Information Page
For more information on Empire State Games (including qualifying) click here.
For more information on the points lists click here.
For more information on New York clubs click here.
RIFLE SAFETY REQUIREMENT: All biathletes must acknowledge the need for the highest level of safety during all events.
All competitors must pass a rifle safety certification course before they can compete. These safety courses are frequently provided prior to the start of an event. The event organizer should be contacted as part of advanced registration to confirm that such a course will be offered.
Every athlete is expected to present a rifle safety certification card at registration. If the athlete does not have a card at registration, the points list can be used as a back-up. If an individual does not have a card and is not on the points list, then they must participate in the Safety Clinic before they compete.
* For more safety information click here
COMPETITION CLASSES: The following classifications are for both male and female.
Boy/ Girl (13 - 16 years of age as of December 31, 2007) Competitors will not carry a rifle and will shoot only from the prone position at offhand targets. Competitors may shoot either with or without the aid of a cuff. These athletes should be encouraged to practice shooting standing, but in a competition they will only be permitted to shoot prone. **
Youth (17 18 years of age as of December 31, 2007) - Competitors must carry a rifle and shoot from both the prone and offhand positions at regulation targets.
Junior (19 20 years of age as of December 31, 2007) - Competitors must carry a rifle and shoot from both the prone and offhand positions at regulation targets.
Senior (21 - 39 years of age as of December 31, 2007) - Competitors must carry a rifle and shoot from both the prone and offhand positions at regulation targets.
Master (40+years of age as of December 31, 2007) Competitors must carry a rifle and shoot from both the prone and offhand positions at regulation targets. *** At the Empire State Games and New York Biathlon Championships, this classification will award two sets of medals, Masters 40 - 49 and Grand Masters 50+ years of age.
Novice Competitors who are 17 or more years of age, in their first season of competition, or choose not to carry a rifle will shoot both prone and offhand at the offhand targets without a cuff and will not be eligible for ESG competition. All novice events will be sprint format (2 shooting stops) **
* Athletes may ask their club to sponsor an appeal to the State Committee that would enable them to compete in the next higher classification. The committee will base its decision on the athlete's ability to handle the requirements of the new classification and to compete safely.
** Participants who do not carry a rifle must shoot from designated shooting positions where a range official will provide assistance and ensure that all safety procedures are followed. Any violation of these procedures will lead to immediate disqualification and removal from the race. If the designated shooting positions are occupied, a timer will be started and the participant will have to wait for one of the designated positions.
*** At the New York Biathlon Champs or ESGs, an athlete over 39 years of age may compete in the senior classification provided they declare this intention to the State Chairman no later than February 1st.
State Biathlon Committee - The State Biathlon Committee was established in 1989 to be the mediating/resolution committee on biathlon issues in New York. The Committee has handled such issues as petitions for ESG competition, relay team selection, schedule changes, venue changes due to inclement weather, and rules clarifications. It is endorsed by ESG, NYSSRA Nordic, the Empire Athletic Association, and the USBA. Every biathlete has the right to bring any concern to the State Biathlon Committee and State Chairman. It is this committee that will assess all sides of the issue(s) and render a final decision(s) to disputes, conflict and disagreements between individuals or clubs in the State.
The State Biathlon Committee is composed of the State Chairman, three representatives from NYSSRA Nordic biathlon clubs and an athletes representative. One club representative will be selected by the members in attendance at each spring NYSSRA Nordic meeting and will serve for a term of three years. Also at the spring meeting, each club president will submit one athlete nominee to the State Chairman who will randomly select the athletes representative after this meeting. The selecetd Athlete will serve anonymously for one year.
The committee will meet on an as-needed basis and each member will have one vote. If appropriate, issues may be discussed and resolved using phone and e-mail communications.
The present committee is composed of
| Name | Term Expires | Phone | |
| Bill Lilly | State Chairman | (716)223-9513 | wlilly@rochester.rr.com |
| Rick Costanza | Spring 2007 | (518)891-6538 | rtcostanza@adelphia.net |
| Bryan Jajkowski | Spring 2008 | (716)683-5407 | baroquebryan@aol.com |
| Russ Myer | Spring 2009 | (518)729-3780 | rmyer@nycap.rr.com |
| Athlete | Spring 2007 | Serves Anonymously |
The Biathlon Development Fund - The development fund is financed by an assessment of $2 per participant in each of the regularly scheduled biathlon events and is used to cover club ammunition/equipment needs, supplementary expenses incurred by directors/volunteers/race organizers year-round, trailer expenses and entry fees/expenses if necessary for New York championship events. Any requests for payment from the Development Fund are to be submitted through the Biathlon Chairman.
