PIRATES team boss Neil Middleditch threw his weight behind plans to adapt the draft system and admitted it was time for change.

Speedway bosses agreed to tweak rules regarding reserves at the British Speedway Promoters' Association's AGM at the weekend.

In 2016, Elite League clubs will continue to track two draft riders but now they have the chance to move into the main body.

Previously, all fast track riders were forced to remain in reserve slots, regardless of their success.

And former national team manager Middleditch believes the fresh proposals will provide a platform for British prospects to realise their full potential.

He told the Daily Echo: "I think they are positive plans because everyone is in the sport to progress and the way the fast track system was last season meant there wasn't a huge amount of opportunity for riders to better themselves.

"This will give up-and-coming riders the chance to get into the main body of their teams and prove exactly what they are worth. If they are good enough to step up then they will.

"I think the system needed tweaking. When these things are brought it's very rare that they work straight away, they need a little bit of fine-tuning,

"The changes that have been made will help British riders progress in the future because in the past we have been sadly lacking in the numbers that have been coming through.

"The draft system was never a quick fix but it should benefit riders in the long-term."

Reflecting on the rule tweaks, BSPA vice-chairman Chris Van Straaten said: “I was extremely encouraged by the atmosphere amongst the eight Elite League clubs at the AGM.

“As a league we are delighted by the success of the draft system and there are now certain riders who are ready to move into the main body of teams, so tier-one reserves will get an Elite League average after four meetings.

“They will start the season on a converted average from the Premier League but will start the season at reserve even if this is higher than a top-five rider.”

Speedway bosses have also agreed to invest more heavily in the development of young British riders, one of many decisions taken at the summit in Warwickshire.

A points limit of 40.5 will apply to all eight clubs in the Elite League, with the team line-up remaining the same.

Heat-leader standard riders will be graded into a list with a maximum of three per club. Any new non-British rider assessed at 6.5 or above will join the list.

In addition, rider replacement will apply for absent riders who are fourth or fifth in the averages in order to reduce the number of guests.

The AGM is due to formally conclude on Tuesday, November 3.