Section 6: Scoring
6.1 Points-Based System
Each discipline produces a point score. Points from fencing, swimming, and obstacle course are summed to determine the Laser Run start order. The overall winner is determined by the Laser Run finish order (not by total points).
6.2 Fencing Points
- Baseline: 250 points for achieving 70% victories in the ranking round
- Adjustment: Points added or subtracted based on victory percentage above or below 70%
- Bonus round: Additional points earned through the single-elimination bracket (typically 20–40 bonus points available)
- Typical range: 180–300 points depending on performance in a field of 36 athletes
6.3 Swimming Points
- Baseline: 250 points for a time of 2:30.00
- Conversion: 1 point per 0.33 seconds faster or slower than the baseline
- Typical range: 280–340 points for elite pentathletes (typical times 1:55–2:15)
- No minimum score: Points are never negative; athletes completing the swim always receive points
6.4 Obstacle Course Points (2028+)
- Time-based: Completion time (including penalty time for failed obstacles) converted to points
- Baseline and conversion rate: Determined by the UIPM for the specific standardized course used at each competition
- Penalty for failed obstacles: Fixed time addition (typically 10 seconds per failure) added to the course completion time
6.5 Laser Run (Overall Result)
- Handicap start: The athlete with the most cumulative points (from fencing + swimming + obstacle course) starts first. Each point difference between athletes = 1 second of time gap at the start.
- Winning: The first athlete to cross the finish line wins the gold medal, regardless of total points accumulated in earlier disciplines. The Laser Run is designed so that the race result IS the final result.
- Example: If Athlete A has 780 points and Athlete B has 760 points, Athlete A starts 20 seconds ahead of Athlete B. If Athlete B is faster in the Laser Run by more than 20 seconds, Athlete B overtakes and wins.
6.6 Tiebreaking
- Ties in the Laser Run are resolved by photo finish (time recorded to 1/100th of a second)
- Ties in fencing are broken by the indicator (touches scored minus touches received)
- Ties in swimming are broken by the photo finish timing