These matches are held between two teams of either seven or eight riders who are numbered 1 to 8. Each team may nominate either one or two non-programmed reserves at Nos. 7 and 8 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: | 3 | 4 | 1 | 2 |
| 5: | 5 | 6 | 3 | 4 |
| 6: | 1 | 2 | 5 | 6 |
| 7: | 5 | 6 | 1 | 2 |
| 8: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| 9: | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| 10: | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| 11: | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| 12: | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
| 13: | 3 | 4 | 1 | 2 |
| 14: | 5 | 6 | 3 | 4 |
| 15: | 1 | 2 | 5 | 6 |
| 16: | 5 | 6 | 1 | 2 |
| 17: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| 18: | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
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. Team members may decide amongst themselves which gate positions they will take in their heats. Gate A is on the inside of the track, whilst Gate D is on the outside.
Each reserve may have a maximum of six rides that can be taken at any time. All exclusions count towards the maximum number of rides.
No rider is required to take a minimum number of rides.
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.