IMPORTANT: 2025/26 IBU Updated Rules

Dear Australian Biathlon Family

For those competing at IBU events this coming season please familiarise yourself with the enclosed updated rules (links at the end of the email).

Of particular note are 2 rule changes relating to rifles and ammo boxes.

Rifle safety

ECR 8.5.1 now provides that “When a rifle is brought into or is taken out of the stadium area, it must be in a case or a cover bag. As a visible sign that there is no cartridge in the chamber, an additional safety marker (colored flag or lock) must be attached. The marker may only be removed as of Art. 8.5.1.1”

Please carefully read the ECR Update_rifle safety marker.pdf

The IBU have confirmed that this updated rifle rule only apply to small-bore rifles and do not apply to laser and air rifles.

Below is an example:

Ammo Boxes

Also, as in the previous season, at all IBU events teams need to deliver ammunition to their respective storage areas.  From this season on only dedicated safety boxes will be accepted for storing ammunition!  We all must ensure that ammunition is stored exclusively in these containers, which need to be marked with the national code/flag when delivered to the storage.

Approved ammunition storage boxes must meet the following criteria:

• Constructed from hard plastic, aluminium, or metal

• Lockable

• Shock-resistant

• Waterproof

Below are some examples of acceptable storage boxes:

BA is arranging for stickers to be produced and made available to our teams.  Also, you are encouraged to write AUSTRALIA or AUS in permanent ink on your storage boxes as well.

1. ECR July 2025_EN_cap3.PDF

2. ECR-tracked changes_TC66

3. ECR update_rifle saftey marker