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 must be programmed at Nos. 1, 3 and 5 (in any order).
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: Nom | * (B-A) | * (D-C) | * (A-B) | * (C-D) |
| 16: Top | * (A-B) | * (C-D) | * (B-A) | * (D-C) |
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. 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 excluded may not be used in the same heat again.
All riders must take at least three rides prior to Heat 15 unless declared injured. 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 (eight or more points in the 1995 and 1996 seasons) 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 may nominate any two riders for Heat 15, except those participating in Heat 16.
The two highest scoring riders in each team (reserves excepted) may only ride in Heat 16. 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. In this event, the scores of the rider are not considered when deciding the heat line-up.
The home team declares their riders for Heats 15 and 16 first.
In the 1995 BPL KO Cup competition only, bonus points scored by riders DO count towards team scores.
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.