How long is the penalty loop in para biathlon?
B · Beginner · Shooting and penalties · 3 of 3Each missed target costs one penalty loop, skied straight after the bout: 150 m for standing and VI athletes, 100 m for sit-skiers and 75 m in sprint pursuit finals and the team sprint. In the individual a miss adds 60 seconds, and in sprint pursuit qualification 15 seconds. Each loop not skied costs 2 minutes.
How it works
- Standing and VI loop: 150 m.
- Sitting loop: 100 m.
- Short formats: 75 m.
- Individual: 60 seconds a miss.
- Sprint pursuit qualification: 15 seconds.
- When: straight after the bout.
- Skipped loop: 2 minutes each.
- Right of way: those leaving the loop.
The glossary has the penalty loop, the shot penalty, the shooting bout, the two-minute penalty, the time adjustment and the competition time.
Tricky cases
An athlete forgets a loop. Can they go back?
Yes, without obstructing others.
Can a loop be skied after the next bout?
No.
The organisers miscount the loops. Result?
The jury gives a time adjustment.
Is the percentage applied to penalties?
No. They are added after.
Why the rule exists
Loops make a miss cost real skiing, so shooting and skiing stay linked.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Sitting | 100 m | E 1.4 Table 1 |
| Individual | 60 seconds | E 9.2.1 |
| Skipped | 2 minutes | E 11.3.3 |
From the rule book
IBU, Para Biathlon Event and Competition Rules (version 2025), articles 1.4 (Table 1), 7.1.5, 9.2 and 11.3.3. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: IBU Para Biathlon ECR 2025.