Section 7: Violations & Penalties
7.1 Range Safety Violations
- Pointing rifle incorrectly: Rifle must be pointed downrange at all times when loaded and at the firing point. Violation results in immediate disqualification and potential competition ban.
- Loaded rifle outside range: Carrying a loaded rifle outside the designated shooting area results in DSQ.
- Accidental discharge: Firing a round outside the shooting lane or before assuming the proper position — DSQ and investigation.
7.2 Competition Violations
- Early start: Starting before the signal — 1-minute time penalty in interval-start events or restart.
- Wrong shooting lane: Shooting at targets in the wrong lane — hits do not count, time penalty applied, and the athlete must complete the correct number of penalty loops for the actual misses.
- Skipping a shooting stage: Failing to stop and shoot at a required stage — DSQ.
- Equipment violation: Rifle weight below minimum, prohibited sights, suit or ski violations — DSQ.
- Course cutting: Leaving the marked course or failing to complete all designated loops — DSQ.
7.3 Disciplinary Cards
- Yellow card: Warning for unsportsmanlike conduct, minor obstruction, or non-dangerous rule violations.
- Red card: Immediate DSQ for repeated yellow-card offences or serious unsportsmanlike conduct.
- IBU disciplinary proceedings: Serious violations (doping, deliberate safety breaches, equipment fraud) may result in multi-event suspensions, fines, or permanent bans.