Section 1: Introduction
1.1 Overview and Governing Body
Fencing is one of only five sports contested at every modern Olympic Games since their inception in Athens 1896. The Fédération Internationale d'Escrime (FIE), founded in Paris on November 29, 1913, serves as the global governing body. The FIE administers the sport under its comprehensive Rules for Competitions (latest edition 2024), which codify regulations for all three weapons, competition formats, officiating standards, and equipment specifications.
1.2 The Three Weapons
Modern fencing comprises three distinct disciplines, each with its own weapon, valid target area, and tactical philosophy:
- Foil: A thrusting weapon descended from the practice weapon of the 18th-century small sword. Valid target is the torso only. Governed by right of way (priority) conventions that reward initiating attacks.
- Épée: A thrusting weapon derived from the dueling sword. The entire body is valid target. No priority rules apply — both fencers may score simultaneously, making it the most realistic simulation of classical dueling.
- Sabre: A cutting and thrusting weapon evolved from the cavalry sword. Valid target includes everything above the waist (torso, arms, head, and mask). Right of way applies, and the allowance of cuts produces the fastest, most explosive actions of the three weapons.
1.3 Olympic and Competitive Structure
The Olympic programme features 12 fencing events: individual and team competitions in each of the three weapons for both men and women. Beyond the Olympics, the FIE calendar includes the Senior World Championships, Junior and Cadet World Championships, Grand Prix series, World Cup circuit, and Zonal Championships. National federations from over 150 countries are affiliated with the FIE.
1.4 History of Electronic Scoring
Electronic scoring apparatus was introduced to eliminate judging subjectivity. Épée adopted electrical judging first in 1936, foil followed in 1956, and sabre became the last weapon to convert in 1988. The apparatus uses electrical circuits completed through the weapon and body cord to detect valid touches, with colored indicator lights replacing the human side judges of earlier eras.
Section 2: Equipment
2.1 Weapons
Each weapon has precise FIE specifications governing weight, length, blade profile, and electrical components:
- Foil: Maximum total weight 500 g (17.6 oz). Maximum overall length 110 cm (43.3 in). Flexible rectangular-section blade. The blade terminates in a spring-loaded button (pointe d'arrêt) requiring a minimum of 500 g (4.9 N) of depression force to register a touch. The bell guard is small and round, not exceeding 12 cm in diameter.
- Épée: Maximum total weight 770 g (27.2 oz). Maximum overall length 110 cm. Stiffer triangular-section (V-shaped) blade. The spring-loaded button requires a minimum of 750 g (7.35 N) of depression force — heavier than foil to reduce accidental registrations. The bell guard is larger (up to 13.5 cm diameter) to protect the weapon hand, which is a valid target.
- Sabre: Maximum total weight 500 g (17.6 oz). Maximum overall length 105 cm (41.3 in). Flat, V-shaped blade that can score with the entire cutting edge, the flat, and the point. The guard curves around the knuckles (sabre guard) and connects to the pommel, forming the electrical circuit for the hand. No spring-loaded tip — any contact with the blade registers.
2.2 Mask
The mask is the most critical piece of safety equipment. FIE-homologated masks must withstand a 12 kg (1600 N) punch test applied to the mesh. The mesh is constructed of stainless steel wire with a maximum aperture of 2.1 mm. For foil, the mask bib is non-conductive (bib is off-target). For sabre, the entire mask including the metallic mesh and conductive bib forms part of the valid target area and is wired into the scoring circuit. Épée masks have a non-conductive bib since the head is valid target regardless. All masks must display the FIE hologram for international competition.
2.3 Protective Clothing
- Jacket: Must cover the torso and arms to the wrists. FIE-level jackets must resist 800 N of penetration force (CE Level 2). The jacket includes a strap (croissard) that passes between the legs to prevent the jacket from riding up.
- Plastron (Underarm Protector): A mandatory half-jacket worn beneath the fencing jacket on the weapon-arm side. Provides an additional layer of 800 N protection over the most vulnerable area where a broken blade could penetrate.
- Breeches (Knickers): Knee-length trousers fastened below the knee, overlapping the jacket by at least 10 cm at the waist. Must also meet 800 N resistance.
- Chest Protector: A rigid or semi-rigid plastic protector worn under the plastron. Mandatory for all women competitors; strongly recommended for men.
