USA Fencing Refereeing Quiz

A class run by a Certified Referee Instructor (CRI) to teach refereeing skills.

Candidates must attend a referee clinic and pass tests to become eligible.

Referee ratings to judge experience and ability range from level 1 (basic) to 10 (advanced).

Referee the finals of an E rated competition or higher.

Referee any bout at an Open NAC.

Mandatory training for individuals 18 and older to ensure a safe environment for all.

USA Fencing rulebook is divided into four main sections, published separately by the FIE.

Continuously practicing refereeing to be proficient in technique and understanding.

Rules describing the technical aspects of fencing, including equipment.

Rules governing the structure and control of fencing competitions.

Rules regarding fencing weapons, scoring equipment, and their specifications.

Rules regarding advertising and sponsorships in fencing.

Instructions for preparing for a fencing referee test, emphasizing rulebook usage.

Advice on preparing for and taking the fencing referee test.

Referee action when a fencer's blade gets tangled in the scoring equipment.

Sections of the fencing referee test, including a general section and weapon-specific sections.

When fencers clash without pushing each other or trying to avoid contact.

The referee stops the action, usually when there's a potential scoring issue or rule violation.

There is no penalty. The referee should separate the fencers and resume the bout.

A fencer lowers their head to block the target area while attacking, which is against the rules.

The fencer receives a yellow card for blocking the target with their mask during an attack.

When only one fencer's light registers, the referee needs to determine who scored the touch.

If a light registers but the fencer's back is facing their opponent, it's unlikely they made a valid touch.

A touch on the hand that's covering the valid target area is a valid touch.

During a test, the referee discovers the fencer's body cord is unplugged from the reel cord, and the retention device is broken.

The referee should plug the body cord back into the reel and continue the test. The retention device should be repaired or replaced before the bout begins.

A fencer presents a weapon with both wires inside the bell twisted together and insulated in a single sheath.

The referee should confiscate the weapon, issuing a yellow card to the fencer. The wires need to be inspected properly.

A fencer presents a weapon with a French grip bent at an angle where the end of the handle protrudes beyond the bell guard.

The referee should confiscate the weapon and have it checked by experts. If the experts determine the weapon is illegal, the fencer receives a yellow card.

Using the unarmed hand or arm is an immediate red card penalty in all three weapons, including epee.

In epee, there is no designated target area. All hits on the opponent's body count.

A penalty given to a fencer for committing a minor infraction. Examples include unsportsmanlike conduct, improper fencing actions, or delaying the bout.

A fencer's action of attempting to close their target area (the chest, arm, or face, depending on the weapon), making it difficult for the opponent to score a valid touch.

A referee's decision to declare a scored touch invalid due to a violation of the fencing rules. This usually results in the points not being awarded.

A touch scored that meets the criteria of the fencing rules – it's on the valid target area and is made with a correct fencing action.

An attack made immediately after parrying an opponent’s attack.

A second attack executed immediately after the riposte.

A series of movements and techniques used to attack or defend in fencing. These include lunges, parries, footwork, and attack strategies.

The coordinated movements of a fencer's feet during attacks and defenses. The goal is to maintain balance and control, while allowing for quick and precise movements.

A fencer is 'in line' when their blade is pointed directly at their opponent's target, with their thumb on top of the grip. This position establishes a direct threat and priority over their opponent.

A 'beat' is a tap on the opponent's blade used to gain priority. This action, followed by a lunge, allows the attacker to win the point unless the defender can successfully deflect the blade or create enough distance to avoid the lunge.

A counter attack is a move executed in response to an opponent's failed initial attack. It only earns points if the initial attack is deemed unsuccessful by the referee.

A 'fleche' is a rapid lunge starting from a standing position. This attack delivers almost instant pressure on the opponent, making it difficult to react.

A simple attack is a fundamental technique used in foil fencing. It consists of a fluid advance lunge with the tip of the foil threatening the opponent's target.

A counter attack fails if the opponent's initial attack is successful. This happens if the initial attack hits the target before the counter attack lands.

A compound attack involves a combination of multiple movements, such as a beat followed by a lunge or a disengagement followed by a lunge.

An advance lunge is a move involving a step forward with the front foot while simultaneously lunging and extending the blade towards the opponent's target. It is used to cover distance quickly and maintain control over the attack.

When a fencer has one foot off the side of the strip, they lose one meter from the start of their attack.

Having both feet off the side of the strip leads to a loss of one meter from the start of the attack. If both feet are off the rear limits, the opponent receives a touch.

A 'fleche' is a rapid lunge starting from a standing position, delivering almost instant pressure on the opponent.

Corps a corps, even systematically but without jostling or avoiding a touch is allowed in epee.

If both tips of the epee meet and create a light or lights, the touch(es) are annulled.

The referee checks the body cord's connection, the weapon's connection, ensures no wire disconnection, and checks the barrel tightness. If all checks pass, a single tip depression is used.

If the epee fails the test after all checks are done, the test is annulled.

The referee controls the epee and depresses the tip once. If the epee does not work, the test is annulled.

Referees should avoid calling 'halt' prematurely in epee to allow for a riposte or a valid touch. Close distance fencing is permitted as long as the fencers maintain proper control of their weapons and aren't body to body (corps a corps).

Always ask yourself 'why did I call halt?' when action occurs. This helps determine the validity of a touch and if annulling the touch is necessary.

Always watch the fencer who got hit until the bout effectively recommences after you resume it.

Though epee doesn't have the priority concept like foil or sabre, it still has numerous rules that need rigorous adherence. Rules regarding stripping, passing, and annulment are particularly vital, as well as proper weapon testing.

Unlike foil/sabre, unable to follow the action is NOT a reason to call halt in epee. Focus on why the halt is necessary, not just the difficulty seeing the touch.

When fencers clash without pushing each other or attempting to avoid contact, it is called corps a corps without jostling.

There is no penalty for corps a corps without jostling. The referee separates the fencers and resumes the bout.

Using the unarmed hand or arm in epee is an immediate red card penalty.

Pool bouts (Open, Veteran, Youth) have a maximum of 3 minutes of fencing time and 5 touches. Sabre pool bouts generally have no time limit.

Team relay bouts have a set number of touches (5, 10, 15, etc.) with a time limit of 3 minutes per relay. The entire match has a maximum of 45 touches.

Fencers get 3 minutes of rest between pool bouts and 10 minutes of rest between Direct Elimination (DE) bouts.

Open, Junior, Youth 14, and Youth 12 DE bouts have 15 touches in three 3-minute periods with 1-minute rest. Sabre DE has a rest break at 8 touches. Youth 10 and 8 use shorter blades and have two 3-minute periods for 10 touches.

Veteran DE bouts are 10 touches in two 3-minute periods. Foil and epee have a break at 5 touches, while sabre has a break at 5 touches.

If the score is tied at the end of the regulation time, fencers fence for a deciding touch with a one-minute time limit. Priority is determined for determining the winner if the scores are still tied.

A 5-minute medical injury break is allowed per body part.

Only one person is allowed to speak to a fencer during breaks.