Regulations for Laser Biathlon in NSW
As of 28 July 2017 the use of Lasers in the sport of Biathlon became permissible by virtue of the exemption under Section 116A of the NSW Firearms Regulations however, there are specific guidelines that must be followed strictly. Prior to this date, any use of lasers in Biathlon in NSW was outside the operations of the regulations and were illegal. The document "What's New" issued by NSW Firearms on 19 October 2017 provide detailed guidelines and these must be adhered to by users of Lasers in Biathlon. To view these documents in their entirety click on the images below.
The following are highlights only and if you own, use or supervise the use of Lasers in Biathlon in NSW, please study diligently the NSW Firearms Regulations, Legislation and Guidelines.
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Lasers continue to be classified as imitation firearms. Accordingly, they must be accorded the same respect as any longarm/.22 firearm. It goes without saying unless otherwise varied in the guidelines issued by NSW firearms you as a holder of a NSW firearms license, must follow all usual care and caution as with all firearms.
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Use of biathlon Lasers at all times must be under supervision of biathletes, biathlon officials and biathlon coaches. See also Sections 156 and 32 of the main Act. Australian Biathlon requires all supervisors of Biathlon Lasers to be members of the National Federation, the Australian Biathlon Association Inc., the peak body of the sport in Australia and affiliate of the IBU and the AOC.
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Australian Biathlon operates in NSW via the NSW Branch of Australian Biathlon. The National Federation operates as a Unitary Structure; there is no affiliate in NSW. Take note as well NSW Sport and Recreation/NSW Office of Sport, inform there is no State Sporting Organisation (SSO) in NSW for the sport of Biathlon.
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Supervisors of laser biathlon must be a Category A licensed person.
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There are a number of limitations to the use of Lasers in NSW. As a licensed person, it is your obligation to study and apply NSW Firearm's rules.
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Storage of lasers for biathlon must be in approved rifle safes
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A Permission to Acquire is not required but be sure if you're importing or exporting lasers, to check with the Department of Defence.
Remember, at all times Biathlon Lasers in NSW remain Firearms and any owner, user and/or supervisor of lasers must follow the legislation, regulations and guidelines issued by the NSW Firearms Registry. THERE ARE NO EXEMPTIONS.
Click on the images of the regulations hereunder for details. References to the NSW Firearms Act 1996, Regulations, FACT Sheet and "Whats New" Guidelines are also in the links below.
NSW Firearms Guidelines "What's New" issued 19 October 2017. This details instructions on use of Lasers in NSW
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Who is a biathlete?
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Who is exempted?
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Permit to Acquire, Registrations
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Supervision
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Use
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Storage
Exemption: Section 116A of the NSW Firearms Regulations
Supervison:
Section 32 (5)(a) of the Act 1996,
Storage: