3 ibu event and competition rules - International Biathlon Union

3IBU EVENT AND COMPETITION RULESside of the start. In addition, there must be a clock in or near the startarea that is easily visible to competitors in the area and that displays thecorrect time of day.3.2.8 Equipment/Materials Inspection Prior to StartThe equipment/materials inspection prior to the start must be locatedin close proximity to the start area. Its placement and design mustfacilitate the smooth, orderly and timely flow of competitors throughto the start. The inspection station must have tables and the requiredequipment and materials to perform the checks.3.3 COURSE AND ASSOCIATED SECTIONS3.3.1 GeneralThe course is the network of ski trails to be used for the competition.It consists of continuously changing flats, climbs and downhill sections.Extremely long and difficult climbs, dangerous descents and monotonousflats are not permitted. Changes in direction of the course must notoccur so frequently that a competitor’s ski rhythm is seriously disturbed.Detailed course specifications are given under 1.3.10 in Table 1.3.3.1.1 TV ZonesZones for TV coverage of the competitions will be established on thecourse by the RD responsible for the event. The primary purpose of thezones is to ensure the best possible media coverage of the competitionand in particular to prevent non-competing persons from obstructingthe TV broadcast.3.3.2 Altitude, Width, Gradient and LengthThe maximum altitude of any part of the course may not be higher than1,800 m above sea level, unless an exception is specifically authorized bythe IBU EB in necessary circumstances. For all IBU events, the coursemust have a minimum width of 6 m of groomed snow surface for thecompetitors plus additional space for coaches and TV. In steep sectionsof the course, the trail must be even wider. If narrower sections such asbridges or mountain passes are unavoidable, the narrow parts may notbe less than 4 m wide and not longer than 50 m. The actual length of thecourse may not be more than 2% shorter or 5% longer than the lengthspecified for the competition, as measured in the center of the course.The maximum grade at all competitions must not exceed 25 percent.3-34 IBU RULES