- Glove: Padded glove on the weapon hand, covering the forearm for approximately half its length. In sabre, the glove cuff must be conductive and connected to the lamé to form part of the valid target area.
- Long Socks and Fencing Shoes: Socks must cover the leg up to the bottom of the breeches. Fencing shoes have reinforced soles and lateral support for lunging.
2.4 Lamé (Conductive Over-Vest)
Foil and sabre require a conductive lamé worn over the jacket to define the valid target area electronically:
- Foil lamé: Covers the torso (front, sides, and back) and the groin flap. When the foil tip depresses against the lamé, it completes a circuit that illuminates the colored (on-target) light on the scoring box.
- Sabre lamé: Covers everything above the waist — torso, both arms to the wrists, and connects to the conductive mask and glove cuff. Any blade contact with this conductive surface registers an on-target touch.
- Épée: No lamé is worn. The entire body is valid, and the épée tip registers against any grounded surface (the opponent's clothing or body).
2.5 Electrical Apparatus
- Body Cord: A wire running from the weapon, through the fencer's sleeve and jacket, connecting to a spring-loaded reel at the end of the piste. Two-pin connector for épée (detecting weapon circuit and ground); three-pin connector for foil and sabre (adding lamé circuit).
- Scoring Reel: A spring-loaded cable reel at each end of the piste that maintains electrical connection while allowing free movement. The reel pays out and retracts cable as the fencer advances and retreats.
- Scoring Box (Apparatus): The central electronic unit that detects circuit completion and displays touches via colored lights. On-target touches illuminate a colored light (red or green, one per fencer). In foil, off-target touches illuminate a white light. The box also manages timing lockout (40 ms in foil and sabre; 25 ms in épée for double-touch detection).
- Wireless Scoring: FIE-approved wireless systems may replace body cords and reels at international competitions. These systems use radio-frequency transmission and must meet the same timing and sensitivity specifications as wired apparatus.
Section 3: Playing Area
3.1 Piste Dimensions
All bouts take place on a regulation fencing strip known as the piste:
- Length: 14 m (45 ft 11 in)
- Width: 1.5–2 m (4 ft 11 in – 6 ft 7 in)
- Run-back zone: 1.5–2 m beyond each end of the piste, allowing fencers who retreat past the end line to come to a controlled stop
3.2 Piste Markings
The piste features several clearly marked lines:
- Center line: Divides the piste into two equal halves (7 m each)
- En-garde lines: Located 2 m from the center line on each side. Fencers begin each engagement standing behind their respective en-garde line.
- Warning lines (two-meter lines): Located 2 m from the rear end of the piste. When a fencer retreats past this line, the referee calls “Halt” to warn that the fencer is near the end. A fencer who crosses the rear limit with both feet receives a penalty touch against them.
- Rear limit lines: The absolute end of the piste. Crossing this line with both feet results in a touch awarded to the opponent.
3.3 Surface and Grounding
The piste surface is made of metallic mesh or conductive material that is electrically grounded. This prevents touches to the floor from registering on the scoring apparatus. The metallic piste is mandatory at all FIE-level competitions. At local and national events, non-metallic pistes may be used, but floor touches are then nullified by referee judgment. The piste must be flat, horizontal, and non-slippery. It is typically elevated on a raised platform at major competitions to improve visibility for spectators and cameras.
3.4 Lateral Boundaries
If a fencer steps off the side of the piste with one or both feet, the referee calls “Halt.” The fencer who left the piste is penalized by being placed one meter back from where they departed. If this would place them past the rear limit, a touch is awarded to the opponent. Touches scored while a fencer has one foot off the piste laterally are annulled.
Section 4: Players & Officials
4.1 Competitors
Fencing competitions feature both individual and team events. In individual events, a single fencer competes against opponents through pool rounds and direct elimination brackets. In team events, each team consists of three fencers (plus one reserve), who fence in a relay format against the opposing team's members.
4.2 The Referee (Président)
The referee (historically called the président) is the sole authority on the piste. Their responsibilities include:
- Calling fencers to order: “En garde!” (take position), “Êtes-vous prêts?” (Are you ready?), “Allez!” (Fence!), “Halte!” (Stop!)
