be heat-leaders or amongst the three highest scorers; the home team declaring first. The scores from all rides are counted and bonus points are included. A rider in this heat may only be replaced by a reserve except when declared injured by the track medical officer. In this event, the next highest scoring rider becomes eligible instead.
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.