FENCING RULES AND REGULATIONS (part1)
Fencing is governed by Fédération Internationale d'Escrime (FIE), the International Governing body for sports. Even though fencing is one of the four popular sports in modern Olympics, it hasn’t got the publicity it deserves. Fencing is now becoming famous
all over the world and a lot of credit goes to its rules and regulations. The three weapons used in this self defense sport today include the foil, epee and sabre. The keen objective of this game is to score as many points as possible and these scores can
be obtained by hitting the opponent’s body with the front edge or point of the weapon, within the stipulated period and to saving oneself from the opponent’s hit.
Protective Clothing
Fencing is played with all required equipment. Proper equipment includes a well fitted mask with a strap across the bid, a proper fitted jacket and gloves, fencing knickers to protect the legs, the plastron, underarm protectors and a protective under vest.
Women also wear breast protectors under their jackets. All clothing should be fit properly to avoid snagging, getting in the way or having to be frequently adjusted. Beginners should use blades that bend easily.
Weapons used in fencing
Three types of weapons are used in fencing, foil, epee and sabre. As per the guidelines set by the Fédération Internationale d'Escrime (FIE) maximum length for foil and epee cannot exceeds 1,100 mm (43.407 inches), and maximum blade length cannot be more
than 900 mm. (35.433 inches). Maximum permitted length for sabre1,050 mm (41.338 inches) overall and 880 mm (34.646 inches) for the blade.
Maximum weights are set at 500 grams (17.637 ounces) for foil and saber, 770 grams (27.16 ounces) for the epee.
The entire weapon is checked repeatedly to make sure that these are not in poor working conditions. This ensures proper safety and fairness in the sport.
Playing area
Fencing is played on a playing area called piste or strip. The fencing strip is 14 meters (40 feet) long area for the combat zone and 18 meters in total length. Four meters in total 18 is extension of 2 meters on both sides is also called “out of limit zone”.
Width prescribed by FIE is 1.5 to 2 meters (5 feet, 10 inches to 6 feet, 6 1/2 inches). Two on-guard lines four meter apart of each side and a central line is marked.
Both fencers start from an on-guard line. If any fencer crosses out the out of limit zone, a point is awarded to his opponent. After each hit fencers start again from the on-guard line.
Salutations
Both fencers are expected to show respect for each other. Before the competition begins both fencer shake hands and at the end of the competition as well. Both fencers salute each other on or before each assault.
Officials
Major officials consist of the referee, who is also known as the president and is in overall hold of the contest. He or she awards points, penalizes fouls and orders to start or stop the match as prescribed by the rules and regulation of Fédération Internationale
d'Escrime (FIE). In modern fencing points are scored electronically, so the referee may be the only official, however two judges are assisted by the referee. If points are not recorded electronically then four judges sit on each side of piste. The miner officials
consist of Scorers, Electrical equipment supervisor and timekeepers
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