Target & Trailer Use Policy - NYSSRA-Nordic will have first priority for the use of the trailer and targets. If the equipment is not scheduled for a NYSSRA-Nordic event, the equipment may be used by an outside organization under the following conditions:
A NYSSRA-Nordic member must be willing to act as a sponsor and transport the equipment.
A rental fee of $50 for the trailer and $5 per target will be assessed.*
Providing lodging and paying travel expenses (gas, tolls, food) are the responsibility of the renting organization. Should the NYSSRA member transporting the equipment wish to participate in the event, waving the registration fee would be an added courtesy.
The renting organization must accept full responsibility for the proper use and care of the equipment.
* Part of each registration fee at regular NYSSRA events goes to a fund for the maintenance and repair of this equipment. Therefore, it is appropriate that anyone who uses this equipment contribute to this fund.
* Contact Russ Myer (518)729-3780 rmyer@nycap.rr.com for all trailer inquiries.
The Brian McDonald Marksmanship Award This award will be presented to athletes who demonstrate marksmanship skill throughout the season. Biathletes who shoot 80% will earn a gold pin, 70% a silver and 60% a bronze pin.
Clean Shooting Award - The NY Biathlon Association presents this award to any biathlete who shoots clean in a race. In a race with two shooting bouts, the athlete must hit 10 targets with 10 rounds. Hitting 20 targets with 20 rounds in a race with 4 shooting bouts will earn the Clean Shooting Gold Award Race organizers should contact the Biathlon Chairman when an athlete achieves this distinction. This award is for a single event only.
Annual NYS Biathlon Volunteer/Official Award - In recognition of the invaluable services these individuals provide to the sport of biathlon in New York, each year one individual will be recognized as Volunteer/Official of the Year. After each event, every participant will have the opportunity to nominate one of the volunteer/officials on a form provided. These nominations may be turned into the event organizer or mailed directly to the State Chairman. Members can also submit a nomination by writing a letter or e-mail. These nominations along with the other factors such as the number of events where an individual volunteered, as well as the quality of the service offered will be considered by the State Committee in making this award. Previous winners are eligible to repeat within a 5-year period.
NYSSRA BIATHLON TEAM 2005-'06
|
Men |
Women |
|
| Scholastic B | Patrick DeTraglia | Ann Jardin |
| Scholastic A | Tin Tran | |
| Open | Pat Clancy | Ann Seyse |
| Masters | Joe Iwan | Cindy Gretzinger |
The selection will be determined by the sum of the percent backs for THREE BEST seasonal finishes and the New York Biathlon Championship Sprint race in the competitive category. If more than one qualifying race is cancelled, the State Biathlon Committee will consider reducing the number of BEST finishes in the seasonal events.
Safety must always be the first consideration whenever handling a firearm. Please read and practice the following safety rules for biathlon as disqualification (DSQ) can occur if they are not followed. Every biathlete should be responsive to the actions of all persons handling firearms on and off the range. Any person observing a dangerous situation may call, "Cease fire." Any person observing an unsafe act has the responsibility to correct that act.
Whenever the rifle is not on the competitor's back, the bolt must be open.
Whenever a rifle is transferred between any two people, the bolt must be open.
Safety rules to be observed behind the firing line:
The rifle will have the chamber empty, bolt open, and magazine out at all times.
The rifle may not be aimed, dry fired, or brought to shoulder except in designated areas.
Safety rules to be observed on the firing line:
Ammunition should be inspected for cleanliness and serviceability.
The rifle bore should be inspected to ensure it is clear.
Rifles should be pointed up or down range at all times.
All loading and unloading must be done with the barrel pointed in the direction of the target.
After firing, the rifle should be cleared by opening the bolt and visually inspecting the chamber.
Follow all special safety rules that pertain to the competition or practice.
General safety rules to be followed at all times:
Treat every rifle as if it were loaded.
Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
Action should be kept open with bolts to the rear unless the shooter is on the firing line and the range officer gives the proper command.
All commands given by the range officer must be followed immediately.
Never handle a firearm on the line when someone is down range.
Upon finishing the race, all rifles are inspected. A live round in either the chamber or a magazine in the receiver will result in immediate disqualification.