How To Use The Biathlon Venue
Safe and proper use of the Venue, equipment and trail is essential for everyone to be able to enjoy this exciting sport. We are glad you are interested!
NOTICE: Failure to follow these requirements may jeopardize the safety of yourself and others, and may result in your permanent ban from the Venue.
A biathlon venue or range is not an open gun range. In order to use the Venue, you need to meet the following criteria.
Have a Range Safety Officer Present
If there is a specific time you are hoping to use the range, you can send a request to us about the possibility of an RSO coming out to open the biathlon venue. We would allow other people to participate as well. Otherwise, check our calendar. If you have your own RSO, again reach out to us and we can confirm using and getting access to the range.
Have the right equipment. At a minimum this means:
- Biathlon targets are for .22 LR rimfire standard or low velocity cartridge ONLY. No high velocity ammo or other caliber cartridges may be used. Use of non approved ammo can damage targets and is inappropriate for the Venue.
- Bolt action rifle with 5 round maximum magazine capacity, with front and rear iron sights.
Have the right certifications. As a US Biathlon affiliated club, we follow their requirements for Venue use. This means:
- All athletes must have completed Basic Rifle Safety Certification, both the online and in person assessment. TBC has a Rifle Safety Assessor who can complete your in person assessment. Contact us if you have completed the online portion to arrange your in person assessment.
- A Range Safety Officer must be present to oversee the Venue. This RSO must be US Biathlon approved.
- If you are an experienced, approved athlete who wants to train solo, you may be your own RSO if you have completed RSO training with US Biathlon. You may be given permission to use the Venue alone, provided that are able to follow all safety protocols and have Venue Open signs. You must stop using the Venue if another athlete arrives and there is no independent RSO present.
Have a current…
- US Biathlon membership AND
- Telemark Biathlon Club, annual membership or one week membership AND
- Birkie Trail Pass (for wintertime use).
Etiquette
Use of the Birkie Trail means there will be other outdoor sport enjoyers present around you. They may not know about the biathlon Venue. Be respectful and never intimidating. Be prepared to answer questions they have. Ski or do your other activities safely and within your limits while training with your rifle harnessed on your back. Do not un-shoulder your rifle outside of the Venue. If you must do so, communicate clearly your safe intentions to anyone around you. Your biathlon rifle bolt should remain open, and visible in its carrying case while you are transporting your rifle. Do not remove your rifle inside a public building such as The Hub or Derksen Family Hall unless there is a specific biathlon event and you have been given permission to do so.