The International Biathlon Union (IBU)

The IBU is an International Federation of 66 nations (see list of Member Federations in this Calendar), accredited with the International Olympic Committee, and with its Headquarters in Salzburg, AUT. The IBU has the status of a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in Austria. The organization of IBU is depicted at the beginning of this Calendar. As the world governing body for the sport of Biathlon, the IBU has responsibility for most aspects of Biathlon internationally and holds a Congress of member nations every two years.

Types of events under IBU Jurisdiction

• World Championships (WCH)
  Held annually, except in Olympic Winter Games years, for Men and Women.
• World Championships Mixed Relay held annually.
  Youth and Junior World Championships (Y+JWCH) held annually for male and female Youth and Junior Men and Junior Women.
• Biathlon World Cup (WC)
  A circuit of several events held annually for Men and Women. The scoring of the WC circuit is based on a system of 50 points for personal performance which are awarded to competitors in each competition of each WC event. Additionally, there are scores for each type of competition for Nations Cup. A final aggregate score for athletes called World Cup Total Score is provided, and a Nations Cup Score on which participation quotas for nations are based. In parallel, starting with the 2007/2008, IBU points decide on the right to start at World Cups.
• Continental Championships (CCH - ACH, ECH, NACH, SACH)
  Normally held annually by the various continents subject to rules developed on the continents and approved by the IBU.
• Biathlon Continental Cups (CC - EC, NAC)
  A circuit of a varying number of events held annually by the continents, subject to rules formulated by the continents and approved by the IBU.
• Summer Biathlon World Championships (SWCH)
  Held annually for Men, Women, Junior Men and Junior Women with cross-country running and small bore rifle shooting (= Cross Biathlon) as well as with rollerski and small bore rifle shooting (= Roller Biathlon)