This is the highest level of league competition in Sweden and consists of ten teams. Matches are held as a series of rounds between May and September, normally on Tuesdays.
Each team races every other team in the league once at home and once away, making a total of eighteen matches. Teams are awarded two points for a win, and one point for a draw. A team is also awarded a bonus point for an aggregate win over home and away matches against another team.
Placings are determined by points accumulated over all matches. Where two or more teams are tied on league points, the team with the greater excess of race points scored over race points conceded is placed higher.
The top four teams qualify for the Semi-Finals. The highest-placed team chooses whether to meet the 3rd or 4th placed team, with the 2nd placed team meeting the other team. The winners of the Semi-Finals progress to Final. All ties are held over home and away matches with the aggregate score deciding the result. The team finishing higher in the league holds the second leg at home.
The team winning the Final are declared League Champions. In addition, the bottom team is relegated to the Allsvenskan.
Elitserien: Indianerna (Kumla), Kaparna (Gothenburg), Luxo Stars (Målilla), Masarna (Avesta), Piraterna (Motala), Rospiggarna (Hallstavik), Smederna (Eskilstuna), Vargarna (Norrköping), VMS Elit (Vetlanda), Västervik,
This is the second level of league competition in Sweden and consists of seven teams. Matches are held as a series of rounds between May and September, normally on Thursdays.
Each team races every other team in the league once at home and once away, making a total of twelve matches. Teams are awarded two points for a win, and one point for a draw.
Placings are determined by points accumulated over all matches. Where two or more teams are tied on league points, the team with the greater excess of race points scored over race points conceded is placed higher.
The top four teams qualify for the Semi-Finals. The highest-placed team chooses whether to meet the 3rd or 4th placed team, with the 2nd placed team meeting the other team. The winners of the Semi-Finals progress to Final. All ties are held over home and away matches with the aggregate score deciding the result. The team finishing higher in the league holds the second leg at home.
The team winning the Final is promoted to the Elitserien. In 2004, no teams will be relegated to Division 1.
Allsvenskan: Bajan Speedway (Stockholm), Bysarna (Visby), Eldarna (Huddinge), Lejonen (Gislaved), Team Dalakraft (Avesta), Valsarna (Hagfors), Örnarna (Mariestad)
This is the third level of league competition in Sweden and consists of seven teams. Matches are held as a series of rounds between May and September, normally on Thursdays.
Each team races every other team in the league once at home and once away, making a total of twelve matches. Teams are awarded two points for a win, and one point for a draw.
Final placings are determined by points accumulated over all matches. Where two or more teams are tied on league points, the team with the greater excess of race points scored over race points conceded is placed higher.
The highest-placed team can apply for promotion to the Allsvenskan, which is subject to having suitable facilities and sufficient finances. No teams are relegated as membership of the league is by application.
Gastarna (Gothenburg), Getingarna (Stockholm), Griparna (Nyköping), Nässjö, Skepparna (Västervik), Team Bikab (Eskilstuna), Vikingarna (Örebro)
This competition will not be held in 2004.
This competition is for Swedish riders only. The participants are normally selected on the basis of their averages, with four riders being seeded directly to the Final. A further thirty-six riders are drawn into two Semi-Finals, with the four lowest-ranked riders in each competing in the pre-meeting runoffs. The top nine riders in each Semi-Final progress to the Final which is run using a modified Grand Prix format.
The winner of the Final is awarded a gold medal and declared Swedish Individual Champion. Riders finishing second and third are awarded silver and bronze medals respectively.
See 'What are the rules for Individual Meetings?' for further details on how each round is run. A pre-meeting runoff involving four riders is also held before each Semi-Final. The first two riders qualify for the meeting proper with the other two becoming the reserves.
This competition is Swedish riders under twenty-one years of age. Thirty-six riders are drawn into two Semi-Finals, with the four lowest-ranked riders in each competing in the pre-meeting runoffs. The top seven riders in each Semi-Final progress to the Final, with the next two riders qualifying for the pre-meeting runoff.
The winner of the Final is awarded a gold medal and declared Swedish Junior Individual Champion. Riders finishing second and third are awarded silver and bronze medals respectively.
