Learning to Direct
The person who directs a bout is called the referee. Referees must know the arcane rules of fencing
and must apply them with strict impartiality. To become a complete fencer, this skill must be mastered—
if only at the level of directing recreational fencing. The referee may be assisted by two or four judges
who watch the action of one fencer and signal the referee when a touch lands or when some other action
occurs that should stop the bout. (Judges are rarely used when electric scoring apparatus is available.)
Learning to direct will improve your fencing even if you never direct a competition bout. For the
new fencer, learning to direct is a daunting task. Taking your turn as a judge in the salle is usually the
first step. Once you are comfortable in that role, volunteer to referee. Studying the rules and talking with
more experienced referees will help. Attending a seminar conducted by a certified referee instructor is
required if you seek a rating as a referee, and good to do periodically no matter how skilled you become.
The Fencing Officials Commission (FOC) maintains a Website . Here , a fencer can find several key
resources for understanding the current rules and current philosophy of directing a bout:
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Referee’s Manual (found under the Domestic list box as “Referee Handbook”)
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Points of Emphasis by George Kolombatovich (found near the bottom of the FOC home page)
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Fencing Rules 2008 (found under the Rules list box)
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Referee Code of Ethics (found under the Documents/Forms list box)
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• National Referee Examination Study Guide (found under the Ratings list box)
The website also provides links to a Website for the International Fencing Federation (Federation
Internationale D’Escrime, known as the FIE). USFA rules are based on those of the FIE. If you can read
French, some of your questions about the rules may be resolved by reading the source text. In any case,
the gestures that referees are supposed to use are presented much more clearly here . (Note that the
graphics in the USFA rules are very poor, and that there are discrepancies between the figures in the
Referee’s Manual, the USFA Rules, and the FIE Rules.)
The first of these resources to consult should be the Referee’s Manual . It is relatively clear. Its
description of the factors that make a particular movement an attack clarifies many of the most difficult
issues. Fencers who read it will better understand why referees make their calls. The Athlete Handbook
summarizes what a competitor needs to know about the organization of competitions. Answers to a few
of the questions on the referee’s exam are covered there, too.
The FOC strongly recommends that referee candidates study the USFA Fencing Rules prior to
taking the examination. Unfortunately, merely reading the rules is not adequate preparation for the
written test, let alone the practicum. Here is a recommended study sequence:
1. Become familiar with the organization of the rules.
2. Skim the entire rulebook.
3. Study the rules that address right of way, penalties, and failure of electrical equipment.
4. Answer the questions in the study guide. (This is the “question bank” for the general and
weapon-specific tests.)
5. Find the rules that support your answer. 1
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Ostensibly, the questions in the study guide are presented in the order of the relevant rules. If this were true, it would be
possible to use a printed question bank as a study guide to the printed rules, which was the original intent. (Those who lack
a computer can buy a copy from the FOC.) For whatever reason, it is demonstrably not true today. Therefore it is very
helpful to download the Rules and save them in electronic form (pdf), taking advantage of the Find and Search functions of
Adobe Reader (which is a free program available for all major operating systems).
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1 of 1
Learning to Direct
6. Then, and only then, compare your answers with those that follow.
7. Discuss your questions with rated referees and fencers that are more experienced.
2 of 1
General Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
Page
A reprise of the attack is:
1.
a.
b.
c.
a seizing of the attacker’s blade
an immediate new attack after return
to guard
a reply to the attack in an indirect
line
t.8(d)3.
9
t.8(d)4
10
t.13
10
A counter time is defined as:
2.
a.
b.
c.
an attack on the opponent’s
preparation
a stop thrust into the final action of
an attack
an action made by the attacker
against a stop hit made by the
opponent
Before going off the end of the strip with
both feet, fencers must be able to retreat
from their on guard lines a total distance of:
3.
a.
b.
c.
7 meters
5 meters
2 meters
1 of 1
General Section
Question
The distance required at the ends of a
fencing strip in order to provide a safe and
level surface upon which a fencer may
retreat when crossing the rear limit is:
4.
a.
b.
c.
Rule
m.57.4
none
1.5 to 2 meters
1 meter
Discussion
This answer must be inferred from the Rules’ description
of the conducting strip.
Page
61
The protective plastron must be checked at
the beginning of each:
5.
a.
b.
c.
bout
pool, team match and direct
elimination bout
tournament
Other than giving a penalty card, what
should be done with electrical equipment
that, when presented to the Referee, fails
inspection?
6.
a.
b.
c.
t.43
17
t.45
17
return it to the fencer for repair
confiscate it
there is no other requirement
2 of 1
General Section
Question
Rule
A fencer reports to the strip with no
protective plastron (underarm protector) and
a weapon that fails inspection. The fencer
receives a:
7.
a.
b.
c.
YELLOW CARD for the missing
protective plastron and a YELLOW
CARD for the defective weapon
RED CARD (award a touch for
opponent)
Yellow Card for defective weapon;
require fencer to get a plastron
Discussion
Page
Inferred from instruction to “apply penalties according to
Articles t.114, t.116, and t.120 (first group).”
t.43
t.45.1
Note that t.45 refers to t.44, which allows the referee to
re-check (and refers to t.35, which summarizes the
referee’s duties) but the plastron requirements are in t.43
and are amended by the USFA note on p. 18.
Fencer X has no previous penalties. During
a halt, X’s weapon is found not to conform
to the Rules with a fault that could have
been caused by the fencing.
8.
a.
b.
c.
X receives a YELLOW CARD;
confiscate X’s weapon
X receives a RED CARD; confiscate
X’s weapon
no penalty; confiscate X’s weapon
t.45.2
17
3 of 1
General Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
Page
Fencer X has a YELLOW CARD. During a
halt, Fencer X’s weapon is found not to
conform to the Rules with a fault that could
have been caused by the fencing.
