Rules and regulations for wheelchair fencing
We have already discussed about the various basic characteristics, equipment, field for playing and target areas for valid scoring in Wheelchair Fencing. The most important fact of Wheelchair Fencing is that it is complex from able-bodied fencing to some
extent because we have to use extra-equipment and extra-techniques for this type of the competitions. Its categories make it a bit simple, but increase its competitions.
The scoring apparatus for Wheelchair Fencing is more complex than that of normal fencing because fencers fight by sitting on a wheelchair, so when a fencer attacks, it could not be judged easily with the apparatus that whether the hit made is valid or not.
Anyhow techniques used in Wheelchair Fencing are almost same as able-bodied fencing. Very few changes occurred in this type of fencing due to the use of chair and mainly due to the physical disability of the fencer. The following are the techniques being used
while playing the Wheelchair Fencing.
The weapon must remain in attacking hand only and a fencer cannot change the hand until the bout ends. Anyhow fencer can change the hand with authorisation of the referee if the attacking hand or arm injured. Fencers with Category C, who cannot hold the
weapon, can bind the weapon to the attacking hand. The binding must be protective for attacking hand.
Before the match starts, both fencers salute each other as per fencing rules. Both shake their swords with each other before the first bout and after the last bout ended.
First command is “On-guard” given by the referee. As there is no wheelchair movement so fencers are always in On-guard position. In Wheelchair Fencing the command “On-guard” mean not come at the on-guard lines but to be ready for fencing. Then referee asks
“Are you ready?” from both. With positive replies, he orders to start fencing with the word “Play” or “Alac”. If any violation occur or the bouts ends, referee give command “Halt” to stop the game. If a fencer stops before the “Halt” command given and is hit,
the hit score will be pointed.
If the fencer start before the command “Play” it will be the violation of the rules and referee may give the punishment for it. It is also a violation and can be punished if a fencer lifts his/her feet from wheelchair foot rest. Lifting from seat is also
a violation.
The duration of Wheelchair Fencing is same as able-bodied fencing. The authorized duration for bout is three minutes. The individual match consists of three bouts either of three minutes or five touches. Same in team but in team matches one fencer of the
team fences against the each fencers of the opposite team. Bout can be stopped by the referee if any injury or cramp occurs.
If the wheelchair is damaged or caused any error, referee can allow stopping the bout until the wheelchair is repaired or changed. The maximum time allowed is only ten minutes for repairing of exchanged. The referee can allow changing the wheelchair if it
cannot be repaired within ten minutes.
According to the rules and regulations set by the Fédération Internationale d'Escrime, referee is the only person to preside the Wheelchair Fencing. The referee can call the fencers, start or stop the games, punishes the violence, awards the hit and can
maintain the order. He can appoint two judges and other minor officials such as scorer, time-keepers, etc.
These are the basic rules used in Wheelchair Fencing. These rules make this game more exciting and simplest sport.
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