USA Fencing Rules for Competition PDF (January 2023)

FENCING RULES January 2023  Foreword This American Version of the international rules governing fencing competitions is translated and adapted from the 2001 French edition published by the FIE and incorporates changes made by the FIE Congresses an...

FENCING RULES January 2023  Foreword This American Version of the international rules governing fencing competitions is translated and adapted from the 2001 French edition published by the FIE and incorporates changes made by the FIE Congresses and adopted by the USA Fencing Board of Directors through August 2022. Unless otherwise noted here or in the USA Fencing Operations Manual, these rules apply to fencing competitions in the United States. The publication in electronic format with year and revision dating at the bottom of each page is intended to simplify the incorporation of future changes to the rules. Updates to the rules will be made available as approved on the USA Fencing website. The United States Fencing Association, Inc. doing business as USA Fencing (founded as the Amateur Fencers League of America in 1891) is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization primarily engaged in increasing participation in the sport of fencing. Membership in USA Fencing, in an appropriate category, is open to anyone who has an interest in fencing. USA Fencing is the official governing body for amateur fencing activities in the United States, and is so recognized by the Unites States Olympic & Paralympic Committee and the International Fencing Federation (FIE). Accordingly, the authority to enact, amend, and repeal the rules governing amateur fencing in the United States rests solely with the Board of Directors of USA Fencing. As a matter of policy, USA Fencing normally follows the technical rules enacted for the sport by the FIE, with occasional minor exceptions that are duly announced. The rules for fencing, as set forth in this book, therefore apply to all USA Fencing championships and nationally-rated competitions, and, unless exceptions have been announced in advance by the appropriate authorities, apply also to all events scheduled by any Section or Division of USA Fencing, or held under USA Fencing auspices. “USA Fencing” is a registered trademark of the United States Fencing Association, Inc. USA Fencing 210 USA Cycling Point, Suite 120 Colorado Springs, CO 80919 TEL: 719.866.4511 FAX: 719.632.5737 E-mail: [email protected] Website: https://www.usafencing.org Copyright © 2023 United States Fencing Association, Inc. doing business as USA Fencing. Permission to copy this work electronically or in print is granted only if reproduced in whole for personal or classroom use. It may not be edited, altered, or otherwise modified, except with the express permission of USA Fencing. Reproduction for sale or any other commercial purpose is strictly prohibited. USA Fencing Rules for Competition ii Version: January 2023  Preface This American edition incorporates the most recent FIE rules changes, using terms commonly used in American fencing. Some changes of form have been made to increase the clarity of the text, without altering the original intent. At times, a note is provided in text that is boxed off in order to explain application of a certain rule. The 2018 update involved substantial changes throughout the rulebook. In addition to numerous minor modifications to the content of the rules approved at the 2017 FIE Congress and subsequently approved by the USA Fencing Board of Directors in July 2018, the structure of the rules was substantially revised, with most rules renumbered. This most recent update corrects errata from the previous version, as well as the most recent modifications to the rules. New text from the prior version is marked in green text to facilitate identifying changes, although deleted text and updated numbering is not noted. The USA Fencing Operations Manual is still the definitive organizational rules source for US fencing and provides US specific information as to how tournaments are run. The ongoing publication of an American version of the FIE Rules has been carried out under the auspices of the Referees Commission (formerly Fencing Officials Commission) of USA Fencing. This current edition is based, in large part on the British translation of the FIE Rules. Over the years, a number of USA Fencing members have been involved in the publication of this book. Omar Bhutta, Ann McBain Ezzell, Bill Oliver, Mary Frye and the translation advice of Nancy Anderson were instrumental in editing previous editions of the rulebook. Many thanks go out to the current members of the RC Rules Committee for their continued advice and input. I would also like to acknowledge Steve Higginson and the British Fencing Association for their continued assistance in the English translations from the French, as well as their generous help in keeping track of the myriad changes that occur. Illustrations were graciously provided by Steve Higginson and the British Fencing Association. Some of the images have been modified to contain American English, and some were recreated in Photoshop to ensure high resolution images. Bradley Baker Editor Berwyn, PA January 1, 2023 USA Fencing Rules for Competition iii Version: January 2023  Abbreviations Used in the Text cf. (followed by a number) = see article number s. (after a number) = and the following article ss. (after a number) = and the following articles cf. x/y (when part of a cross-reference, e.g., cf. t.97.1/3) = see rules 1 and 3 under article t.97 cf. x-y (when part of a cross-reference, e.g., cf. t.97.1-3) = see rules 1 through 3 under article t.97 Numbering of Articles The FIE rules are broken into separate rulebooks, each with a different scope. The USA Fencing rulebook combines all of these documents into a single one. Articles that begin with “i.” are from the introduction and relate to the history of the Rules. Articles that begin with “t.” are from the first book, “Technical Rules,” and have to do with technical descriptions of fencing and its equipment. Articles that begin with “o.” are in the second book, “Organizational Rules,” and have to do with the organization and control of fencing competition. The companion to this section is the USA Fencing Operations Manual and can be found on the USA Fencing website. Articles that begin with “m.” are in the third book “Material Rules,” and have to do with the weapons and electrical apparatus and their specifications. Articles that begin with “p.” are in the fourth book “Publicity Code,” and have to do with advertising and sponsorships. USA Fencing Rules for Competition iv Version: January 2023 Foreword Preface Abbreviations Used in the Text and Numbering of Articles Introduction History of the Weapons and World Championships i.1-i.5 Book 1: Technical Rules GENERAL RULES AND RULES COMMON TO THE THREE WEAPONS Chapter 1. APPLICATION OF THE RULES Obligatory use of the rules t.1 Chapter 2. GLOSSARY COMPETITIONS Assaults and bouts t.2 Match t.3 Competition t.4 Tournament t.5 Championship t.6 EXPLANATION OF SOME TECHNICAL TERMS Preamble t.7 Fencing time t.8 Offensive and defensive actions t.9 Offensive actions t.10-13 Defensive actions t.14 The point in line position t.15 Chapter 3. THE FIELD OF PLAY t.16–19 Chapter 4. THE FENCERS’ EQUIPMENT (Weapons, Equipment, Clothing) Responsibility of fencers t.20 Chapter 5. FENCING Method of holding the weapon t.21 Coming on guard t.22 Beginning, stopping and restarting the bout t.23 Fencing at close quarters t.24 Corps à corps t.25 Corps a corps and flèche attacks t.26 Displacing the target and passing the opponent t.27-28 Substitution and use of the non-sword hand and arm t.29-30 Ground gained or lost t.31–32 Crossing the limits of the strip t.33-36 Duration of the bout t.37-44 Injuries, withdrawal of a competitor t.45 USA Fencing Rules for Competition v Version: January 2023 Chapter 6. REFEREEING AND JUDGING OF HITS The Referee t.46-47 Judges t.48 Video Consultants t.49 Designation of referees and video consultants -Individual competitions t.50 -Team competitions t.51 World Cup competitions t.52 Method of judging hits -Materiality of the hit t.53-58 -Validity or priority of the hit (incl. Video-refereeing) t.59 -Appeals for video refereeing t.60-62 -Referees’ gestures t.63 Regulation equipment and checking of equipment by the Referee t.64–69 Non-regulation equipment t.70-75 FOIL. THE CONVENTIONS OF FENCING METHOD OF MAKING A TOUCH t.76 THE TARGET Limitation of the target t.77 Touches off the target t.78 Extension of the valid target t.79 JUDGING OF HITS AT FOIL ANNULMENT OF A TOUCH t.80-81 VALIDITY OR PRIORITY OF THE TOUCH Preface t.82 Respect of the fencing phrase t.83–88 Judging of hits t.89 ÉPÉE.THE CONVENTIONS OF FENCING METHOD OF MAKING A HIT t.90 THE TARGET t.91 JUDGING OF HITS AT ÉPÉE t.92 ANNULMENT OF HITS t.93-95 SABRE. THE CONVENTIONS OF FENCING METHOD OF MAKING A HIT t.96 THE TARGET t.97–98 JUDGING OF HITS AT SABRE MATERIALITY AND ANNULMENT OF HITS t.99 VALIDITY OR PRIORITY OF THE HIT Preface t.100 Respect of the fencing phrase t.101–105 Judging of hits t.106 DISCIPLINARY RULES FOR COMPETITIONS USA Fencing Rules for Competition vi Version: January 2023 Chapter 1. APPLICATION Persons subject to these rules t.107 Order and discipline t.108–111 The competitors -Pledge of honor t.112 -Refusing to fence an opponent t.113 -Presence on time t.114-120 -Fencing etiquette t.121-127 -Personal effort t.128 The team manager t.129 The team captain t.130 The instructors, trainers and technicians t.131-132 The spectators t.133 Chapter 2. THE DISCIPLINARY AUTHORITIES AND THEIR COMPETENCE Preamble t.134 Jurisdiction t.135 Principle of jurisdiction t.136 The Referee t.137-138 The Bout Committee t.139-141 The Executive Committee of the IOC at the Olympic Games t.142 FIE - Central Office, Disciplinary Commission, Executive Committee, TAS t.143 Chapter 3. PENALTIES Classification of penalties t.144–145 Penalties related to fencing t.146–149 Disciplinary penalties t.150–156 Announcement of penalties t.157 Chapter 4. THE PENALTIES AND THE COMPETENT JURIDICAL AUTHORITIES The types (groups) of penalty t.158-163 Competence t.164 The First Group of offences t.165 The Second Group of offences t.166 The Third Group of offences t.167-168 The Fourth Group of offences t.169 Schedule of offences and penalties t.170 Chapter 5. PROCEDURE Basic principle t.171 Protests and appeals t.172–175 Investigation — Right of defense t.176 Method of decision