International Biathlon Union (IBU) Flight Director Borut Nunar said referees at competitions should monitor athletes more closely when handling weapons at the shooting lines.
During the World Cup mixed relay in Pokljuka on Sunday, Belgium’s Thierry Langer, while shooting from a standing position, pointed the barrel of his rifle towards his face, attempting to clear the snow cannon. The Belgian team was not disqualified because Langer had previously unloaded his weapon. According to IBU regulations, any action with a rifle that poses a danger to others and the athlete himself is prohibited. The muzzle of the weapon can only be aimed upwards or towards the target.
According to NRK, the IBU organized a meeting with the team leaders on Tuesday to discuss the matter.
“Weapons training has to be done by teams, that’s why we raised this issue. We have to be aware and not take everything for granted. I would ask the referees, both in the IBU and on the pitch, to be more vigilant in the future, Nunar said, noting that the Langer incident was a red flag.
Source : MatchTV
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