Biathlon Range & Safety Rules

To ensure a safe environment for all participants, it is the users responsibility to understand and observe the following safety rules. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in loss of membership and range use privileges.

Rifle Handling Safety

Until you are at the firing line ready to shoot with the rifle pointed in the direction of the target:

• The rifle should be pointed upwards
• The rifle bolt should remain open
• Keep your hands & fingers away from the trigger guard area
• Clips should be cleared from the rifle chamber

McMiller Sports Center Biathlon Range Rules

• The biathlon range is available for use only during specified times
• No rifles should be brought inside the main shelter building
• Access the biathlon range from the biathlon ski trail. The gravel service road is NOT intended as an entry point to the biathlon range.
• If you are skiing trails other than the biathlon loop, your rifle must be covered
• Only designated biathlon rifles are permitted for use on the biathlon range
• Pay your range fees at the main shelter building (when applicable) before heading to the biathlon range
• You are responsible for supplying your own ammunition. If you do not have any it can be purchased at the main shelter building. Be sure to use only standard velocity ammunition (under 1,246 fps). Higher velocity ammunitions will damage the metal targets
• Biathlon range use is limited to those individuals who are biathlon safety certified or in the presence of a certified biathlon instructor
• Youth under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a certified parent or biathlon instructor
• Be prepared to show your USBA & Wisconsin Biathlon membership cards if asked

Biathlon Range Etiquette

• Each athlete is responsible for the safe handling of their rifle at all times
• The biathlon Range Safety Officer (RSO) is responsible for opening and closing the range and enforcing all range safety rules. During individual training, one range user must assume the function of the RSO.
• No shooting takes place until the "Range Open" command is given by the RSO. Once the "Range Open" command is given, no athlete is allowed beyond the firing line for any reason.
• The RSO will give the "Range Closed" command if it is necessary to go down range to change paper targets or attend to the metal targets. When the range is closed, all rifles must have clips removed, bolts open and in the rifle rack. No athlete should be handling a rifle when an individual is down range.
• When moving a rifle to and from the firing line, the unloaded rifle must be pointed upward and have the bolt open. When preparing to load clips and shoot the rifle, the rifle must be pointed down range in the direction of the target.
• All users in addition to the RSO should be prepared to call out "Cease Fire" if they witness an unsafe range practice the jeopardizes the safety of other users. Upon hearing the "Cease Fire" command all range users should immediately stop their activity - open the rifle bolt, remove the clip, return their rifle to the rack and await further instruction from the RSO.
• Under no circumstances may a loaded rifle be left unattended. For those biathletes not required to carry a rifle, the bolt must be open and the clip removed before the biathlete leaves the firing line after completing shooting. When not in use, unloaded rifles must be placed in a rifle rack with the bolt open and the clip removed.
• When the trails are snow covered, skis should be worn on the range at all times
• Any unsafe handling of a rifle will not be tolerated. In such a case, the RSO has the power to immediately suspend range use privileges for the offender.