t.177 Repetition of offence t.178 Book 2: Organization Rules USA Fencing Rules for Competition vii Version: January 2023 Part A - General rules for the Competitions Chapter 1. Introduction Application o.1-2 Types of competitions o.3 Criteria for World Cup competitions o.4 Chapter 2. Glossary o. 5-9 Chapter 3. Bodies Responsible for Organization and Control The Organizing Committee o.10 The Central Office of the FIE o.11 Supervision by the FIE o.12 Technical Delegate of the FIE o.13 The Bout Committee o.14-17 Designation of refereeing, SEMI, and medical delegates o.18 SEMI delegates o.19 The Refereeing delegates o.20 The Medical delegates o.21 The Supervisor o.22-23 Refereeing o.24-26 Specialized personnel o.27 Checking of Equipment o.28 Chapter 4. Age of Participants o.29-30 Chapter 5. Financial penalties and Fines o.31 Part B – Procedures before Competitions Chapter 1. Programming Program of the competitions o.32 Timetable o.33-35 Senior world championships o.36 Junior and cadet World Championships o.37-38 Veterans World Championships o.39 Grand Prix, Senior & Junior World Cups, Satellites o.40-41 Zonal Championship o.42 Olympic Games o.43 Regional Games o.44-45 Chapter 2. Invitations Official Invitation o.46-47 World Championships Seniors, Juniors, Veterans o.48-50 Grand Prix, Senior & Junior World Cups o.51 Zonal Championship o.52 Olympic Games o.53 Regional Games o.54 USA Fencing Rules for Competition viii Version: January 2023 Chapter 3. Entries Senior, Junior, World Championships, Zonal championships o.55-60 Grand Prix, Senior and Junior World Cups, and Satellite competitions o.61-62 Veterans World Championships o.63 Olympic Games o.64 Regional Games o.65 Part C – Procedures during Competitions Chapter 1. Formulae Individual Competitions o.66 A. General rules for the round of pools o.67-75 B. General rules for the direct elimination o.76-82 C. Mixed formula A. World Championships, Senior World Cups and Grand Prix o.83-88 D. Mixed formula B. o.89-94 E. Formula C. Olympic Games, Regional Games o.95-96 Team Competitions A. Senior and Junior World Championships, Zonal Championships o.97-99 B. Senior and Junior Team World Cups o.100-102 C. Veterans o.103 D. Olympic Games o.104 Chapter 2. Video Refereeing o.105 Chapter 3. Anti-Doping o.106-107 Part D – Procedures after the Competitions Chapter 1. Ranking Official FIE individual ranking o.108 Official team ranking of the FIE o.109 Chapter 2. Nations’ Grand Prix Ranking o.110 Book 3: Material Rules Part I—Fencers’ Weapons and Equipment Chapter 1: Weapons Characteristics common to all weapons m.1 General description m.2 Dimensions m.3 The grip m.4 The guard m.5 Characteristics of the foilm.6-m.13 Characteristics of the épée m.14-m.20 Characteristics of the sabre m.21-m.24 USA Fencing Rules for Competition ix Version: January 2023 Chapter 2: Equipment and Clothing General conditions m.25 Rules specific to foil m.26-m.29 Rules specific to épée m.30-m.31 Rules specific to sabre m.32-m.35 Chapter 3: Checking of Material Competence m.36 Checking of fencers’ equipment m.37 Presentation of equipment to the Weapon Checking Center m.38-m.39 Checking body m.40-m.41 Checking personnel and equipment m.42-m.43 Part II —Fittings and Material Provided by the Organizers Introduction m.44 Chapter 1: Scoring Apparatus Authorized design m.45 Approval of designs of apparatus m.46-m.50 Requirements for all electrical equipment m.51 Number and quality of judging apparatus m.52 Checking of apparatus m.53-m.54 Chapter 2: Reels, Cables and their Connections Reels, cables and their connections m.55-m.56 Chapter 3: Conductive Strips Conductive strips m.57 Chapter 4: Source of Electrical Current Source of electrical current m.58 Chapter 5: Extension Lamps Extension lamps m.59-m.60 Appendix A to the Material Rules—Manufacturers’ Safety Standards 1. Blades—Specification for the Manufacture of Fencing Blades 2.1.1 Standards for the Materials for the Mesh of Fencing masks 2.1.2. Masks that are Colored or decorated with drawings 2.2. Shape, Dimensions and Methods of Production of the Elements of Fencing Masks 3. Standards for the Manufacture of Clothing 3.1. Resistance of Cloth against Perforation 3.2. Parts of the Fencer that It Is vital to Protect 4. Label of Quality Appendix B to the Material Rules—Characteristics of Scoring Apparatus a. Foil USA Fencing Rules for Competition x Version: January 2023  1. The Central Judging Apparatus (cf. m.51) 2. Anti-Blocking Type Central Judging Apparatus b. Épée c. Sabre Appendix C to the Material Rules—Scoreboard for Finals Appendix D to the Rules for Competition—Fencers’ Publicity Code Chapter 1: General Principles and the Relevant Texts p.1-p.3 General principles Chapter 2: Collective Advertising Agreement p.4 The parties p.5 Procedure p.6 Position of the fencer Chapter 3: Individual Contract p.7 Principle p.8 Restrictions Chapter 4: Specific Regulations p.9 Marks p.10 Position and sizes p.11 Exploitation of the fencer’s image p.12 Advertising which is worn or carried p.13 Leg band or self-adhesive notice Chapter 5: Penalties p.14 Individual contract p.15 Mark not conforming to the regulations p.16 Advertising on clothing p.17 Advertising not conforming to the rules or not authorized p.18 Leg bands and self adhesive bandages p.19 Image advertising p.20 Offense p.21 Competence and procedure Index USA Fencing Rules for Competition xi Version: January 2023  RULES FOR COMPETITIONS NOBODY MAY CLAIM IGNORANCE OF THE RULES Introduction Historical Note i.1 1. The technical rules of the Fédération Internationale d’Escrime were unanimously adopted by the International Congress of National Olympic Committees held at Paris in June 1914 for use in all events at the Olympic Games. They were first codified in 1914 by the Marquis de Chasseloup-Laubat and Monsieur Paul Anspach and issued in 1919 with the title of “Rules for Competitions.” 2. They were modified by various FIE Congresses and were revised after the 1931 Congress and again after the 1954 Congress when they were renamed “Technical Rules.” They were revised and modernized after the 1958 Congress and renamed “Rules for Competitions.” 3. The amendments made by Congress held between 1964 and 1972 were incorporated in the new updated edition published in 1972. The amendments made by Congress between 1973 and 1983 inclusive were incorporated in the new French updated edition published in 1983. Subsequent amendments were included in a restructured edition published in 1997. This edition includes all amendments made before January 1st, 2023. Foil i.2 1. The Rules for Foil were adopted on 12 June 1914 by the Committee for Foil of the FIE at a meeting in Paris under the presidency of General G. Ettore, representing the Italian Fencing Federation, who edited the proposed rules. 2. They were basically the same as those drawn up by Monsieur Camille Prévost, President of the Académie d’Armes and President of the Technical Committee for Foil of the French National Federation. They also conformed to the rules drawn up by the Marquis de Chasseloup-Laubat for “Les Armes de France,” to the various earlier international regulations drawn up by the different countries affiliated to the FIE, and to the Franco- Italian rules. 3. The rules governing foil competitions judged with the electrical judging apparatus were adopted in 1957 and modified by various later Congresses up to the present date. USA Fencing Rules for Competition xii Version: January 2023  Épée i.3 1. The Rules for Épée drawn up in 1914 coordinated and completed all the various épée rules which existed prior to the foundation of the FIE and which had been evolved from 1892 both in France and elsewhere, notably by: 2. The Permanent Committee of la Société d’Escrime à l’Épée de Paris, l’Académie d’Épée; la Société d’Entrainement à l’Escrime et au Pistolet; and les Armes de France The 1905 International Committee, subject to the laws of each country, regarding the application to dueling L’Union des Sociétés Françaises de Sport Athlétiques (USFSA) Le Comité National des Sports de France The French Olympic Committee The Organizing Committees for the Tournaments held at Nice, on the Riviera, at Ostend, etc. 3. The rules governing épée competitions judged with the electrical judging apparatus were adopted in 1936 and subsequently modified by various later Congresses up to the present date. 4. The Congress of 1984 approved the introduction of Ladies’ Épée; the Congress of 1987 decided that World Championships for Ladies’ Épée should be organized from 1989 onwards. Sabre i.4 1. The FIE Sabre Rules include the essential portions of the rules which were adopted at the Olympic Games in London in 1908 and in Stockholm in 1912. 2. They also conform to the basic principles of the Ostend rules and of the Hungarian rules and were adopted on 12 June 1914 by the Committee for Sabre of the FIE assembled in Paris under the chairmanship of Dr. Bela Nagy, President of the Hungarian Fencing Federation, who edited the proposed rules. 3. The rules governing sabre events fenced with an electrical apparatus were adopted in 1988. USA Fencing Rules for Competition xiii Version: January 2023  World Championships i.5 1. In accordance with the decisions taken at the Congresses at Antwerp (1920, 1939), the Hague (1927), Amsterdam (1928), Brussels (1937, 1947), Madrid (1962), Paris (1987), Cape Town (1997), Neuchâtel (1998) and Lausanne (1999), official male and female championships, called Open World Championships (called European Championships until 1936) are held annually under the auspices of the FIE, for both individuals and teams, in foil, épée and sabre. 2. In accordance with the decisions taken by the Congresses held at Paris (1949, 1951, 1959), Venice (1955), Madrid (1962), Gdansk (1963), Paris (1987), Neuchâtel (1998) and Lausanne (1999), World Junior Championships are held annually under the auspices of the FIE, comprising individual and team competitions, both male and female, in foil, épée and sabre. 