John McTiernan, Mike DeTraglia, Darrel Rickert, Stephen Wilson and Russ Myer attended an advanced level 2 USBA/Biathlon Canada Officials Clinic at the USOC’s OTC in Lake Placid this past wk end. Members from Vt National Guard’s Ethan Allen Center and Biathlon Canada’s Executive Director, Joanne Thompson attended.
Relevant scenarios were used to tie IBU rules both existing and revised to biathlon events from club to WC. Some rules have changed but the same three tenets apply …safety at all times, fair consistent process to all at all times and have fun!
The sport is transitioning to much more athlete accountability and participatiuon regarding events and rules….one example is no official is make contact with the athlete at the start, check their bolt, hold equipment or take ammo at the end of an event…..the athlete will be asked and is expected to comply with all requests….
Penalties are now being drawn for violations prior to the starting of the event…e.g. skiing wrong way on range or course after all are closed prior to the start of the event
We in NYB should strive to know and implement all applicable rules in a club environment, work with athletes and coaches so all gain continued enjoyment and fun from the sport
To know more about IBU rules..please refer to http://www.biathlonworld.com/en/press_releases.html/do/detail?presse=244 or contact your club’s credentialed USBA official
More goodies to follow
Russ and Placid crew
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