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.\u00a0 Members from Vt National Guard’s Ethan Allen Center and Biathlon Canada’s Executive Director, Joanne Thompson attended.<\/p>\n
Relevant scenarios were used to tie IBU rules both existing and revised to biathlon events from club to WC.\u00a0 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!<\/p>\n
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\u00a0or take ammo at the end of an event…..the athlete will be asked and is expected to comply with all requests….<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
We in NYB should strive to know and implement\u00a0all applicable rules in a club environment, work with athletes and coaches so all gain continued enjoyment and fun from the sport<\/p>\n