3. In accordance with decisions taken by the Congress held at Neuchâtel (1998), the World Cadet Championships consist of individual competitions, both male and female, in foil, épée and sabre. USA Fencing Rules for Competition xiv Version: January 2023  Book 1 Technical Rules USA Fencing Rules for Competition 1 Version 8/1/018  Part I General Rules and Rules Common to the Three Weapons Chapter 1 Application of the Rules t.1 ------------------------------------------ There is no text available for t.1 USA Fencing Rules for Competition 2 Version: January 2023  Chapter 2 Glossary t.2 ------------------------------------------ There is no text available for t.2 t.3 ------------------------------------------ There is no text available for t.3 t.4 ------------------------------------------ There is no text available for t.4 t.5 ------------------------------------------ There is no text available for t.5 t.6 ------------------------------------------ There is no text available for t.6 USA Fencing Rules for Competition 3 Version: January 2023  Explanation of some Technical Terms Commonly Used in the Judging of Fencing Preamble t.7 It is stressed that this section in no way replaces a treatise on fencing and is only included in order to help the reader to understand the rules. Fencing time t.8 Fencing time is the time required to perform one simple fencing action. Offensive and defensive actions t.9 1. The offensive actions are the attack, the riposte and the counter-riposte. — The attack is the initial offensive action made by extending the arm and continuously threatening the opponent’s target, preceding the launching of the lunge or flèche (cf. t.56ss, t.75ss). — The riposte is the offensive action made by the fencer who has parried the attack. — The counter-riposte is the offensive action made by the fencer who has parried the riposte. 2. The defensive actions are the parries. — The parry is the defensive action made with the weapon to prevent an offensive action arriving. Offensive actions The attack t.10 The action is simple when it is executed in one movement and is: — either direct (in the same line), — or indirect (in another line). The action is compound when it is executed in several movements. The riposte t.11 The riposte may be immediate or delayed, depending on what action takes place and the speed at which it is carried out. Ripostes are: a) Simple, direct — Direct riposte: a riposte which touches the opponent without leaving the line in which the parry was made. USA Fencing Rules for Competition 4 Version: January 2023  — Riposte along the blade: a riposte which touches the opponent by grazing along the blade after the parry. b) Simple, indirect — Riposte by disengagement: a riposte which touches the opponent in the opposite line to that in which the parry was formed (by passing under the opponent’s blade if the parry was formed in the high line, and over the blade if the parry was formed in the low line). — Riposte with a coupé: a riposte which touches the opponent in the opposite line to that in which the parry was formed (the blade always passing over the opponent’s point). c) Compound — Riposte with a doublé: a riposte which touches the opponent in the opposite line to that in which the parry was formed, but after having described a complete circle around the opponent’s blade. — Riposte with a one–two: a riposte which touches the opponent in the same line as that in which the parry was formed but after the blade has first been into the opposite line, by passing under the opponent’s blade. Counter-attacks t.12 Counter-attacks are offensive or offensive–defensive actions made during the offensive action of the opponent. 1. The stop hit: a counter-attack made into an attack. 2. The stop hit made with opposition: a counter-attack made while closing the line in which the opponent’s attack will be completed (cf. t.83, t.84, t.85, t.101ss and t.102ss). 3. The stop hit made within a period of fencing time, i.e., “in time” (cf. t.88, t.105). Other offensive actions t.13 1. The remise A simple and immediate offensive action which follows the original attack, without withdrawing the arm, after the opponent has parried or retreated, when the latter has either quitted contact with the blade without riposting or has made a riposte which is delayed, indirect or compound. 2. The redoublement A new action, either simple or compound, made against an opponent who has parried without riposting or who has merely avoided the first action by retreating or displacing the target. 3. The reprise of the attack A new attack executed immediately after a return to the on-guard position. USA Fencing Rules for Competition 5 Version: January 2023  4. Counter-time Any action made by the attacker against a stop hit made by his opponent. Defensive actions t.14 Parries are simple, direct, when they are made in the same line as the attack. They are circular (counter-parries) when they are made in the opposite line to that of the attack. The point in line position t.15 The point in line position is a specific position in which the fencer’s sword arm is kept straight and the point of his weapon continually threatens his opponent’s valid target (cf. t.84.1/2/3, t.89.4.e, t.89.5.a, t.102, t.103.3.e, t.106.4.a/b). USA Fencing Rules for Competition 6 Version: January 2023  Chapter 3 The Field of Play t.16 The field of play should have an even surface. It should give neither advantage nor disadvantage to either of the two fencers concerned, especially as regards light. t.17 1. That portion of the field of play which is used for fencing is called the strip. 2. Competitions in the three weapons are fenced on the same strips. t.18 1. The combat area is 1.5 meters wide. USA Fencing sanctioned tournaments must use strips that conform to requirements based on the level at which the competition is held that are specified in the Operations Manual. 2. The strip is 14 meters long, so that each competitor, being placed at 2 meters from the center line has at his disposal for retreating a total distance of 5 meters without it being necessary for him to cross the rear limit of the strip with both feet. 3. The conductive safety borders, indicated in Fig. 1, the diagram of the strips for pools, DE, finals and semi-finals, including the strips already having safety borders, do not form part of the strip. 4. The distance between the score machine table or stand and the edge of the strip should be between 1 meter and 5 meters. Any slave score machine must not be placed nearer than 5 meters from the edge of the runback area. t.19 Five lines should be drawn very clearly on the strip at right angles to its length, as follows: 1. one center line which must be drawn as a broken line across the whole width of the strip; 2. two on-guard lines at 2 meters on each side of the center line. These must be drawn across the whole width of the strip; 3. two lines at the rear limits of the strip, which must be drawn across the whole width of the strip, at a distance of 7 meters from the center line. 4. In addition, the last 2 meters of the strip before these rear limit lines must be clearly distinguished—if possible by a different color of strip—to make it easy for the fencers to be aware of their position on the strip (see Figures 1 and 2). USA Fencing Rules for Competition 7 Version: January 2023  Figure 1. Strip for Semi-Finals and Finals (maximum height 50 cm) USA Fencing Rules for Competition 8 Version: January 2023  Figure 2. Standard Strip for all three weapons USA Fencing Rules for Competition 9 Version: January 2023  Chapter 4 The Fencers’ Equipment (Weapons—Equipment—Clothing) Responsibility of fencers t.20 1. Fencers arm, equip and clothe themselves and fence at their own responsibility and at their own risk. 2. It is obligatory for any fencer who warms up or trains with another fencer on site at a USA Fencing competition (including in the training halls linked to the competition) to wear fencing clothing and equipment which conforms with the USA Fencing regulations. Any person giving a lesson must wear at least a fencing master’s plastron, as well as a fencing glove and a mask conforming to the regulations. Any fencer taking a lesson must wear at least a mask and a glove. The Supervisor of the competition or a member of the Bout Committee must penalize any person not respecting this rule with a yellow card, followed by a black card in case of a repeated infringement. 3. The safety measures specified in the Rules and in the standards contained in the Appendix to them and the methods of control laid down in the present Rules (cf. Material Rules) are only designed to increase the fencers’ safety and cannot guarantee it. They cannot, therefore, whatever the manner in which they are applied, impart responsibility to the FIE, or to the organizers of competitions, to the officials or personnel who carry out such organization, or to those who may cause an accident. USA Fencing Rules for Competition 10 Version: January 2023  Chapter 5 Fencing Method of holding the weapon t.21 1. With all three weapons, defensive actions must be effected exclusively with the weapon. 2. If the handle has no special device or attachment or special shape (e.g., orthopedic), a fencer may hold it in any way he wishes and he may also alter the position of his hand on the handle during a bout. However, the weapon must not be—either permanently or temporarily, in an open or disguised manner—transformed into a throwing weapon; it must be used without the hand leaving the grip and without the hand slipping along the grip from front to back during an offensive action. 3. When the handle has a special device or attachment or has a special shape (e.g., orthopedic) it must be held in such a way that the upper surface of the thumb is in the same plane as the groove in the blade (in foil or épée) and perpendicular to the plane of the flexibility of the blade in sabre. 4. The weapon must be used with one hand only; a fencer may not change hands until the end of the bout, unless the Referee gives special permission in the case of injury to the hand or arm. Coming on guard and placing of the fencers t.22 1. The fencer whose number is called first should place himself on the right of the Referee, except in the case of a bout between a right- and a left-hander, if the left-hander is called first. 2. The team which has the greater number of right-handed fencers should be placed on the referee’s right. If both teams have the same number of right- and left-handed fencers, the team called first should be placed on the referee’s right. 3. The Referee places each of the two competitors in such a way that the front foot of each is immediately behind the “on-guard” lines). 4. Competitors are always put on guard, whether at the beginning of the bout or subsequently, in the center of the width of the strip. 5. When placed on guard during the bout, the distance between the two competitors must be such that, in the point in line position, the points of the two blades cannot make contact. 