- Analyzing the phrase d'armes (sequence of actions) in foil and sabre to determine which fencer has right of way and therefore earns the touch
- Awarding touches based on indicator lights and priority analysis
- Administering penalty cards (yellow, red, black)
- Ensuring proper equipment function and safety throughout the bout
- Managing the bout clock and score
4.3 Additional Officials
- Video Referee: At FIE-level competitions, a video referee reviews disputed calls upon request. Each fencer is allowed a limited number of video appeals per bout (typically two unsuccessful appeals per bout). If the appeal is upheld, the fencer retains their appeal count.
- Directoire Technique (DT): A panel of officials who oversee the overall organization of the competition, assign referees to pistes, handle protests, and ensure the competition runs according to FIE rules.
- SEMI Commission (Electrical Equipment): Technicians who verify and test all electrical scoring equipment, weapons, and body cords before and during competition using standardized testing apparatus.
- Medical Officer: An FIE-licensed physician must be present at all international competitions. The medical officer handles injury assessments, blood protocol, and medical withdrawals.
4.4 Side Judges (Historical)
Before the adoption of electronic scoring, four side judges (two per fencer) observed whether touches landed on valid or invalid target. Side judges were phased out as electrical apparatus was adopted for each weapon. They are no longer used in modern competition.
Section 5: Rules of Play
5.1 Bout Formats
Fencing competitions use two primary bout formats:
- Pool Bouts: In the preliminary round, fencers are divided into pools of 5–8 competitors. Each fencer meets every other fencer in the pool once. Pool bouts are fenced to 5 touches with a maximum time of 3 minutes of effective fencing time (clock stops when the referee calls “Halt”). If time expires before either fencer reaches 5 touches, the fencer with the higher score wins. If tied at the end of time, one minute of priority time is fenced (see 5.5).
- Direct Elimination (DE) Bouts: Following pool seeding, fencers compete in a single-elimination bracket. DE bouts are fenced to 15 touches over three periods of 3 minutes each, with a 1-minute rest between periods. If neither fencer reaches 15 by the end of three periods, priority rules apply.
5.2 Right of Way (Priority) — Foil and Sabre
Right of way is the foundational convention that distinguishes foil and sabre from épée. When both lights illuminate simultaneously, the referee must determine which fencer had priority:
- The Attack: An attack is initiated by extending the weapon arm and continuously threatening the opponent's valid target with the point (foil) or blade (sabre). The attacker holds priority until the attack is completed, parried, or falls short (attack into preparation or distance).
- The Parry and Riposte: A defender who deflects the incoming blade with their own blade (parry) immediately gains priority for the return attack (riposte). The riposte must be executed without delay to maintain priority. A delayed riposte may lose priority to a renewed attack (remise).
- Counter-Attack: A touch made against an opponent who has already initiated their attack. In foil, a counter-attack only scores if it arrives at least one fencing time before the final movement of the attack. In sabre, counter-attacks must arrive clearly before the attack to be awarded — simultaneous actions result in the touch being awarded to the attacker.
- Simultaneous Actions: When both fencers initiate attacks at the same moment with no identifiable priority, neither touch is awarded and the referee calls “simultaneous.”
- Point in Line: A fencer who extends the weapon arm and threatens valid target before the opponent begins their attack has established a “point in line,” which has priority. The attacker must deflect the point in line (beat or bind) before attacking.
5.3 Épée: No Priority
Épée has no right of way rules. If both fencers touch within 25 milliseconds of each other (the electrical lockout time), both receive a touch — this is called a double touch. If only one light illuminates, only that fencer scores. In the final period when the score is tied at 14–14, a double touch at 14–14 results in no score (the touch is annulled), because the bout must be won by a single decisive touch.
5.4 Team Relay Format
Team bouts consist of 9 individual relay bouts between the three members of each team. The order of bouts is predetermined by a draw. Each relay bout has a cumulative target score:
- Bout 1: fenced to 5 touches (or 3 minutes)
- Bout 2: fenced to 10 touches (or 3 minutes from current score)
- Bout 3: fenced to 15 touches
- Continuing in increments of 5 up to Bout 9: fenced to 45 touches
The team reaching 45 first wins. If time expires in the final bout with a tied score, priority time of 1 minute applies. The reserve fencer may substitute for any teammate once during the match, but the substituted fencer may not return.
