Biathlon rules, for watching
Start with how a match works. Then the rules you see every few minutes, then the ones that change results.
Checked 14 October 2026
Settling an argument? Search all 17 rules
- How does biathlon work?
- What is the individual race in biathlon?
- How does the biathlon sprint work?
- How does the biathlon pursuit work?
- How does the biathlon mass start work?
- How does a biathlon relay work?
- How far away are biathlon targets?
- What are the shooting positions in biathlon?
- What happens when a biathlete misses a target?
- What happens if a biathlete's rifle breaks?
- What are the safety rules in biathlon?
- What are the skiing rules in biathlon?
- What is the start window in biathlon?
- How is the finish decided in biathlon?
- What are the penalties in biathlon?
- What is zeroing in biathlon?
- Is there a cold limit in biathlon?
Where these rules come from
| Tag | Document |
|---|---|
| IBU with article number, for example IBU 8.2.2; IBU Table 1 | IBU, Event and Competition Rules, version 2026 |
| Annex A with article number | IBU, Annexes to the Event and Competition Rules, version 2026 |
| R | "Why the rule exists", or a point reasoned from the rule, not stated in it |
| C | Common usage or general knowledge, not a rule |
Checked on 14 October 2026.