6. After the scoring of a valid touch the competitors are put on guard in the middle of the strip. 7. If no touch is awarded they are replaced in the position that they occupied when the bout was interrupted. 8. At the beginning of each period (in a direct elimination bout) and of any additional minute of fencing time, the fencers are placed on guard in the middle of the strip. USA Fencing Rules for Competition 11 Version: January 2023  The competitors may not be replaced on guard, at their correct distance, in such a way as to place behind the rear line of the strip a fencer who was in front of that line when the bout was halted. If he already had one foot behind the rear line, he remains in that position. 9. If a fencer crosses the lateral boundaries of the strip, with one or both feet, he must be placed on guard at the correct distance, even if this means that he is placed behind the rear line and thus causes a touch to be awarded against him (cf. t.28, t.102). 10. Competitors come on guard when the Referee gives the order “On guard,” after which the Referee asks, “Are you ready?” On receiving an affirmative reply, or in the absence of a negative reply, he gives the command for fencing to commence with the word “Fence.” 11. The fencers must come on guard correctly and remain completely still until the command “Fence” is given by the Referee. 12. In foil and sabre, fencers may not come on guard in the “in line” position. Beginning, stopping and restarting the bout t.23 1. The start of the bout is signaled by the word “Fence.” No movement made or initiated before the word “Fence” is counted. 2. The bout stops on the word “Halt,” except in the case of special events occurring which modify the regular and normal conditions of the bout (cf. t.44.1/2). 3. As soon as the order “Halt” has been given, a competitor may not start a new action; only the movement which has begun before the order was given remains valid. Everything which takes place afterwards is entirely non-valid (But cf. t.44.1/2). 4. If a competitor stops before the word “Halt,” and is touched, the touch is valid. 5. The order “Halt” is also given if the fencing of the competitors is dangerous, confused, or contrary to the Rules, if one of the competitors is disarmed or leaves the strip (cf. t.33, t.58). 6. The Referee may not allow a fencer to leave the strip, save in exceptional circumstances. If a competitor does so without permission he is liable to incur the penalties enumerated in Articles t.158-162, t.165, t.170. Fencing at close quarters t.24 Fencing at close quarters is allowed so long as the competitors can wield their weapons correctly and the Referee can, in foil and sabre, follow the phrase. Corps à corps t.25 1. Corps à corps is said to exist when the two competitors are in contact; when this occurs the Referee must stop the bout (cf. t.32, t.26). 2. In all three weapons it is forbidden for a fencer to cause corps à corps intentionally to avoid being touched, or to jostle the opponent. Should such an offense occur, the Referee USA Fencing Rules for Competition 12 Version: January 2023  will penalize the fencer at fault as specified in Articles t.158-162, t.165, t.170 and any touch scored by the fencer at fault is annulled. 3. A fencer who either by a flèche attack or by advancing vigorously brings about a corps à corps even several times in succession (without brutality or violence) does not transgress the basic conventions of fencing and commits no fault thereby (cf. t.32). Corps à corps and flèche attacks t.26 1. The “flèche ending systematically in a corps à corps” referred to in this article must not be confused with the “flèche resulting in a shock which jostles the opponent” which is considered as an act of intentional brutality in all three weapons and is punished as such (cf. t.121.2, t.170). 2. On the other hand the “flèche which is made by running, even going past the opponent,” and without a corps à corps is not forbidden: the Referee should not call “Halt” too soon, in order not to annul a possible riposte; if, when making such a running flèche without touching his opponent, the fencer who makes the flèche crosses the lateral boundaries of the strip, he must be punished as laid down in Article t.35.3. Displacing the target and passing the opponent t.27 1. Displacing the target and ducking are allowed even if during the action the unarmed hand and/or the knee of the back leg comes into contact with the strip. 2. It is forbidden to turn one’s back on one’s opponent during the bout. Should such an offense occur, the Referee will penalize the fencer at fault as specified in Articles t.158-162, t.165, t.170 and any touch scored by the fencer at fault is annulled. t.28 1. When a fencer goes completely past his opponent during a bout, the Referee must immediately call “Halt” and replace the competitors in the positions which they occupied before the passing took place. 2. When touches are made as a fencer passes his opponent, the touch made immediately is valid; a touch made after passing his opponent by the competitor who has made the passing movement is annulled, but the touch made immediately, even when turning around, by the competitor who has been subjected to the offensive action, is valid. 3. If during a bout a fencer who has made a flèche attack has a touch registered against him and he continues to run beyond the extreme limit of the strip sufficiently far to cause his reel or the connecting line to his reel to be torn out, the touch which he has received will not be annulled (cf. t.147). Substitution and use of the non-sword hand and arm t.29 1. The use of the non-sword hand and arm to carry out an offensive or defensive action is forbidden (cf. t.158-162, t.165, t.170). Should such an offense occur, the touch scored by the fencer at fault is annulled and the latter will be penalized as specified for offenses of the 2nd group (red card). USA Fencing Rules for Competition 13 Version: January 2023  2. If a fencer substitutes a non-valid part of his target for a valid part, either by covering it or by any abnormal movement, the Referee must penalize him by applying the penalties specified in Articles t.158-162, t.165, t.170); any touch scored by the fencer at fault is annulled. 3. During the bout, the fencer must not, under any circumstances, take hold of any part of the electrical equipment with the non-sword hand (cf. t.158-162, t.165, t.170); any touch scored by the fencer at fault is annulled. t.30 1. If during a bout the Referee notices that one of the fencers is making use of the non-sword arm and/or hand, or is protecting or covering the valid target with a non-valid surface, the Referee can call for the help of two neutral judges who will be designated by the Head Referee. 2. These judges, one on each side of the strip, will watch all aspects of the bout and will indicate, by raising their hand or when asked by the Referee, if the non-sword arm or hand has been used, or if the fencer has protected or covered the valid target with a non- valid surface (cf. t.49, t.72, t.158-162, t.165, t.170). 3. The Referee may also make the fencers change places so that the fencer committing this fault does not have his back to the Referee. Ground gained or lost t.31 When the order “Halt” is given, ground gained is held until a touch has been given. When competitors are replaced on guard, each fencer should retreat an equal distance in order to keep fencing distance (cf. t.17.3/4). t.32 However, if the bout has been stopped on account of corps à corps, the fencers are replaced on guard in such a position that the competitor who has sustained the corps à corps is at the place which he previously occupied; this also applies if his opponent has subjected him to a flèche attack, even without corps à corps. Crossing the limits of the strip Stopping the bout t.33 1. When a competitor crosses one of the lateral boundaries of the strip with one or both feet completely off the strip, the Referee must immediately call “Halt.” 2. If the fencer goes off the strip with both feet, the Referee must annul everything that has occurred after the boundary has been crossed, except a touch received by the competitor who has crossed the boundary even after he has crossed it, provided that this touch results from a simple and immediate action. 3. However, a touch scored by the fencer who leaves the strip with one foot only is valid provided that the action was started before the “Halt.” USA Fencing Rules for Competition 14 Version: January 2023  4. If one of the competitors leaves the strip with both feet, only a touch made by the fencer who remains on the strip with at least one foot, and at épée only, can be counted valid, even in the case of a double touch. For foil and sabre the convention must be applied. Rear limits t.34 Should a competitor cross the rear limit of the strip completely—i.e., with both feet—a touch will be scored against him. Lateral boundaries t.35 1. If a competitor crosses one of the lateral boundaries of the strip with one or two feet, he must retreat one meter from the point where he left the strip, and if he goes off the strip during an attack, he must return to the position he occupied when he started his attack and then retreat a further meter (but cf. t.29). 2. If the exercise of this penalty places a competitor with both feet beyond the rear limit of the strip, that competitor is considered as having been touched. 3. A competitor who crosses one of the lateral boundaries of the strip with one or both feet— e.g., when making a flèche—to avoid being touched will be penalized as specified in Articles t.158-162, t.165, t.170. Leaving the strip accidentally t.36 A competitor who involuntarily crosses one of the boundaries of the strip as the result of any accidental cause (such as jostling) incurs no penalty whatever. Duration of the bout t.37 1. Duration of the bout is held to mean the effective duration, that is, the total of the intervals of time between the orders “Fence” and “Halt.” 2. The duration of the bout is controlled by the Referee or by a timekeeper. For the finals of all official competitions, as well as for all bouts for which a chronometer is visible to the spectators, the chronometer must be so placed that it is visible to the two fencers on the strip and to the Referee. 