5.5 Priority Time (Tie-Breaking)
When a bout is tied at the end of regulation time, the referee conducts a priority draw (coin toss or electronic draw). One fencer is designated as having priority. One minute of additional fencing time is then added. If a touch is scored during this minute, that fencer wins regardless of the priority designation. If no touch is scored, the fencer with priority wins the bout.
5.6 Terrain and Movement
Fencers may advance, retreat, lunge, flèche (running attack, forbidden in sabre), and execute other footwork. Crossing feet (passing forward) is permitted in foil and épée but results in a flèche being called — the attacker must not make contact after passing the opponent. In sabre, the flèche is banned; a fencer who crosses their feet while moving forward receives a penalty. Corps à corps (body contact) is forbidden in all weapons: deliberate body contact results in a penalty, while accidental contact results in a halt with no penalty if neither fencer is at fault.
Section 6: Scoring
6.1 Touch Validity
Each valid touch scores 1 point. The electronic apparatus determines whether a touch has landed, while the referee determines (in foil and sabre) whether the touch should be awarded based on priority analysis:
- Foil: A colored light (red or green) indicates an on-target touch against the lamé. A white light indicates an off-target touch (landing on a non-valid surface). Off-target touches in foil halt the action but do not score — however, if the off-target touch had priority, it annuls any subsequent on-target touch by the opponent.
- Épée: Only colored lights (red/green) are used. Any touch on any surface scores, as the entire body is valid. There is no off-target indication. The 25 ms lockout window determines whether single or double touches are registered.
- Sabre: A colored light indicates an on-target touch anywhere on the conductive lamé, mask, or glove cuff. Off-target touches do not register electronically in sabre (the blade must contact the conductive target surface). If the blade lands below the waist, no light illuminates and play continues.
6.2 Individual Bout Scoring
- Pool bouts: First to 5 touches or highest score after 3 minutes. Results feed into an index calculation (touches scored minus touches received, divided by bouts) to determine DE seeding.
- DE bouts: First to 15 touches or highest score after three 3-minute periods. In the event of a tie, priority time applies (see 5.5).
6.3 Team Bout Scoring
Team relay bouts accumulate to a maximum of 45 touches across 9 relay bouts. The team that reaches 45 first, or leads when time expires in the final relay bout, wins the match. Individual relay results carry over — if Team A leads 23–20 after bout 5, bout 6 begins at that score and is fenced to a target of 30.
6.4 Competition Rankings
After pools, fencers are ranked by: (1) victory percentage (V/M), (2) indicator (touches scored minus touches received), and (3) touches scored. This seeding determines the DE bracket placement. The final standings follow the DE bracket results, with losers of the semi-finals sharing third place (both receive bronze medals at the Olympics and World Championships).
Section 7: Violations & Penalties
7.1 Penalty Card System
The FIE uses a structured card system to penalize infractions. Cards accumulate within a single bout and carry over across bouts in a team match:
- Yellow Card: A formal warning with no immediate scoring consequence. Only one yellow card may be issued per bout — subsequent Group 1 offenses receive a red card.
- Red Card: A penalty touch is awarded to the opponent. Red cards are issued for repeat Group 1 offenses or immediately for Group 2 offenses.
- Black Card: Immediate expulsion from the competition and, in severe cases, exclusion from the remainder of the tournament. Black cards are reserved for the most serious infractions (Groups 3 and 4).
7.2 Offense Groups
- Group 1 (Yellow → Red on repeat): Covering valid target with the non-weapon hand or arm; turning one's back to the opponent during a phrase; jostling or displacing the opponent by physical contact; leaving the piste without permission; delaying the bout (adjusting equipment without cause); weapon or equipment on the piste at the start; failing to present for equipment check.
- Group 2 (Immediate Red Card): Deliberate brutal body contact (corps à corps with violence); deliberate use of the non-weapon arm or hand to block a touch; deliberate hit with the guard; removing mask before the referee calls “Halt”; refusal to obey the referee; leaving the piste to avoid a touch.
- Group 3 (Immediate Black Card): Disturbing order on the piste; acting in a manner that brings the sport into disrepute; unsportsmanlike conduct of a serious nature (insulting opponent, referee, or spectators); collusion or match-fixing; unauthorized modification of equipment to gain unfair advantage.
