PIRATES team boss Neil Middleditch has backed the new tactical ride rules that will come into force for the 2015 Elite League season.

Only one black-and-white helmet outing will be permitted instead of the two that were allowed last season.

Tactical rides will be taken when a team is 10 points or more down between heats five to 11 inclusive.

The second reserves’ race has been shifted from heat nine to heat 12, a change which gives team managers an extra heat in which to unleash a tactical as reserves could not ride for double points.

Middleditch told the Daily Echo: “The tactical rule is one of those Marmite situations – you love it or hate it. It can work to your advantage and work against you.

“One tactical is probably fair because sometimes last year teams were using the second tactical when they were too far behind to make it work anyway.

“One is fair enough, it’s a fair gauge of the racing whereas two is just too much.

“I think it does make a difference to have an increased tactical window as well and it’s quite a good idea.”

Another rule change will see number four riders begin meetings in heat four rather than heat five, as was the case in 2014.