3. The same bout or relay cannot be restarted after the bout or relay is finished in accordance with t.122, even if a formal mistake has been made. t.38 In the pools a bout ends when: 1. One of the fencers has scored 5 touches. a) In this case the score registered on the scoresheet is the final score of the bout (V–n, where n = the number of touches scored by the losing fencer). USA Fencing Rules for Competition 15 Version: January 2023  b) In épée, if the two fencers reach a score of 4–4, they must fence for a deciding touch, up to the time limit. Any double touch will not be counted (and the fencers will therefore remain where they are on the strip). 2. Three minutes of effective fencing time have passed. a) If when the time limit expires there is a difference of at least one touch between the scores of the two fencers, the fencer who has scored the greater number of touches is declared winner. The score registered on the scoresheet is the actual score achieved in the bout (VN – n, where N = the number of touches scored by the winning fencer and n = the number of touches scored by the losing fencer). b) If at the end of regulation time the scores are equal, the fencers fence for a deciding touch, with a maximum time limit of one minute. Before the fencing recommences, the Referee draws lots to decide who will be the winner if scores are still equal at the end of the extra minute. In épée, during this minute, when double touches occur, points will not be awarded, the score will not change, and the fencers will retain their respective positions on the strip. c) In this case the score registered on the scoresheet is always the actual score achieved in the bout: — VN – n if a deciding touch is scored within the time limit for the bout. — V4–4 or V3–3 or V2–2 or V1–1 or V0–0 if the winner is designated by drawing lots. t.39 1. The direct elimination bouts are for 15 touches, or when the three periods of three minutes, with a one minute rest between each period, have passed. As an exception, in sabre, the first period ends either at the expiry of the three minutes or when one of the fencers has scored eight touches. 2. During the one minute rests a person, named before the bout, may have access to the fencer. 3. A clock, incorporated into the electrical scoring apparatus, blocks the latter at the end of each period. t.40 1. The bout ends when: — One of the fencers has scored 15 touches; or — 9 minutes of effective fencing time have passed. 2. The fencer who has scored the greater number of touches is declared the winner. 3. If at the end of regulation time the scores are equal, the fencers fence for a deciding touch, with a maximum time limit of one minute. Before the fencing recommences the Referee draws lots to decide who will be the winner if scores are still equal at the end of the extra minute. USA Fencing Rules for Competition 16 Version: January 2023  In épée, during this minute, when double touches occur, points will not be awarded, the score will not change, and the fencers will retain their respective positions on the strip. 4. In this case the score recorded on the scoresheet is the real score achieved in the bout. t.41 1. Each “lap” (bout) of the relay match consists of five touches (5, 10, 15, 20, etc.); Exceptionally, a relay may end at more than 5, 10, 15 etc. if a fencer scores a valid last hit of the relay and is at the same time awarded an additional penalty hit: in this case both hits will be counted; the maximum time for each bout is 3 minutes. 2. The first two opponents fence until one of them has scored five touches, within the time limit of 3 minutes. The next two opponents fence until one of their scores has reached ten touches, within the time limit of 3 minutes, and so on with successive bouts, cumulatively, of five touches. 3. If by the expiration of 3 minutes of fencing time the intended score for the bout has not been achieved, the next two fencers take up the score where it was left off and fence up to the maximum score intended for their bout as normal, within the time limit of 3 minutes. 4. The winning team is that which first reaches the maximum score of 45 touches, or that which has scored the greatest number of touches after the expiration of regulation time. 5. If at the end of regulation time for the last bout the scores are equal, the match continues for a deciding touch, with a maximum time limit of one minute, fought for by the fencers of the last bout in the match. Before the fencing recommences the Referee draws lots to decide who will be the winner if scores are still equal at the end of the extra minute. In épée, during this minute, when double touches occur, points will not be awarded, the score will not change, and the fencers will retain their respective positions on the strip. Veterans t.42 The direct elimination bouts are for 10 touches or end when two periods of three minutes, with one minute rest between the periods, have passed. As an exception, at sabre, the first period ends either at the expiry of the three minutes or when one of the fencers has scored five touches. Timing t.43 1. The fencers may ask how much time they have left to fence each time that the fencing is interrupted. 2. Any fencer who attempts improperly to cause or to prolong interruptions to the bout is penalized as specified in Articles t.158-162, t.165, t.170. USA Fencing Rules for Competition 17 Version: January 2023 t.44 1. At the expiration of the regulation fencing time, the clock must automatically set off a loud audible signal, and automatically cut off the scoring apparatus, without canceling touches registered before the disconnection. The bout stops with the audible signal. 2. If the clock is not linked to the scoring apparatus, the timekeeper must shout “Halt” (or operate a sound signal) which stops the bout; in this case, even a “coup lancé” is not valid. 3. Should there be a failure of the clock or an error by the timekeeper, the Referee must estimate how much fencing time is left. 4. When the wireless apparatus is used, no touches registered after the end of fencing time will be awarded, even if a light is showing on the wireless apparatus. Injuries or other medical reason, withdrawal of a competitor t.45 1. For any injury or other medical reason which occurs in the course of a bout and which is properly attested by the designated sports medicine professional on duty, the Referee will allow a break in the bout lasting no longer than 5 minutes. Only the doctor and/or medical provider on duty can determine the length of time of treatment required when a medical time-out is granted. This break should be timed from the point when the designated sports medicine professional gave his opinion. This break should be strictly reserved for the requisite treatment. If the designated sports medicine professional considers, before or at the end of the 5-minute break, that the fencer is incapable of continuing the bout, the fencer must withdraw (individual events) and/or be replaced, if possible (team events) (cf. o.99.6.a/b). If the athlete retires and a medical withdrawal is determined, the designated sports medicine professional on duty must fully complete the medical withdrawal form and submit it to the Bout Committee for its inclusion into the final report. All breaks for a medical reason must be noted on the score-sheet for the bout, the pool, or the match. 2. During the remainder of the same day, a fencer cannot be allowed a further break unless as a result of a different injury or other medical reason. 3. Should a fencer demand a break which is deemed by the delegate of the designated sports medicine professional on duty to be unjustified, the Referee will penalize that fencer as specified in Articles t.158-162, t.166, t.170 4. In team events a fencer judged unable to continue the bout by the designated sports medicine professional on duty may, nevertheless, on the advice of the same designated sports medicine professional, fence in subsequent matches on the same day. 5. The Bout Committee may modify the order of bouts in a pool in order to ensure the efficient running of the competition (cf. o.71.1). USA Fencing Rules for Competition 18 Version: January 2023  Chapter 6 Refereeing and the Judging of touches t.46 1. By accepting a position as Referee or judge, the person so designated pledges his honor to respect the Rules and to cause them to be respected, and to carry out his duties with the strictest impartiality and absolute concentration. 2. Referees may not combine their function with any other activity during the tournament, such as member of the Bout Committee, team captain, official delegate of their national federation, coach, etc. Referees t.47 1. All bouts in fencing are directed by a Referee who must be in possession of an up-to-date US or international refereeing license. 2. Duties of referees. a) The referee calls the roll of the competitors (cf. t.114, t.118, t.119). b) The referee directs the bout. c) Before each bout, the referee must check the weapons, clothes and equipment of the fencers, according to the regulations described below. d) The referee superintends the proper functioning of the electrical apparatus. Either on own initiative or when asked to do so by a team captain or competitor, the referee implements tests necessary to verify the apparatus and locate any faults which may be found. The referee will prevent the competitors from hindering the tests by unplugging or changing their equipment prematurely. e) The referee directs the judges, timekeepers, scorers, etc. f) The referee positions himself and moves in such a way as to be able to follow the bout while always being able to see the illumination of the signal lamps. g) The referee penalizes faults (cf. t.164). h) The referee awards the touches (cf. t.54ss). i) The referee maintains order (cf. t.137). j) Whenever necessary, the referee should consult the experts concerning the electrical apparatus (cf. o.28). k) The Referee must also supervise the state of the conductive strip and must not allow the bout to commence or to continue if the conductive strip has holes in it which might affect the proper registering of touches. Judges t.48 USA Fencing Rules for Competition 19 Version: January 2023  1. The Referee fulfills his functions with the aid of an apparatus for the automatic registering of touches; he may also be assisted by two judges watching for the use of the unarmed hand or arm, substitution of the valid target, touches scored on the floor in épée, leaving the strip to the side or the rear or any other offense defined in the Rules (cf. t.170). 2. The judges are obligatory for all individual competition finals (whether of 4 or 8 fencers) and for the final (2 teams) of team events. 3. The judges are placed on each side of the Referee, on either side of the strip; they watch all aspects of the entire bout. 4. The judges must change ends halfway through each bout or after each period in direct elimination bouts and after each bout in team matches, so as not to watch the same fencer the whole time. Video Consultants t.49 Whenever video refereeing is used, there shall be designated video consultants who will watch the bout live, then, should the need arise, subsequently on the video screen, and interact with the referee as specified in t.60-62, o.105. The video consultant must: 1. be a referee holding an FIE license for the year in question; 2. have been trained to assist with the video; 3. be of a different nationality from the fencers on the strip; 4. be of a different nationality from the main referee. Designation of referees and video consultants Individual competitions t.50 1. For the rounds of pools and the direct elimination table, the Refereeing Delegates select the Referees by drawing lots. 2. For the pools, the Referee must be of a different nationality from that of any of the fencers in the pool. 3. For the direct elimination tables at each weapon, the Refereeing Delegates establish, among the Referees present, a list of the best referees in each weapon (according to the grades obtained during the season). For each quarter of the table, 4 Referees are assigned by drawing lots from among at least 4 to 5 Referees, to referee the bouts in the order of the table. They must be of a different nationality from that of any of the fencers participating in that quarter of the table if possible. Then, the video consultants will be assigned by drawing lots among at least 4 to 5 referees. Lots are drawn by the computer at each stage of the table, but may be modified by the Refereeing Delegates in case of any problem with the computer program, mistakes made by the operator of the computer program and in the case of conflicts between category A USA Fencing Rules for Competition 20 Version: January 2023  or B (FIE Statues, Chapter XII Ethical Code). In any case where the computer draw is modified, it must be with the agreement of the Bout Committee and signed by both the Refereeing Delegate and the Chair of the Bout Committee. At each referees’ meeting before any competition, the referees will be asked to declare their potential conflicts of interest to the Refereeing Delegate or the Chair of the Bout Committee. This information must be notified to USA Fencing by the Refereeing Delegate or the Bout Committee Chair. 4. At the end of each round, the Refereeing Delegates can withdraw one or more Referees whose performance was not satisfactory. This decision must be taken by the majority of the Refereeing Delegates present. However, a Referee may not be changed during a bout except in exceptional circumstances. In such a case the decision, which must be well founded, must be taken by the majority of the Refereeing Delegates present (this rule is equally valid for team competitions). 5. For the final of 4, the Refereeing Delegates, immediately after the end of the direct elimination tables, select 4 Referees by lot from among at least 4 to 5 Referees, who must be of a different nationality from any of the fencers. 15 minutes before the final, the Refereeing Delegates will draw lots to assign the Referees for all the bouts for the two semi-finals, in the following order: 1st semi-final, 2nd semifinal. As soon as the two semi-finals are over, the Refereeing Delegates will establish a list of 4-5 referees and draw lots to assign the Referee and the video consultant for the final, as well as (at the Olympic Games) the Referee and the video consultant of the bout for the 3 rd place. 6. The drawing of lots is done with the help of a computer for the whole of the competition right through to the final. The computer program must record each drawing of lots so that it is possible to know which referees were submitted for each draw. The computer program should also be able to indicate whether the draw for any round was subsequently redone. 7. In conformity with articles t.50.2 and t.50.3, the designation of the video consultant must be made by drawing lots using a computer program. The name and nationality of the video-consultant must also be written on the pool or match sheet, beside those of the referee. Team competitions t.51 The same rules as those in article t.50 3-7 are applied to the team competitions, with two Referees per match. World Cup competitions t.52 Rules described in t.50 and t.51 above are applied by the Bout Committee, assisted for the finals by the official FIE Refereeing delegate. Method of judging touches Materiality of the touch t.53 USA Fencing Rules for Competition 21 Version: January 2023  Competitions are scored with an electrical recording apparatus. t.54 1. The materiality of the touch is established according to the indications of the apparatus, and when necessary by consulting the judges (cf. t.48). 2. Only the indications of the electrical apparatus as indicated by its own lamps or by the extension lamps can be taken into consideration for judging touches. Under no circumstances can the Referee declare a competitor to be touched unless the touch has been properly registered by the apparatus (except as provided for in Articles t.79 or when a penalty touch has been awarded). 3. On the other hand, the Referee should, in the cases enumerated for each weapon, annul a touch registered by the apparatus (cf. t.80ss, t.94ss, t.99). Annulment of a touch t.55 1. The Referee will disregard touches which are registered as a result of actions: — started before the word “Fence” or after the word “Halt” (cf. t.23.1/3); — which are made on any object other than the opponent or his equipment. 2. A competitor who intentionally causes the apparatus to register a touch by placing his point on the ground or on any surface other than that of his opponent will be penalized as specified in Articles t.158-162, t.166, t.170. t.56 The Referee must also apply the following rules: 1. Only the last touch made before the fault was established can be annulled and then only if it is the competitor against whom the hit was registered who is placed at a disadvantage by the failure. 2. The failure must be established by tests made immediately after the bout was stopped, under the supervision of the Referee and without changing anything whatever of the equipment in use. 3. A competitor who makes any modification in or who changes his equipment without being asked by the Referee to do so, before the Referee has given his decision, loses all right to the annulment of the touch (cf. t.47.2.d). 4. If the bout has effectively recommenced, a competitor cannot claim the annulment of a touch awarded against him before the said recommencement of the bout. 5. With these tests, one is trying only to establish whether there is material possibility of a mistake in the judgement as a result of a fault. The location of a fault found in the equipment (including the equipment of the competitors) is of no importance for this possible annulment. 6. It is not necessary that the failure found should repeat itself each time a test is made; but it is essential that the fault should be manifested to the Referee without the possibility of doubt at least once during the tests made by him or under his supervision. USA Fencing Rules for Competition 22 Version: January 2023  7. When a competitor against whom a touch has been registered has broken his blade, the touch must be annulled unless the breaking of the blade has occurred clearly after the touch has been registered. 8. The Referee must pay particular attention to touches which are not registered or which are registered abnormally. Should such defects be repeated, the Referee must ask a member of the SEMI Commission or an expert technician on duty to verify that the equipment conforms to the Rules. 9. The Referee must ensure that nothing is altered in the competitor’s equipment or in the whole of the electrical apparatus before the expert carries out his check. 10. Touch made during or after a fall must be annulled. t.57 Whenever accidental causes make it impossible to carry out tests, the touch will be considered doubtful and annulled. t.58 In accordance with the general rules (cf. t.23.5) the Referee must stop the bout, even if no touch is registered by the apparatus, whenever fencing becomes confused and he is no longer able to analyze the phrase. Validity or priority of the touch t.59 1. As soon as the bout has stopped, the Referee briefly reconstructs the movements which composed the last fencing phrase. 2. After reaching his decision regarding the materiality of a touch, the Referee, by applying the rules, decides which fencer was touched, whether both were touched (épée) or if there was no valid touch (cf. t.82ss, t.92, t.100). Appeals for Video Refereeing Rules t.60-62 only applies to USA Fencing tournaments where video refereeing is in use. t.60 Both in team and individual events, only the fencer on the strip has the right to request a video review t.61 1. In the individual events, the fencer has: — in pools, one possible appeal during each bout; — in direct elimination bouts, two possible appeals. Should the Referee agree with the fencer who appealed for the video refereeing, the latter is entitled to retain the right of appeal. USA Fencing Rules for Competition 23 Version: January 2023  2. In team events, the fencers have one possible right to appeal to the video refereeing per bout and they are entitled to retain this right should the Referee agree with the appeal. 3. In the case of an appeal for video refereeing, the Referee will walk over to the video consultant, they will watch the video together and after having analyzed the action, the Referee will give his final decision. 4. At the finals of the Olympic Games and at the finals of the Senior, Junior and Cadet World Championships, the replays of an action under review must be shown on a screen so as to be visible to the spectators. t.62 1. There shall only be a maximum of 4 repetitions of the action. The referee can choose to review the action in real time or in slow motion, at any speed he wishes. 2. At all weapons and at any time, the Referee may consult his monitor before making a decision. 3. If the fencers’ scores are equal at the end of the match, for the decisive touch, the Referee must use the video refereeing before even giving his decision. 