3 ibu event and competition rules - International Biathlon Union

IBU EVENT AND COMPETITION RULES 31. GENERAL REGULATIONS1.1 APPLICATIONThese rules must be applied at all IBU events. At the Olympic WinterGames (OWG) these rules must be used accordingly, except whenotherwise stipulated by the IOC. In other international events (as definedin Art. 1.4.2 of the IBU Constitution) these rules will be applied unlesschanges, which have been authorized by the IBU, are specified in theinvitation.1.2 CLASSES OF COMPETITORSThe following classes are established for IBU competitions:1.2.1 Men and WomenMale and female competitors who have turned 21 at the cut-off-dateDecember 31 will be classed as men and women respectively. From theseason starting on November 1 of that same year onward, they may onlystart in men’s or women’s competitions, according to their gender.1.2.2. Junior Men and Junior WomenMale and female competitors who turned 19 at the cut-off-date ofDecember 31 will be classed as junior men and junior women respectively.From the season starting on November 1 of that same year onward,they may only start in junior men’s and junior women’s competitions,according to their gender. Separate competitions will be organized forthem. However, junior men will be permitted to participate in men’s andjunior women in women’s competitions respectively, according to gender.Moreover, juniors may only participate in one Relay competition at theOECH.1.2.3. Youth Men and Youth WomenCompetitors who have not yet reached junior men’s or junior women’s ageas defined above and are at least 16 at the cut-off-date of December 31will be classed as youth men or youth women respectively, and separatecompetitions will be organized for them. Youth men will be permitted totake part in men’s and junior men’s competitions, and youth women willbe permitted to take part in women’s and junior women’s competitions.However, at an event they may start in only one and the same class ofIBU RULES 3-3