Upcoming Regional Basic Courses

The IBU Academy is set to continue its commitment to grassroots coaching education with an expanded rollout of its Regional Basic Courses (RBC) in 2025. Building on the success of the pilot course held in Kazakhstan in July 2024, the Academy will host three new RBCs across Asia and Europe this year, each designed to serve local coaching communities through targeted, accessible education.

Three Regional Courses Scheduled Across Two Continents

The 2025 RBCs are scheduled as follows:

• Japan (23–27 July 2025): Coaches from Japan, Korea, and China will gather for five intensive days of training.

• Croatia (25–29 August 2025): This course will welcome coaches from Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Greece.

• Poland (2–7 September 2025): Coaches from Poland, Slovakia, and Lithuania will participate in this session.

Each course spans 5 days of on-site education, led by experienced IBU Educators and international experts. The sessions include both theoretical and practical modules, with local experts from the host region also contributing their knowledge.

Blended Learning: Beyond the Classroom

Participation in the RBCs goes beyond the in-person experience. Coaches must also:

• Complete tasks on the IBU’s e-learning platform LearningSuite.

• Accumulate 30 practical hours of coaching experience within a club or national federation setting.

All theoretical and practical content will be accessible in the native languages of the participating regions to ensure clarity and inclusiveness.

Empowering Regional Development Through Education

“The goal of the Regional Basic Course is to educate coaches on a club and regional level. We want to visit regions with a high need for education and a big number of local coaches,” said Gerold Sattlecker, Head of the IBU Academy.

This initiative not only strengthens national coaching structures but also supports the long-term development of biathlon in underrepresented areas. The courses foster regional collaboration by encouraging tri-national participation, with each of the three nations per course sending up to eight coaches.

Looking Ahead: 2026 Applications Open in Autumn

Nations interested in hosting a course in 2026 can begin their preparations now. The application window will open in autumn 2025, and the IOC may offer support to qualifying applications.

Stay tuned for updates from this year’s courses and insights from participating coaches as the IBU Academy continues to invest in the next generation of biathlon coaches.