FENCING RULES AND REGULATIONS (part2)
The moves
The fencers can move within the boundaries of the piste. They are expected to use proper moves. Legs bent and body positioned to offer the smallest target possible. One arm is behind the body in order to protect the chest. Weapon is held in one hand and
you cannot move to the other hand. On each hit, the fencers back to their respective positions.
Target Areas
Target area is the area, if fencer hits that area, points are awarded to him or her. Target area is different for each weapon. As per rules of FIE target area for epee is entire body. Valid target for sabre is everything above the waist except hands and
back of the head. If points are scored for foil if fencer hits the torso and the portion of the bib 1.5-2cm below chin level in target. USFA does not use the bib target in the United States.
Time Limit
The time limit for fencing differs according to the rounds. In the preliminary round of the tournament pool, the duration of the bout is 4 minutes or 5 touches. In direct elimination bouts, fencers must score 15 touches. This bout’s time period is 9 minutes,
divided into three sessions of 3 minutes each. There is one minutes break between each session. If the match ties after time’s over one extra minute is given and the fencer who scores the point first wins. If there is a still tie after the minute ends, then
a draw determines the winner. In case of team events, each bout goes on for 4 minutes, irrespective of how many touches are scored
Scoring
If fencer hits the target area of the opponent, the point is scored. If any fencer crosses out the out of limit zone, a point is awarded to his opponent. A touch must be scored with the point of the blade in epee and foil. In sabre, a touch can also be scored
with the front edge or with the top third of the back edge. If both fencers touch simultaneously, the point is awarded to attacking player in foil and sabre. In epee both fencers are awarded a point.
Game Progress
Before the match starts, fencers shake hand with each other. Both fencers stand on-guard when referee calls “en garde”. The match then starts on the order of referee. When the referee calls “Halt”, the bout stops. If a foul is committed by any fencer, the
referee can halt the fencers. If a valid hit (touch) has been scored, the bout is resumed with the fencers at their on-guard lines. If the hit is invalid, competition continues from the spot where the referee called the halt.
Restrictions
There are some restrictions applied to the fencers while playing. In case of a foul committed, a warning is drawn by the referee and if another foul is committed by the same fencer, a touch is awarded to the opponent. It is a foul if the fencers cross out
the out of limits zone, disobeys the referee’s order or use both hands for attack or defense. Physical contact is not allowed in sabre and foil but only in epee. Moreover a fencer cannot use faulty and dangerous techniques
The beginners must follow these basic rules while they play fencing. It is mandatory for amateurs to wear protective gear such as gloves, jackets, mask, knickers and plastrons because the sport can turn dangerous any time.
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