PIRATES' 2013 team-building plans were last night hit by the decision to reject proposals for a new job-sharing rule.

Poole co-promoter Gordon Pairman revealed the idea - which would have seen two riders splitting one team place - had not been supported at the annual British Speedway Promoters' Association conference.

Pirates chief Matt Ford had claimed a host of leading stars - such as Jason Crump - were prepared to return to these shores under such terms.

Darcy Ward had been one of the men to back the scheme and major question marks remain over his Elite League future after it was not passed. The Australian ace had previously voiced concerns over his increasing commitments having accepted a Grand Prix wild card.

Writing on social networking website Twitter, Pirates team manager Neil Middleditch last night said: “The rider share was a no-brainer!”

In a further blow for Pirates, they will be forced to split their 2012 top three of world champion Chris Holder, Ward and Krzysztof Kasprzak.

That came after Pairman confirmed the points limit had been set at 42.5 and also reported that clubs would only be allowed to select a maximum of two riders from the Elite League's top 20, as per the end-of-season green sheet averages.

Poole will be prevented from using their big three and the rule could also scupper a potential return for club legend Bjarne Pedersen.

Doubling-up positions have been set at a maximum of three per team, with one rider to be named in each berth.

The Knockout Cup has been suspended and Leicester's bid to join the Elite League was put on hold for 12 months.

Meanwhile, Middleditch has retained his role as manager of Team GB and Pairman, who represented Pirates at the three-day summit in Coventry, has taken over from Ford as a reserve BSPA management committee member.