What are the safety rules in biathlon?
A · Advanced · Shooting and skiing · 2 of 4Shooting is allowed only at the range, at set times. On the mat the muzzle must stay over the firing line and must never point at anyone. Rifles are unloaded after each bout and checked at the finish. Outside the range, a safety marker in the chamber shows the rifle is empty. A dangerous rifle movement is a disqualification.
How it works
- Where: shooting only at the range during authorised times.
- Muzzle: over the firing line during the bout; never aimed at people.
- Loading: only with the barrel towards the targets or up.
- Bolt: may be opened only on the mat once the race has started.
- After each bout: no round left in the chamber or magazine.
- Safety marker: in the chamber from the stadium entrance to the range, and again after.
- Finish check: an official opens the action with the barrel up.
- Carrying: both arms in the harness, barrel up, when leaving the mat.
The glossary has the safety marker, the loading and unloading, the rifle, the trigger discipline, the shooting mat and the disqualification.
Tricky cases
A biathlete forgets the safety marker at the start check. Penalty?
A reprimand the first time; a second time at the same event brings 30 seconds.
A skier leaves the mat with one arm out of the harness. What should they do?
Stop at once and fix it, without obstructing others.
Can a skier dry-fire practice in the hotel?
Dry firing anywhere during the event falls under the shooting rules; the marker may be removed for it and must go straight back.
Is pointing an empty rifle at someone allowed?
No. Dangerous movements are banned whether loaded or not.
Why the rule exists
Biathlon puts loaded rifles among crowds and skiers, so the rules leave no room for error. Visible markers let anyone see at a glance that a rifle is empty.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Marker first offence | Reprimand | IBU 11.1 d |
| Marker repeat | 30 seconds | IBU 11.3.1 e |
| Other safety breaches | Disqualification | IBU 11.3.4 o |
From the rule book
International Biathlon Union, Event and Competition Rules (version 2026), Articles 8.1.2, 8.5, 11.1, 11.3.1 and 11.3.4. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the IBU Event and Competition Rules, amended by the IBU Congress every two years.