See 'What are the rules for Individual Meetings?' for further details on how each round is run. A pre-meeting runoff involving four riders is also held at each round. The first two riders qualify for the meeting proper with the other two becoming the reserves.
This competition determines the Swedish entrants for the World Individual Speedway Championship. Any riders already qualified for the Grand Prix Series do not need to participate.
The competition is held as a single meeting involving eighteen riders selected from those that applied to participate. The final classification determines which riders qualify for the international rounds.
See 'What are the rules for Individual Meetings?' for further details on how this meeting is run. A pre-meeting runoff involving four riders is also held. The first two riders qualify for the meeting proper, with the other two becoming the reserves.
This competition determines the Swedish entrants for the World Junior Speedway Championship. All riders must be under twenty-one years of age.
The competition is held as a single meeting involving eighteen riders selected from those that applied to participate. The final classification determines which riders qualify for the international rounds.
See 'What are the rules for Individual Meetings?' for further details on how this meeting is run. A pre-meeting runoff involving four riders is also held. The first two riders qualify for the meeting proper, with the other two becoming the reserves.
There are four regionalised leagues (Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western) mainly for B and C teams, but also for the A teams of some smaller clubs. Only riders designated as reserves in the main leagues may compete in these competitions.
Meetings are staged using a three-team format. Each team races nine meetings, including three on their home track. Teams are awarded three points for winning a meeting, two points for finishing second, and one point for finishing third. Final placings are determined by points accumulated over all meetings.
Division 2 Norra: Eldarna (Huddinge), Getingarna (Stockholm), Stjärnorna (Hallstavik), Visby
Division 2 Södra: Gislaved, Gnistorna (Malmö), Målilla, Njudungarna (Vetlanda), Nässjö
Division 2 Östra: Husarerna (Kumla), Filbyterna (Linköping), Lindarna (Lindesberg), Sjörovarna (Motala), Ulvarna (Norrköping)
Division 2 Västra: Falkarna (Mariestad), Hajarna (Gothenburg), Solkatterna (Karlstad), Team Hafors
This competition is for Swedish riders under twenty-one years of age.
Meetings are staged using a four-team format. Each team races eight meetings, including two on their home track. Teams are awarded three points for winning a meeting, two points for finishing second, one point for finishing third, and no points for finishing fourth. Final placings are determined by points accumulated over all meetings.
Juniorserien: Dackarna ((Målilla), Indianerna (Kumla), Masarna/Örnarna (Avesta/Mariestad), Rospiggarna/Eldarna (Hallstavik/Stockholm), Smederna (Eskilstuna), VMS Elit/Bysarna (Visby/Vetlanda), Vagarna/Getingarna (Norrköping/Stockholm)
These 80cc competitions are for boys under seventeen years of age, and girls under eighteen years of age. Riders are no longer eligible once they start riding in 500cc speedway, which they may do when they are sixteen.
Meetings are staged using a three-team format. The teams are divided into two regionalised leagues (Northern and Southern), with each team racing twelve meetings, including four on their home track. Teams are awarded three points for winning a meeting, two points for finishing second, and one point for finishing third. Final placings are determined by points accumulated over all meetings.
The top three teams in each league qualify for the Semi-Finals (N1, S2 and N3 to one; S1, N2, S3 to the other). The top team in each Semi-Final, plus the highest scoring runner-up progress to the Final. These rounds are held together over a weekend at a single venue.
The team winning the Final are declared Swedish Champions.
Riksserien Norra: Eldarna (Huddinge), Folkare (Avesta), Masarna (Avesta), Rospiggarna (Hallstavik), Solkatterna (Karlstad), Smederna (Eskilstuna), Team Bikab (Eskilstuna), Valsarna (Hagfors)
Riksserien Södra: Dackarna/Lejonen (Målilla/Gislaved), Filbyterna (Linköping), Indianerna (Kumla), Kaparna (Gothenburg), Njudungarna (Vetlanda), Piraterna (Motala), Vargarna (Norrköping), Vetlanda, Örnarna (Mariestad)
Each Elitserien, Allsvenskan and Division 1 team must nominate a squad of riders before 1 December each year. They may not include more than ten riders with an average higher than 2.00 in the Elitserien, 3.00 in the Allsvenskan and 4.00 in Division 1. In addition, Division 1 squads may not include any foreign riders.
