Competition Rules
It is the policy of the Australian Biathlon Association to run championship events as closely as possible in accordance with the IBU Event and Competition Rules. While the IBU rules are generally followed, some rules cannot be applied in Australia because our conditions will not allow it (eg height difference requirements on ski courses) and are modified to meet Australian conditions.
In addition to the IBU rules, the ABA has its own Event Rules which provide specific rules for running events in Australia. The following are some rules which are of interest to most people:
Event Rules
NB while every effort is made to keep these rules up to date, you should not rely on what follows as being a complete or current statement of the ABA Event Rules. The ABA Event Rules are amended from time to time and those amendments may not be reflected on this web page. In addition, the wording used on this web page may be different to that actually used in the rules. If you want to find out exactly what the rules are at any given time you should consult the National Race Secretary.
** Denotes does not apply to laser biathlon events.
Legal Waivers
It is ABA policy that all participants in activities run by the Australian Biathlon Association (ABA) must sign the ABA's Participation Agreement form as a pre-condition for participation. No one will be permitted to participate in an ABA activity without having signed this agreement.
This policy applies to all ABA activities - including championship events, come-and-try-it events, training camps, summer biathlon, laser biathlon, coaching courses.
The form needs to be completed with details specific for the activity, e.g. the title of the race and the date, and a separate form needs to be signed for each activity.
The form must be signed before participating in the activity. If you are under the age of 18, you will need to arrange for the form to be signed by a parent or guardian.
Download the form: ABA Participation Agreement
If you have any questions about the forms, please do not hesitate to contact Paul Connor.
Carrying Rifles**
• ABA rifles shall not be carried unless permission is given by the Committee in writing and a new hire contract entered into.
• "A" grade competitors must carry rifles.
• Junior competitors (under 16 years M/W 14) owning their own rifle may therefore carry it during competition and training periods.
• The carrying of a rifle by other grades of competitor is optional
Age Classes
• Ages are taken as the age of a competitor on 31st December of the year preceding the year of competition.
• A Masters competitor is someone who is 30 years or over who is not currently seeded in cross-country skiing or Biathlon and does not wish to race the “B” grade distance. Masters competitors do M16/W16 courses.
• A Veteran competitor is someone who is 50 years or over who does not want to race the “B” grade distance or Masters distance Veterans competitors do M/WU14 courses.
Novices
• Novice competitors may shoot at standing targets when shooting in the prone position.
• All other classes must shoot at normal sized targets.
Standing Shooting
• Novices, M/WU14 and M/W14 using ABA rifles do not have to do standing shooting.
Under 16, M/W 14 carrying their own rifles may shoot both prone and standing
• All other classes must do both standing and prone shooting.
Note: Internationally M/W 14 ( Under 16Years) do not carry rifles and shoot standing)
Upgrading Class
• When seniors are seeking to upgrade from B grade to A grade or where juniors are seeking to upgrade from a lower age class to a higher age class the following rules apply:
Rests
• Novices and M/WU14 are the only class permitted to use a rest.
• Should a rifle sling or arm band not fit, the competitor must hold the rifle unsupported.
Penalties
• Where a time penalty is applicable, those in W/M16 or younger classes, Masters or Veterans are awarded a 30 second penalty for each shot missed. All other classes are awarded a one minute penalty for each miss.
• Where penalty loops are applicable, those in W/M16 or younger classes, Masters or Veterans must complete a 75m penalty loop for each missed shot. All other classes must complete a 150m penalty loop for each miss.
Targets
• Novice competitors may shoot at standing targets when shooting in the prone position.
• All other classes must shoot at normal sized targets.
Standing Shooting
• Novices, M/WU14 and M/W14 do not have to do standing shooting.
• All other classes must do both standing and prone shooting.
Upgrading Class
Application in Advance
Applications for upgrading must be made in writing at least 3 weeks in advance to the ABA committee stating reasons for the request. Such requests will be referred to the race committee made up of representative of the ABA committee and an Independent ABA member for recommendation.
Application on Race Day
Where only one athlete has entered a particular class the jury may consider upgrades on race day. Requests must be in writing at least 1 hour prior to race start. The jury may upgrade an athlete into a higher class where there is another athlete. In this situation consideration should be given to shortening the distance of the race to between that for each class. However, any shortening of the distance must not impact on the athlete in the higher class with regard to qualification for subsequent seeding.
Recommendations that will usually be adhered to:
• Upgrade will normally only be by one class
• W14 may upgrade to W16 but would not race a greater distance.
• Upgrade of Junior to Senior class would normally only be allowed in a Sprint event, and would preclude the athlete from any Pursuit if held on consecutive days.
Fun Relays and Team events
Athletes may nominate to race a greater distance (higher class) but will be subject to ratification by the jury.
Policy postings:
