1 Valid Target Area

Fencing Rules Summary

In foil fencing, the torso is the valid target. In front, the target extends from the top of the collar down to the creases formed between the thigh and the lower abdomen. In back, the target extends from the top of the collar down to a line connecting the tops of the hip bones. The electric foil vest is cut to exactly cover the torso. The U.S.F.A. Rules Rook contains not only the rules for the foil, epee, and sabre, but also describes and gives specification for fencers' equipment, weapons, and clothing and provides considerable information on meet organization. Following are some of the more important rules of concern to the beginner. 1. An attack is correctly executed when the swordarm is being straightened and the point is continuously threatening the opponents target as the lunge, advance lunge, or fleche begins. 2. The compound attack (e.g., 1-2. double) is correctly executed when the swordarm is being straightened with the first feint, the point threatening the opponent's target. The arm must not bend between successive actions and the initiation of the lunge. 3. In the advance lunge, the arm must be straightened by the end of the advance prior to the lunge. 4. If a defender is "in line" (i.e.. arm straight, point threatening), the attacker must first deflect the defender's blade to obtain the priority. 5. A successful parry gives the right to riposte but the riposte must be made immediately. 6. During a compound attack, the attacker must avoid the opponent's attempts to parry. The opponent may riposte if the blade is met during the feints. 7. If there are simultaneous touches and both fencers had attacked correctly, no touch is scored even if one hit off-target. 8. If there are simultaneous touches and one fencer attacked correctly while the other did not, there is a "double hit" and only the correct attacker gets the point. 9. A remise or redoublement may count if it hits during a delay in the riposte or if the riposte fails to hit. 10. An off-target hit requires that the action be halted, and touches made after the off-target touch cannot be counted. 11. The referee must observe that fencers stay on the strip. If a fencer leaves the strip side with one foot, the bout is halted and the fencer is replaced on the strip without penalty. 12. If a fencer goes off the side of the strip with both feet, the bout is halted and the fencer's opponent moves forward one meter and the offending fencer moves back the same distance. 13. When a retreating fencer crosses the end line with both feet. the opponent is given a point. 14. If a fencer is disarmed, the bout is immediately halted. However, if a defender is disarmed during a single, continuous action (e.g.. beat lunge) which arrived on the defender's valid target. the attacker's touch will count. 15. Infighting, that is fencing at close quarters without body contact, is permitted for only so long as the referee can follow the action and both fencers can freely use their foils. There is no priority and the first to score will get the point. 16. A bout is won when a fencer has scored the requisite number of touches or when time has run out with one fencer leading. If the score is tied with time expired, the referee tosses a coin and declares one fencer to have the advantage. During an additional minute of fencing, the first to touch will win the bout, but if the score remains tied, the one with the advantage is the winner.

Summary of Penalties Types of Penalties The referee can impose any of the three types of penalty on a fencer who has violated one of the rules of the sport. Certain offenses can result in the annulment of a touch scored by the fencer at fault. The penalties are said to be cumulative and valid only for the bout being fought and do not carry over to other bouts in the pool. Note, how-ever, that if a Black Card is given the fencer is excluded from the competition. The penalties as listed in the U.S.F.A. rules book are as follows: ! a warning, indicated by a Yellow Card with which the Referee identifies the fencer at fault. The fencer then knows that any further offence on his part will result in a penalty touch. ! a penalty touch. demonstrated by a Red Card with which the Referee identifies the fencer at fault. A touch is added to the score of the opponent and may, if the last touch is at stake, leadto the loss of the bout. Furthermore, a Red Card can only be followed by another Red Card or by a Black Card depending on the nature of the second offence. !exclusion, from the competition or the whole tournament as applicable (for a fencer), or expulsion from the competition venue (any person disturbing the order of the competition), demonstrated by a Black Card by which the Referee identifies the fencer or person at fault. The rules book describes four groups of offenses, but most of the penalties ordinarily imposed fall into the first group and result in Yellow Cards being given followed by Red Cards for any further violations in the same bout 1. Offenses in the first group The first occurrence is penalized by a Yellow Card. If the fencer commits another offense in this group during the same bout, he will receive a Red Card each time. In the typical tournament, the referee does not actually show a card but merely announces which warning or penalty is being given. Following are a few examples of yellow card penalties from the first group of offenses: a) Placing the unarmed hand in front of valid target b) Using the unarmed hand to defend. c) Turning the back to the opponent during a phrase. d) Deliberately leaving the side of the strip to avoid being touched. e) Falling down, even though accidentally. A hand touching the floor is not a violation. f) Jostling the opponent during a phrase. g) Reversal of the shoulders. The rear shoulder may not be advanced ahead of the lead shoulder. h) In electric foil, reporting to the strip with defective equipment such as a foil which does not support the test weight. See the U.S.F.A. Rules Book for a complete list of violations and penalties. 2. Offenses in the second group Each offense is penalized by a Red Card (penalty touch) from the first occurrence. These offenses do not get any prior warnings. In this group the penalty is imposed for: Interruption of bout for claimed injury not confirmed by a doctor. Absence of weapon inspection marks. Dangerous, violent or vindictive action, blow with guard or pommel. 3. Offenses in the third group The first infringement is penalized by a Red Card (penalty touch). If the fencer commits, during the same bout, another offense in this group, he will receive a Black Card (expulsion from the meet). Offenses in this group include disturbing order on the strip, dishonest fencing, and refusal to salute. 4. Offenses in the fourth group The first infringement in this group is penalized by a Black Card (exclusion from the competition). These are the most serious violations and include doping, cheating with the equipment, offense against sportsmanship, and deliberate brutality.