Most teams also have a rider-sharing agreement with a team in one of the other leagues. These teams may use each other's riders, although a rider is restricted to riding for their parent team if they also ride in a league outside Sweden. In addition, a rider with an individual average of 5.00 or higher may not double-up in a lower league.
Rider averages are used to govern actual team selection. Each rider is given an individual average (individuelltsnitt) and a team average (lagsnitt) based on their scores for their parent team during the previous season. The team average does not include bonus points.
A rider moving from a lower league to a higher league has their individual and team averages converted by multiplying them by 0.8 and subtracting 1.35 per league step. Conversely, a rider moving from a higher league to a lower league has their individual and team averages converted by dividing them by 0.8 and adding 1.69 per league step. Team averages are subject to a minimum value of 2.00 in the Elitserien, 3.00 in the Allsvenskan and 4.00 in Division 1.
Examples:
Rider with Elitserien average of 7.00 moving to Allsvenskan = 7.00 ÷ 0.8 + 1.69 = 10.44
Rider with Elitserien average of 7.00 moving to Division 1 = 7.00 ÷ 0.8 + 1.69 = 10.44 ÷ 0.8 + 1.69 = 14.74
Rider with Allsvenskan average of 8.00 moving to Division 1 = 8.00 ÷ 0.8 + 1.69 = 11.69
Rider with Allsvenskan average of 8.00 moving to Elitserien = 8.00 x 0.8 - 1.35 = 5.05
Rider with Division 1 average of 9.00 moving to Allsvenskan = 9.00 x 0.8 - 1.35 = 5.85
Rider with Division 1 average of 9.00 moving to Elitserien = 9.00 x 0.8 - 1.35 = 5.85 x 0.8 - 1.35 = 3.33
Team averages are retained throughout the season, but individual averages are updated after every match as follows:
The Individual Average is the currently applicable average. This is the Starting Average for the first match of the season.
Total League Matches is the number of fixtures each team rides in that particular league competition (18 in the Elitserien, 12 in the Allsvenskan, 12 in Division 1).
The Match Average is calculated by dividing total points (including bonus points) scored during a match by number of rides and then multiplying by 4.
The Starting Average is the individual average at the start of the season.
Examples:
An Elitserien rider starting the season with an individual average of 8.00 and scoring 6+1 (paid 7) from five rides in their first match = 8.00 x 18 + (7 ÷ 5 x 4) - 8.00 ÷ 18 = 7.87
The same rider then scores 4+2 (paid 6) from four rides in their next match = 7.87 x 18 + (6 ÷ 4 x 4) - 8.00 ÷ 18 = 7.76
Team averages for the following season are also calculated in the same manner, except that bonus points are not included.
Riders that have never previously competed in Sweden are given assessed averages. If they have established an average in another national league, then their assessed averages are based on that. If they have established an average in more than one national league, then the average of their 'home' league is the one that applies. If a rider has not competed in another national league, they are given assessed averages of 2.00 in the Elitserien, 3.00 in the Allsvenskan, and 4.00 in Division 1.
Examples:
Rider with British Elite League average of 7.00 = Elitserien, 7.00; Allsvenskan, 10.44; Division 1, 14.74
Rider with British Premier League average of 8.00 = Elitserien, 5.05; Allsvenskan, 8.00; Division 1, 11.69
Rider with Polish Extra League average of 8.00 = Elitserien, 8.00; Allsvenskan, 11.69; Division 1, 16.30
Rider with Polish First League average of 9.00 = Elitserien, 5.85; Allsvenskan, 9.00; Division 1, 12.94
Rider with Polish Second League average of 10.00 = Elitserien, 3.97; Allsvenskan, 6.65; Division 1, 10.00
Each team must nominate seven riders from their squad for each match. The combined team averages of these riders must not exceed 43.15 points, and must be within 5.00 points of the strongest possible line-up.
The currently applicable individual averages are used to determine the reserves. In addition, a team may use rider replacement if one of their top two riders is injured or otherwise unavailable.
When rider replacement is used, the programmed rides of the unavailable rider may be taken by others in the team as follows:
These matches are held between two teams of seven or eight riders who are numbered 1 to 8. 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). Each team may also nominate a non-programmed reserve at No.8, who must be under twenty-one years of age and have a lower average than the other two reserves.
