How do sit-skiers and blind athletes shoot in para biathlon?
I · Intermediate · Shooting and penalties · 3 of 3Standing and vision impaired athletes shoot prone; sit-skiers choose prone or sitting, elbows on the sit-ski or body. Prone, the rifle may touch only the hands, shoulder and cheek. LW5/7, LW6, LW8 and LW9 athletes may use an IBU spring support. Slings and arm cuffs are allowed for all. Nobody may touch the athlete on the range.
How it works
- Standing and VI: prone.
- Sitting: prone or sitting.
- Prone contact: hands, shoulder, cheek.
- Elbow padding: 2 cm at most, not hollowed.
- Spring support: LW5/7, LW6, LW8, LW9.
- Support zone: 5 cm either side of balance point.
- Sling and cuff: all categories.
- Skis: stay on, nothing underneath.
The glossary has the prone and sitting position, the sit-ski elbow support, the spring support, the shooting aids, the no touching on the range and the no removing the skis.
Tricky cases
Can an LW6 athlete bring their own support?
No. IBU provides it; only LW5/7 may get approval for their own.
Can a coach place the rifle?
Yes, for LW classes, unloaded.
Can an athlete take off a ski to shoot?
No. Disqualification.
Can a VI athlete lean on the rifle rack?
No. Disqualification.
Why the rule exists
The support replaces a hand for athletes who cannot hold the rifle. Banning touches keeps the shooting the athlete's own.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Sitting | Elbows on sit-ski | E 8.3.1 |
| Arm classes | Spring support | E 8.4.1.1 |
| Outside zone | One minute | E 11.3.2 |
From the rule book
IBU, Para Biathlon Event and Competition Rules (version 2025), articles 8.1.1, 8.3, 8.4 and 11.3. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: IBU Para Biathlon ECR 2025.