The biathlon is a winter sport that combines cross-country skiing and target shooting. For this reason, it requires athletes to have a unique combination of physical endurance, precision and a lot of emotional control.
The sport was born in the Nordic regions, where the ability to ski and shoot was essential for survival. But over the years, biathlon has evolved into an exciting and much more complex competition, challenging athletes’ limits.
As biathlon competitions are held in various disciplines and follow very strict rules, it is essential that athletes and spectators know the rules.
With this in mind, we’ve brought you this special content with the rules of biathlon for you to get to know! Find out more and stay up to date with the sport!
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Biathlon rules: complete list
- Forms of competition
- Equipment
- Shooting
- Infractions and penalties
Biathlon rules: forms of competition
- Individual
- Sprint
- Pursuit
- Relay
- Mass Start
Biathlon competitions are held in different formats, each with its own characteristics and challenges. The main formats are individual, sprint, pursuit, relay and mass start. Find out more about them.
Individual
In the Individual format, athletes set off at regular intervals and must complete a set course, alternating between skiing and shooting.
Competitors in the sport shoot in four series, two in the lying position and two in the standing position. Each missed shot results in a one-minute penalty, which is added to the athlete’s total time.
Sprint
The Sprint event is a shorter version of the Individual, in which athletes also start at intervals and complete three sets of shots, two lying down and one standing. Each mistake results in a penalty lap of 150 meters.
Pursuit
In the Pursuit race, athletes start in the order of their results from the previous Sprint race. The aim is to catch up and overtake the competitors in front by completing four sets of shots (two lying down and two standing). Shooting errors result in penalty laps.
Relay
In biathlon, the Relay is a team event in which each member must complete a course with two sets of shots (one lying down and one standing up). Each mistake in the shot also results in penalty laps, and the team with the shortest total time wins the race.
Mass Start
In the Mass Start event, all competitors start at the same time and complete five rounds (two lying down and three standing). Penalty laps are applied for each wrong shot, and the first to cross the finish line is the winner.
Biathlon rules: equipment
- Skis
- Weapons
- Clothing and accessories
Check out what equipment should be used in biathlon events!
Skis
The skis used in biathlon must meet certain specifications in terms of length, width and weight. They are designed to provide speed and control, which are essential if the competition is to be not only fierce but also safe.
Weapons
The weapons used in biathlon are .22 caliber carbines and must weigh at least 3.5 kg. They must be carried on the athlete’s back throughout the competition and must be equipped with a carrying strap.
Clothing and accessories
Biathlon athletes wear lightweight, aerodynamic clothing to minimize wind resistance. In addition, goggles and gloves are essential for dealing with the most extreme weather conditions.
Biathlon rules: shooting
In the biathlon shooting event, athletes must shoot in two positions: lying down and standing up. Each position requires a specific shooting technique and precise control to minimize errors.
Each shot that goes wrong can result in penalties that vary according to the format of the competition. Penalties can be laps of 150 meters or time added to the athlete’s total.
Biathlon rules: safety
Safety is a very important issue in biathlon, so the gun must be carried securely on the athlete’s back, with the barrel pointing upwards. The gun may only be handled on the shooting range.
In addition, athletes must follow a strict code of conduct to ensure the safety of all participants as well as the public. Any dangerous behavior may result in the athlete being disqualified.
Biathlon rules: infractions and penalties
While we’re on the subject of safety, let’s go over the infractions and penalties that can occur in biathlon.
- Shooting error: when the athlete misses the target, each error results in a 150-meter lap of the penalty lane (penalty loop) or, in some events, an additional minute to the athlete’s total time.
- Infraction in the shooting area: if the athlete does not follow the positioning rules when shooting, they may be disqualified or receive additional time.
- Failing to shoot: when the athlete fails to complete all the shots, they receive an extra lap penalty or an additional minute to their time for each shot not fired.
- Unsportsmanlike behavior: if the athlete behaves inappropriately, such as disrespecting officials or their opponents, the penalty can range from warnings to disqualification and suspension.
- Illegal equipment: in biathlon, athletes who use equipment that does not comply with the rules may be disqualified or only receive additional time.
- Cutting lanes: if the athlete does not follow the designated route, they will receive additional time or may be disqualified.
- Illegal assistance: the biathlon athlete may not receive external assistance at the time of the race. If they do, they will be disqualified.
- False start: it is forbidden to start the race before the official start. The penalty is additional time.
- Changing poles: the athlete cannot change poles without following the specific rules, and if this happens they may receive additional time or even be disqualified.
- Penalty zone: if the biathlon athlete does not complete the penalty lap, they receive an additional one minute for each lap not completed.
Biathlon rules: complete list
- Forms of competition
- Equipment
- Shooting
- Infractions and penalties
Biathlon rules
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