4. The video consultant may at any time request that the Referee use the video refereeing. 5. Once the Referee, together with the video consultant, has analyzed the action, whether it is: — at the Referee’s initiative; — at the request of the athlete; — in case of a tied score, before the decisive touch; — at the video consultant’s request the decision given by the Referee is final and no other review of the same action can be requested. 6. Each time the referee consults the video, whether on his own initiative, following an appeal or at the suggestion of the video-consultant, the opinions of the referee and the video-consultant must be recorded on the match sheet. t.63 The Referee must use the following signals (see Figure 3). USA Fencing Rules for Competition 24 Version: January 2023 USA Fencing Rules for Competition 25 Version: January 2023 USA Fencing Rules for Competition 26 Version: January 2023  Notes 1. The referee announces his decisions by means of the signals and words above. 2. In following the fencing phrase the referee uses the following words without making the signals: “Riposte!”, “Counter-riposte!”. The gesture “Attack” will also be used for the actions of “Remise!”, “Reprise!”, “Redouble!” 3. The fencers may politely ask the referee for a more complete analysis of the fencing phrase. 4. Each signal must last 1-2 seconds, be expressive and be correctly made. Above they refer to the fencer of the referee’s right. Figure 3 Referee signals and commands Regulation equipment and checking of equipment by the Referee t.64 Before the start of each pool, team match or bout by direct elimination, the Referee must assemble all the competitors and verify that (cf. t.47.2.c): 1. in all weapons, the FIE guarantee label is present on the fencers’ equipment (clothing, masks); In USA Fencing competitions, the use of an FIE homologated uniform and mask is not required. 2. in foil, the conductive jacket conforms to the provision of Article m.28 when each competitor is in the on guard position; USA Fencing Rules for Competition 27 Version: January 2023  3. in épée, the material from which the clothing is made has not too smooth a surface, and the competitor is wearing a jacket conforming to the regulations; 4. in sabre, the conductive jacket conforms to the provision of Article m.34 when each competitor is in the on guard position; 5. in all three weapons, each fencer is wearing, under his jacket, a regulation protective under-plastron, made of cloth which can resist 800 Newtons; In USA Fencing competitions, the protective plastron must: 1) have at least two layers; 2) include a sleeve down to the elbow without opening or seam in the region of the armpit;3) ensure the best possible protection. It may be fixed to the jacket without being entirely sewn in; 3) it does not need to be constructed of 800 Newton material. 6. in all three weapons, the fencer is not equipped with any electronic communication equipment which would allow a person off the strip to communicate with the fencer during the bout. t.65 1. In pools, this checking must be done at the roll call of the fencers. For bouts in the direct elimination and the finals this checking must be done in the assembly area. 2. For bouts in the direct elimination and the finals this checking must be done in the assembly area. t.66 1. For bouts in the direct elimination and the finals of the World Championships and the Olympic Games, and for finals of World Cup competitions, the two fencers in each bout will go to the material checking zone, located near the strip, 30 minutes before they are due on the strip. Their equipment will be checked under the responsibility of the SEMI (or the designated expert for finals of World Cup competitions). If any anomaly is identified the equipment at fault will be changed at once, without any penalty being applied. The SEMI delegate will hand over the bodycords, the masks and the weapons that have been checked to the Referee for the bout. Ten minutes before they are due on the strip the fencers will report to the Referee designated for their bout. The Referee will hand over a bodycord to each of the fencers in the access zone for the strip. He will check that the fencers are wearing regulation under-jacket protection. 2. The Referee and the fencers must stay together in the access zone until they go on the strip. One minute before they go on the strip the Referee will give a weapon to each fencer, for him to plug in his bodycord. No check will be carried out on the strip prior to the bout. t.67 USA Fencing Rules for Competition 28 Version: January 2023  In addition to the checks mentioned above, the Referee of a bout may at any time, on his own initiative or at the request of a fencer or of a team captain, carry out such checks, or verify the checks already carried out or even carry out, or have carried out, new checks (cf. t.47). t.68 1. He will in any case, before each bout, ensure that the guarantee label is present on the clothing, the blade and the mask of each fencer, and that the insulation of the wires inside the guard and the pressure of the spring in the point of foils and épées conforms with the Rules. Checking the insulation of the wires and the pressure of the spring will be repeated each time a weapon is changed. 2. He makes use of a weight to check the weapon, cf. m.11.3, m.19.3, m.42.2.d. 3. In épée he will check the total travel and the residual travel of the pointe d’arrêt: — He will check the total travel by inserting a gauge measuring 1.5 mm between the barrel of the pointe d’arrêt and the tip. — He will check the residual travel by inserting a gauge measuring 0.5 mm between the barrel of the pointe d’arrêt and the tip. The apparatus should not register when the point is depressed. cf. m.19.4.a, b, m.42.e t.69 At the beginning of the bout, the Referee will place the reserve equipment that has been checked near the appropriate end of the strip for the fencer concerned. Non-regulation equipment t.70 In whatever circumstances a fencer on the strip is found to be in possession of equipment which is non-regulation or defective, the referee confiscates the equipment and submits it to the experts on duty for examination (cf. m.8, m.9, m.12, m.13, m.16, m.17, m.23). The equipment in question will only be returned to the owner after the measures necessitated by this examination have been completed and, if appropriate, after the payment of any expenses for repairs. The equipment must be rechecked before it is used again. t.71 If a fencer appears on the strip: — with only one regulation weapon conforming with the Rules (cf. t.144, t.115); or — with only one regulation bodycord; or — with only one regulation mask cord; or — with a weapon or a bodycord which does not work or which does not conform with the Rules; or — without his protective under-plastron (cf. t.64.5 above); or — with a conductive jacket which does not fully cover the valid target; or — with clothing which does not conform with the Rules; the Referee will apply the penalties according to Articles t.158-162, t.165, t.170. USA Fencing Rules for Competition 29 Version: January 2023  In FIE competitions, there is an additional requirement that a 2nd security device be securely fixed to the body of the mask. t.72 When during a bout an irregularity is found in the equipment which could be caused by conditions during the bout, for example — conductive jacket with holes in which touches are registered as non-valid; — weapon or bodycord no longer functioning; — pressure of the spring in the point too weak; — the travel in the point no longer regulation; the Referee will apply neither warning nor penalty and any touch scored with the equipment that has become defective will be awarded. However, even during the course of a bout, any fencer whose weapon, at the moment he presents himself on guard and ready to fence, has a curve of the blade, which exceeds that permitted (cf. m.8.6, m.16.2, m.23.4) commits an offense in the 1 st group and will be penalized in accordance with Articles t.158-162, t.166, t.170. In FIE competitions, even during the course of a bout, any fencer whose mask, at the moment he presents himself on guard ready to fence, is not securely held on his head by the 2 nd security device, commits an offense in the first groups and will be penalized in accordance with t.158-162, t.165, t.170. t.73 1. If, when a fencer appears on the strip or during a bout, it is established that the equipment used by the fencer: a) does not bear the marks applied at the preliminary check, the Referee will: — annul the last touch, if any, scored by the fencer at fault; — penalize him as specified in Articles t.158-162, t.166, t.170. b) does not conform to the Rules in a way not covered by the preliminary check, the Referee will: — penalize him as specified in Articles t.158-162, t.165, t.170. c) has been passed by the preliminary check but is fraudulent; or d) bears the marks of the preliminary check which have been imitated or transferred; or e) has been willfully altered (i.e. in a manner other than by accidental cause or by conditions during the bout) so that it would not pass a preliminary check; f) has been altered in any way to allow the recording of touches or the nonfunctioning of the apparatus at will; or USA Fencing Rules for Competition 30 Version: January 2023  g) is equipped with electronic communication equipment permitting a person off the strip to communicate with the fencer during the bout; then, in cases c), e), f) and g) above, the Referee must immediately confiscate the equipment (weapon, bodycord and if necessary the conductive jacket, mask, protective under-plastron, jacket, knickers, etc.), and have it examined by the expert on duty. 2. After having obtained the opinion of the expert (a member of the SEMI Commission at the fencing events at the Olympic Games and at World Championships), who has established the facts (cf. m.33ss), the Referee will apply the following sanctions, without prejudice to the application of Article t.137.2/4; — in cases c), e), f) and g), the Referee will penalize him as specified for offenses of the 4 th group (cf. Articles t.158-162, t.169, t.170). 