Glasgow to Host Premier League Pairs !
Conference Initial Round-Up
Posted 18/11/04

The BSPA Conference has now come to an end and although we will probably be 'discovering' additional changes for the next few months, the initial items seem to be as follows; -

League Changes; -
Both Leagues remain with the same teams as last year

Points Limit; -
In the Premier League, the points limit remains at 45 and averages include bonus points. The Elite League is reverting to points but in their case averages do NOT include bonus points and the points limit is 42.5. In effect the new method of calculation for the Elite League combined with points limit should result in slightly stronger teams.

Tactical Substitutes; -
These will be allowed when a team goes 8 points behind and will be from 15m. Double points will be scored for a tactical substitute ride. A team is only allowed one tactical substitute per meeting.

Tactical Rides; -
The much maligned tactical ride sadly still exists but it can only be utilised when a team falls 9 points behind. As with last year only riders scheduled to ride in the heat can take a tactical ride and these will score double points for no extra effort. Again two tactical rides are allowed per team per meeting.

2 Minute Exclusions; -
Riders excluded under two minutes can now elect to go off 15m

Premier Trophy; -
Will run as before

Young Shield; -
Will run as before

Premier League Pairs; -
The BIG news on this is that this has been awarded to Glasgow and is provisionally scheduled for 26th June.

Premier Fours; -
These will yet again be run at Workington, provisionally scheduled for 20th August

Premier League Riders Championship; -
Once again this will be held at Sheffield, provisionally on 18th September

KnockOut Cup; -
Glasgow have drawn Hull in the KnockOut Cup

Details are still very sketchy at the moment and no doubt more will come to light over the next few days, especially once fans have had time to consider the ramifications for their own club.

Now that the Conference is over however and limits are set, there will no doubt be a flurry of activity in team building throughout the leagues.