The heat format is determined as follows:
| Heat | HOME TEAM | AWAY TEAM | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red | Blue | White | Y/B | |
| 1: | 1 (C) | 2 (A) | 1 (B) | 2 (D) |
| 2: | 6 (B) | 7 (D) | 6 (C) | 7 (A) |
| 3: | 3 (A) | 4 (C) | 3 (B) | 4 (D) |
| 4: | 6 (D) | 5 (B) | 5 (A) | 7 (C) |
| 5: | 2 (C) | 7 (A) | 6 (D) | 4 (B) |
| 6: | 3 (B) | 4 (D) | 1 (C) | 2 (A) |
| 7: | 1 (B) | 2 (D) | 3 (C) | 4 (A) |
| 8: | 3 (C) | 4 (A) | 5 (D) | 7 (B) |
| 9: | 6 (C) | 5 (A) | 1 (D) | 2 (B) |
| 10: | 1 (D) | 7 (B) | 6 (A) | 5 (C) |
| 11: | 6 (A) | 7 (C) | 6 (B) | 7 (D) |
| 12: | 5 (D) | 4 (B) | 3 (A) | 2 (C) |
| 13: | 3 (D) | 2 (B) | 1 (A) | 4 (C) |
| 14: | 1 (A) | 5 (C) | 3 (D) | 5 (B) |
| 15: Nominated | * (B) | * (D) | * (C) | * (A) |
| 16: Top Scorers | * (A) | * (C) | * (B) | * (D) |
Riders take the starting gate positions indicated in parenthesis. 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. They may not however, replace riders excluded for exceeding the two minute time allowance, and all exclusions count towards the maximum number of rides.
No rider is required to take a minimum number of rides.
In Heats 6 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.
Each team may nominate any two riders for Heat 15, except those participating in Heat 16.
The two highest scoring riders from 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 by the track medical officer. In this event, any rider that has not taken part in Heat 15 may be used 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.
In the event of weather forcing a match to be abandoned, the result will stand if at least nine heats have been completed.
These meetings comprise three teams of five riders who are numbered 1 to 5. The rider with the lowest average in each team is the reserve and must be programmed at No. 5. In addition, the rider with the second-lowest average is designated as the supplementary reserve and must be programmed at No. 4
The heat format is determined as follows:
| Heat | Red | Blue | White | Y/B |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1: | A1 | A2 | B1 | B2 |
| 2: | C1 | C2 | B3 | B4 |
| 3: | C3 | C4 | A3 | A4 |
| 4: | C2 | C5 | A2 | A5 |
| 5: | A1 | A3 | C1 | C3 |
| 6: | A2 | A5 | B2 | B5 |
| 7: | A4 | A3 | B4 | B3 |
| 8: | B1 | B5 | C3 | C4 |
| 9: | A3 | A4 | C1 | C5 |
| 10: | B4 | B3 | C4 | C3 |
| 11 | A5 | A1 | C2 | C1 |
| 12: | B2 | B1 | A4 | A3 |
| 13: | C2 | C4 | B1 | B3 |
| 14: | B2 | B4 | A2 | A1 |
| 15: | C1 | C5 | B5 | B1 |
| 16: | C4 | C3 | A4 | A2 |
| 17: | B5 | B2 | C5 | C2 |
| 18: | B3 | B4 | A1 | A5 |
Riders wearing the red and blue helmet colours take Gates A and C, whilst riders wearing the white and yellow/black helmet colours take Gates B and D. 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.
The reserve and supplementary reserve may have a maximum of six rides each. The reserve may take them at any time, but a supplementary reserve may only replace an injured reserve, or Rider Nos. 1 to 3 if the reserve has already taken the maximum number of rides. Neither reserve may replace riders excluded for exceeding the two minute time allowance, and all exclusions count towards the maximum number of rides.
No rider is required to take a minimum number of rides.
Race points scored over all heats are used to determine the final placings. Where two or three teams are tied for a place, each team nominates a rider for a runoff.
These meetings comprise four teams of five riders who are numbered 1 to 5. The reserves are programmed at No. 5, but there are no restrictions on who may ride in these positions.
Team A wears the red helmet colour, Team B wears the blue helmet colour, Team C wears the white helmet colour, whilst Team D wears the yellow/black helmet colour.
