The new rule means that skiers must have the rifle strap over both shoulders when they arrive at the shooting range. They may only remove the rifle on the shooting mat.
Previously, they could remove the weapon on the way to the shooting range.
After shooting, the rifle must be carried correctly on the back, with the barrel pointing upwards. If it is not, the skier must stop and correct it in a way that does not endanger others, according to the International Biathlon Union (IBU).
“We must comply”
The change is not appreciated by everyone.
If you have been training for something for ten years, it is difficult to just turn the gun during a stressful situation, says Norwegian star Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold to NRK.
The Swedish stars found out about the rule change this summer and have had time to train for it extensively. Breaking the rule can lead to disqualification.
They (IBU) have written that in the rule book, so we have to deal with it, says Ponsiluoma.
Ponsiluoma believes there may be a risk that the big nations will be favoured, with the jury turning a blind eye to keep the best skiers in the competition.
We saw during the competition in Munich that Johan-Olav Botn only received a warning. Was it because he was one of Norway's best skiers? It must be the same line for everyone.
Are you worried?
Not now. But you never know - when you are tired and stressed, you might fall back into an old pattern.
"Feels natural"
Another, less dramatic rule change concerns qualification for the mass start. Previously, the 25 highest-placed skiers in the overall World Cup standings qualified directly.
Now that number is 20. The change means that more skiers outside the absolute world elite can take part in the mass start.
At the same time, it becomes more important to perform well that weekend.
It feels natural. All the best skiers will still be able to compete, says head coach Johannes Lukas.
The biathlon season starts in earnest this weekend with the Swedish premiere in Idre.
What do you think?