3. While awaiting the decision of the Referee that bout will be suspended but the other bouts in the pool may continue. t.74 For all official FIE competitions, every fencer must appear on the strip with clothing conforming to the rules as follows: 1. Name and nationality, in accordance with the Rules, on the back of the jacket 2. Wearing his national uniform and logo (cf. m.25.3). In case of violation of this rule, the referee will eliminate the fencer at fault from the event in question. t.75 1. If the conductive jacket does not conform to the Rules, the fencer must put on a spare jacket that does conform to the Rules. If this jacket does not have his name and nationality on the back, the fencer has until the next stage of the competition (from the pools to the table of 64, the table of 32, etc.) to get his name and nationality printed on it. If this is not done and except in cases of “force majeure” the Referee will eliminate the fencer from the event in question. 2. If an item of a fencer’s clothing bearing the name and nationality or the national logo becomes dangerous (e.g. tear, burst seam), the fencer must put on spare clothing, which conforms to the rules. If this clothing does not conform to the regulations or does not bear the name and nationality or the national logo, the fencer has until the next stage of the competition to get them printed on it. If this is not done and except in cases of force majeure, the sanctions specified in t.74 apply. In USA Fencing competitions, in all three weapons, each fencer’s last name must be printed by hand or machine in capital letters between 8 and 10 cm high on either: 1) the back of the uniform or lamé between the shoulders; or 2) the front or side of the thigh of the “rear” leg. 3) A piece of fabric or lamé material that is firmly sewn to the uniform in such a way that it will not detach during fencing or catch the opponent’s point. USA Fencing Rules for Competition 31 Version: January 2023  a) Fabric attached to the uniform must be the same color as the part of the uniform to which it is attached. b) Conductive materials must be attached in such a way as to not alter the conductivity of the metallic vest or jacket. 4) Names printed on tape are not acceptable. 5) Names on uniforms are required at the following types of tournaments: a) National - North American Cup (all types) - Junior Olympics - Division I National Championships - Summer Nationals - Wheelchair National Championships 6) Names on uniforms are not required at the following types of tournaments: a) Nationally Sponsored Regional Tournaments b) Sectional Championships c) Division Qualifiers to National Tournaments d) Any non-National tournament not listed under above types e) Non-Qualifier Division Level Tournaments (all types) f) Sectional Circuit Tournaments g) Regional Circuit Tournaments In case of violation of this rule, the Referee shall penalize the fencer at fault with a Red Card (t.158-162, t.166, t.170, Second Group). The fencer at fault shall however be allowed to remain on the strip and fence the bout concerned. USA Fencing Rules for Competition 32 Version: January 2023  Part II Foil The Conventions of Fencing Figure 4. Valid target in foil This diagram is for guidance purposes only. In case of any doubt, the wording of the appropriate text takes precedence. METHOD OF MAKING A TOUCH t.76 1. The foil is a thrusting weapon only. Offensive actions with this weapon are made therefore only with the point. 2. Pushing or letting drag the point of the electric weapon on the electric strip is forbidden during the actual bout (between “Fence” and “Halt”). Placing the point of the weapon on the strip at any time to straighten it is also forbidden. Any breaking of these rules will be punished according to Articles t.158-162, t.165, t.170. TARGET Limitation of the target t.77 1. The valid target in foil excludes the limbs and the head. It is confined to the trunk, the upper limit being the collar up to 6 cm above the prominences of the collar bones; at the sides to the seams of the sleeves, which should cross the head of the humerus; and the lower limit following a horizontal line across the back joining the tops of the hip bones, then by straight lines to the junction of the lines of the groin. It also includes the part of USA Fencing Rules for Competition 33 Version: January 2023  the bib beneath a horizontal line 1.5 to 2 cm below the chin which, in any case, may not be lower than the line of the shoulders (see Figure 4). 2. In foil, only touches which arrive on the valid target are counted. Touches off the target t.78 A touch which is made on a part of the body other than the target (whether directly or as a result of a parry) or which arrives following a fencing fault or after going over the lateral boundary of the strip with both feet, is not counted as a valid touch, but it stops the phrase and therefore annuls all touches which are scored thereafter (but cf. t.49). Extension of the valid target t.79 1. In foil, it is forbidden to protect the target area or to substitute another part of the body for the target area by covering it (cf. t.158-162, t.165, t.170); any touch scored by the fencer at fault is annulled. a) If, during the fencing phrase, there is protection or substitution of a valid surface, the fencer at fault will be penalized as specified for offenses of the 1st group (cf. t.29). b) If, during the fencing phrase, as a result of protection or substitution of a valid surface, a touch correctly given is registered as not valid, the fencer at fault will be penalized as specified for offenses of the 1st group (cf. t.158-162, t.165, t.170) and the touch will be awarded by the Referee. c) However, touches which arrive off the target are counted as valid whenever, by reason of an abnormal position, the fencer has substituted this non-valid target for the valid target. 2. The Referee may question the judges about this, but he alone must decide whether the touch is valid or not. Annulment of a touch t.80 The Referee must, on the other hand, take into account possible failures of the electrical equipment, in particular: He must annul a touch which he has just awarded as a result of a touch signaled as on the valid target (colored lamp) if he establishes, by tests made under his personal supervision, before the bout has effectively recommenced (the command “Fence”) and without any of the equipment in use having been changed (cf. t.35.2/d): — either that a touch registered as “valid” against the competitor against whom the touch has been awarded can be made without there being in fact a valid touch; — or that a “non-valid” touch made by the fencer against whom the touch was awarded is not registered by the apparatus; USA Fencing Rules for Competition 34 Version: January 2023  — or that a “valid” touch made by the fencer against whom the touch was awarded does not cause any touch either valid or non-valid to be registered; — or that the registration of touches made by the competitor against whom the touch was awarded does not remain recorded on the apparatus. t.81 On the other hand, when the Referee has decided that a touch made by a competitor has priority, this touch shall not be annulled if subsequently it is found that a valid touch made by the opponent is registered as non-valid or that the weapon of the fencer against whom the touch was awarded is permanently registering a non-valid touch. Validity or Priority of the Touch Preface t.82 The Referee alone decides as to the validity or the priority of the touch by applying the following basic rules which are the conventions applicable to foil fencing. Respect of the fencing phrase t.83 1. Every attack, that is, every initial offensive action, which is correctly executed must be parried or completely avoided and the phrase must be followed through—that is to say, coordinated (cf. t.9.1). 2. In order to judge the correctness of an attack the following points must be considered: 1. The simple attack, direct or indirect (cf. t.10), is correctly executed when the extending of the arm, the point threatening the valid target, precedes the initiation of the lunge or the flèche. 2. The compound attack (cf. t.10) is correctly executed when the arm is extending in the presentation of the first feint, with the point threatening the valid target, and the arm is not bent between the successive actions of the attack and the initiation of the lunge or the flèche. 3. The attack with an advance-lunge or an advance-flèche is correctly executed when the extending of the arm precedes the end of the advance and the initiation of the lunge or the flèche. 4. Actions, simple or compound, steps or feints which are executed with a bent arm, are not considered as attacks but as preparations, laying themselves open to the initiation of the offensive or defensive/offensive action of the opponent (cf. t.10-11). t.84 To judge the priority of an attack when analyzing the fencing phrase, it should be noted that: USA Fencing Rules for Competition 35 Version: January 2023  1. If the attack is initiated when the opponent is in the point in line position (cf. t.15), the attacker must, first, deflect the opponent’s blade. Referees must ensure that a mere grazing of the blades is not considered as sufficient to deflect the opponent’s blade (cf. t.89.5.a). 2. If the attacker, when attempting to deflect the opponent’s blade, fails to find it (dérobement), the right of attack passes to the opponent. 3. Continuous steps forward, with the legs crossing one another, constitute a preparation and on this preparation any simple attack has priority. t.85 Attacks by beats on the blade: 1. In an attack by beating on the blade, this attack is correctly carried out and retains its priority when the beat is made on the foible of the opponent’s blade, i.e. the two-thirds of the blade furthest from the guard. 2. In an attack by beating on the blade, when the beat is made on the forte of the opponent’s blade, i.e. the one-third of the blade nearest the guard, the attack is badly executed and the beat gives the opponent the right to an immediate riposte. t.86 The parry gives the right to riposte: the simple riposte may be direct or indirect, but to annul any subsequent action by the attacker, it must be executed immediately, without indecision or delay. t.87 When a compound attack is made, if the opponent finds the blade during one of the feints, he has the right to riposte. t.88 When compound attacks are made, the opponent has the right to stop hit; but to be valid, the stop hit must precede the conclusion of the attack by an interval of fencing time; that is to say that the stop hit must arrive before the attacker has begun the final movement of the attack. Judging of touches t.89 The Referee should apply the following basic conventions of foil fencing: 1. When during a phrase, both fencers tou