‘Knowing the rules and remembering the rules are completely different things.’ -Simon Travaglia

Fencing rules and regulations can be a lot to take in for beginners and their parents, but even competitive fencers may not know some specific rules and the penalties for breaking them. Giving out cards as a referee and receiving them as a fencer is inevitable at all levels of ability, but the better educated you are on the rules and repercussions, the more confident you can fence.

The primary responsibility for a fencing referee is to ensure the safety of athletes (and anyone surrounding the strip), but they are also there to enforce technical rules and give sanctions:

Yellow – Warning, valid for the duration of a bout

Red – Penalty hit, awarded to the opponent

Black – Expulsion from the competition

How many times have we seen cards given for seemingly simple mistakes; leaving the strip without permission, covering target and bending the weapon on the strip? It is true that what the referee says goes – you cannot change their mind about what happened during a bout. However you have the right to challenge the implementation of the rules. Therefore it stands to reason any fencer, coach, or supporter such as parent should embrace a chance to educate themselves about them.

There are some highly recommended things to do if you or your child fences:

1. Download a copy of the annual Athlete Handbook. Far from a complete rule book, it provides some useful guidelines for fencers and their parents regarding procedures of US Fencing membership, competition structure, and required equipment.
2. Have a read of FIE Technical Rules. Specifically the glossary in Part 1 will give fencers a greater understanding of the terminology used in fencing halls around the country.  Parts 2-4 are weapon specific and describe how hits are scored.
3. Remember, you can’t learn fencing by reading a book! In order to grasp a greater understanding of the sport you can attend a seminar by a world-class referee like Atlantic Fencing Academy is hosting on Sunday, 13th December 2015. This seminar are not just designed for fencers, but for their parents and wider support structure.

So remember, whether you’re new to the sport, bouting socially or competing in tournaments, there are rules which you don’t know! But don’t worry, knowledge is power, and our referee seminar will be given by Abdel Abdelaziz at Atlantic Fencing Academy on Sunday, 13th December 2015. You can Pre-Register on AskFred.

In addition to educating fencers, coaches and parents, the seminar is a prerequisite for anyone wishing referee at a tournament. It’s a great way to earn extra money whether at local, regional or high school level. You can take an online exam and be observed for a rating at a tournament after you’ve attend the seminar. For more information you can check out the US Fencing Officials Website.