The heat format is determined as follows:
| Heat | Red | Blue | White | Y/B |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1: | C4 | B1 | A4 | D2 |
| 2: | B2 | A3 | D1 | C3 |
| 3: | A2 | C1 | B4 | D3 |
| 4: | B3 | A1 | D4 | C2 |
| 5: | A5 | B5 | C5 | D5 |
| 6: | C1 | D4 | B2 | A4 |
| 7: | A3 | C2 | D3 | B1 |
| 8: | D1 | C4 | B3 | A2 |
| 9: | C3 | D2 | A1 | B4 |
| 10: | C5 | D5 | A5 | B5 |
| 11: | B4 | A4 | C2 | D1 |
| 12: | D2 | B3 | C1 | A3 |
| 13: | B1 | C3 | A2 | D4 |
| 14: | D3 | B2 | C4 | A1 |
| 15: | D5 | C5 | B5 | A5 |
| 16: | D4 | B4 | A3 | C4 |
| 17: | A4 | D3 | C3 | B3 |
| 18: | C2 | A2 | D2 | B2 |
| 19 | C5 | A5 | D5 | B5 |
| 20: | A1 | D1 | B1 | C1 |
Riders take the starting gate positions indicated. Gate A is on the inside of the track, whilst Gate D is on the outside.
A reserve may have a maximum of six rides that can be taken at any time. They may not however, replace riders excluded for exceeding the two minute time allowance, and all exclusions count towards the maximum number of rides.
No rider is required to take a minimum number of rides
In Heats 6 to 9, 11 to 14, 16 to 18 and 20, a team that is six or more points behind the leading team, may substitute a programmed rider with any other rider in the team. Each rider however, may only be used as a tactical substitute once. A substitute rider takes the helmet colour and starting gate position of the replaced rider.
Race points scored over all heats are used to determine the final placings. Where two or more teams are tied for a place, each team nominates a rider for a runoff.
Swedish teams are generally known by nicknames rather than club or city names. Nevertheless, these nicknames usually have some sort of local connection.
| Team Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Bajan Speedway | Nickname of Hammarby Sports Club |
| Brassarna | Named after former track at Brassbo |
| Bysarna | Mythical creatures from local fables |
| Dackarna | Named after Nils Dacke who led a rebellion against King Gustav Vasa in the 16th century |
| Dunungarna | The Nestlings |
| Eldarna | The Flames |
| Falkarna | The Falcons |
| Gasarna | The Throttle Openers |
| Gastarna | The Seamen |
| Gesällerna | The Apprentices |
| Getingarna | The Wasps |
| Gnistorna | The Sparks |
| Griparna | The Griffins |
| Hajarna | The Sharks |
| Husarerna | The Hussars |
| Indianerna | The Indians |
| Kaparna | The Privateers |
| Kavaljererna | The Cavaliers |
| Korparna | The Ravens |
| Lejonen | Lions |
| Lindarna | The Lime Trees - the symbol of the area |
| Luxo Stars | Name of sponsor |
| Masarna | Nickname for people living in the historical province of Dalarna |
| Norbaggarna | Swedish nickname for Norwegians |
| Njudungarna | Njudunge is a district in the historical province of Småland |
| Pekingneserna | Peking is a nickname for Norrköping |
| Piraterna | The Pirates |
| Rospiggarna | Nickname for people living in the area called Roslagen |
| Sjörövarna | Synonym for 'Pirates' |
| Skepparna | The Skippers |
| Smederna | The Smiths |
| Småland | Historical province |
| Solkatterna | The Sun Cats |
| Stjärnorna | The Stars |
| Team Bikab | Name of sponsor |
| Team Dalakraft | Name of sponsor |
| Team Gladö | Name of track location |
| Team Högland | Team Highland |
| Team Svelux | Name of sponsor |
| Torshälla | Name of town near Eskilstuna |
| Ulvarna | Old Swedish name for 'Wolves' |
| Valsarna | The Rollers - after the local steel mill |
| Vargarna | The Wolves |
| Vikingarna | The Vikings |
| VMS Elit | Elitfönster is name of sponsor |
| Örnarna | The Eagles |
Note - not all of these team names are currently in use.