- Group 4 (Black Card + Referral): Anti-doping violations; deliberate fraud regarding identity, nationality, or eligibility; physical violence against officials. Group 4 offenses are referred to the FIE Disciplinary Commission for further sanctions including potential multi-year bans.
7.3 Non-Combativity (Passivity)
The FIE actively discourages passive fencing. The non-combativity rule is applied when both fencers refuse to engage for approximately one minute of effective fencing time:
- The referee issues P-cards (passivity cards) to both fencers as a warning.
- If passivity continues after the P-card, the referee halts the bout and conducts a priority draw (coin toss). The winner of the draw is designated as having priority.
- One minute of fencing time is then set. If a touch is scored, that fencer wins the touch. If no touch is scored, the fencer with priority is awarded the touch.
- This process repeats for each subsequent touch if non-combativity continues, forcing fencers to engage or risk losing by default.
7.4 Video Replay Challenges
At FIE-level competitions, each fencer is entitled to appeal a referee's decision by requesting video review. Each fencer receives two unsuccessful appeals per bout. If the video referee overturns the original call, the appeal is not counted against the fencer's allocation. Video review may address: materiality of a touch (did it land?), priority analysis (who had right of way?), timing of the action relative to “Halt,” and whether a fencer crossed the boundary of the piste.
Section 8: Safety Considerations
8.1 Equipment Safety Standards
All equipment used in FIE-sanctioned competition must bear the FIE homologation mark, certifying compliance with rigorous safety standards:
- Penetration Resistance: Jackets, breeches, and plastrons must withstand 800 N of penetration force (FIE Level 2 / CE 350N Level 1 for national competitions). This ensures a broken blade cannot pierce the protective clothing.
- Mask Punch Test: The mask mesh must resist a 12 kg (1600 N) punch test without deformation or perforation. Masks failing this test are immediately withdrawn from competition.
- Blade Testing: Blades undergo flexibility and curvature testing. A blade that is excessively curved (beyond 2 cm for foil/épée, 4 cm for sabre) or insufficiently flexible may be rejected. Maraging steel blades are required at FIE level for their superior resistance to sudden fracture compared to carbon steel.
8.2 Broken Blade Protocol
When a blade breaks during a bout, the referee immediately calls “Halt.” The broken blade is removed from the piste and cannot be repaired or reused. Any touch scored with a broken blade after the break occurred is annulled. The fencer must present a replacement weapon from their spare equipment, which must pass the referee's immediate inspection (weight test, electrical test, blade curvature). Fencers are required to bring a minimum of two functioning weapons to the piste at all times.
8.3 Blood Protocol
If a fencer is bleeding, the referee halts the bout immediately. The medical officer is called to assess and treat the wound. The fencer is allowed a maximum treatment time (typically 5 minutes per injury, with a total cumulative limit of 10 minutes across separate injuries). If bleeding cannot be controlled, the fencer must withdraw from the bout (medical withdrawal). Blood on the piste or equipment must be cleaned before the bout resumes.
8.4 Medical Time-Outs
Each fencer may request one medical time-out per bout for a non-blood injury (cramp, minor sprain, equipment injury). The medical officer evaluates whether the fencer can continue. If the same injury recurs, no additional medical time-out is granted for that injury. Faking or exaggerating injury is a Group 3 offense (black card).
8.5 Equipment Inspection
Before each bout, the referee conducts a rapid inspection of both fencers' equipment:
- Weapon weight test (using a standardized gauge hung from the tip)
- Body cord continuity check
- Lamé conductivity test (foil/sabre)
- Mask security (bib properly attached, no visible damage to mesh)
- Croissard (jacket strap) properly fastened
At major competitions, the SEMI Commission conducts thorough pre-competition equipment checks, stamping or marking approved weapons and clothing. Equipment that fails inspection is confiscated and returned only after the competition concludes.
8.6 Venue Safety
Competition venues must maintain adequate spacing between pistes (minimum 2 m lateral clearance), clear run-back zones behind each end, proper lighting (minimum 600 lux on the piste), and an accessible first-aid station. Spectators must be separated from the competition area by barriers. The piste surface must be non-slippery and properly grounded to prevent electrical hazards from the scoring apparatus.