9.
a.
b.
c.
confiscate X’s weapon; X receives a
YELLOW CARD
confiscate X’s weapon; X receives a
RED CARD
confiscate X’s weapon; no additional
penalty required
t.45.2
17
During a halt, a fault is found in Fencer X’s
equipment; the equipment appears
fraudulent.
10.
a.
b.
c.
confiscate X’s weapon; X receives a
YELLOW CARD
confiscate X’s weapon; X receives a
RED CARD
confiscate X’s weapon; before
deciding on any penalty, consult
technical expert
t.45.3
If the technical expert determines that the equipment is
fraudulent, X receives a BLACK CARD.
4 of 1
18
General Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
Page
During a halt, a fault is found in Fencer X’s
equipment where manifest fraud could exist.
11.
a.
b.
c.
confiscate X’s weapon; X receives a
YELLOW CARD
confiscate X’s weapon; X receives a
RED CARD
confiscate X’s weapon; before
deciding on any penalty, consult
technical expert
t.45.3
Note that the question refers to equipment while the
answers all focus on the weapon. It could be the body
cord, mask, or uniform that is fraudulent.
With no penalties given, Fencer X is
certified by the technical expert to have
equipment that bears the marks of the
preliminary check which have been imitated. t.45.3(d)
a.
X receives a YELLOW CARD
b.
X receives a RED CARD
c.
X receives a BLACK CARD
18
12.
With no penalties given, Fencer X is
certified by the technical expert to have
equipment that is fraudulent.
13.
a.
b.
c.
X receives a YELLOW CARD
X receives a RED CARD
X receives a BLACK CARD
18
t.45.3(c)
18
5 of 1
General Section
Question
With no penalties given, Fencer X is
certified by the technical expert to have
equipment that has been altered to allow the
registering of touches.
14.
a.
b.
c.
a.
b.
c.
a.
b.
c.
t.45.3(c)
t.28
t.45.1
X receives a YELLOW CARD
X receives a RED CARD
no penalty
With no penalties yet given, Fencer X
reports to the strip with a mask that does not
bear the marks of the preliminary inspection.
16.
Discussion
Page
18
X receives a YELLOW CARD
X receives a RED CARD
X receives a BLACK CARD
With no other penalties given, Fencer X is
penalized for crossing the lateral boundary
to avoid a touch. X subsequently replaces a
weapon with one that does not conform to
the Rules.
15.
Rule
X receives a YELLOW CARD
X receives a RED CARD
X receives a BLACK CARD
Warning for leaving the strip to avoid being touched.
Penalty for nonconforming weapon.
Inferred from instruction to “apply penalties according to
Articles t.114, t.116, and t.120 (first group).”
t.45.3
13, 17
18
6 of 1
General Section
Question
Fencer X receives a RED CARD for a
vindictive act. X subsequently replaces a
broken weapon. The weapon, which has
been confiscated, is verified by the technical
expert to have a falsified inspection mark.
17.
a.
b.
c.
Rule
Discussion
Page
t.45.3(d)
bears the marks of the preliminary check which have been
imitated or transferred
18
m.4.5
“a cross bar or electric socket which extends beyond the edge of the guard is
47
m.5.2
“The padding on the inside of the guard must be less than 2 cm thick.”
X receives a YELLOW CARD
X receives a RED CARD
X receives a BLACK CARD
May a weapon have any extensions beyond
the guard?
18.
a.
b.
c.
no
yes, but only the electrical connectors for
foil and épée
yes, provided the extensions pass through
the measuring frame for testing weapons
expressly forbidden.”
Specifications concerning the padding inside
the guard include:
19.
a.
b.
c.
none
it must be less than 2 centimeters
thick
it must be at least 2 centimeters thick
7 of 1
47
General Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
Page
May the jacket or its collar be in any
position other than closed?
20.
a.
b.
c.
no
yes, the collar may be undone if covered by
the mask’s bib
yes, any part of the jacket covered by the
mask’s bib may be open
m.25.2
Safety. “…The jacket and its collar must be completely buttoned or done up.”
54
What feature should the Referee check about
the fencer’s jacket and breeches?
21.
a.
b.
c.
that the jacket covers the entire torso and
the breeches cover the entire leg
that the jacket must overlap the
breeches by at least 3 centimeters
when the fencer is in the on guard
position
that the jacket must overlap the
breeches by at least 10 centimeters
when the fencer is in the on guard
position
m.25.4
Jacket. At all weapons, for men and women, the lower edge of the jacket
must overlap the knickers by at least 10 cm when the fencer is in the on-guard
position.
The additional requirement that the jacket “must cover the whole of the
surface of the trunk” applies only to épée.
8 of 1
55
General Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
Fencer X arrives at the strip wearing shorts
or sweat pants instead of fencing breeches.
22.
a.
b.
c.
allow X to fence if X is a beginner, as we
don’t want to discourage beginners
allow X to fence if it is not a major
competition; X probably won’t get hurt
anyway
X receives a YELLOW CARD;
allow a reasonable amount of time
for X to obtain fencing breeches
Fencing trousers are no longer mentioned in the rules but
according to Certified Referee Instructor Brad Baker, they
are allowed.
What action should a Referee take when a
fencer’s long socks fall down?
23.
a.
b.
c.
allow the fencer to continue if the socks
are up at the beginning of the bout
call Halt!; Have the fencer fasten the
socks so that they stay up
call Halt!; allow the socks to be pulled up
each time
9 of 1
Page
General Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
Page
What action should a Referee take if a
fencer reports to the strip with a torn sleeve?
24.
a.
b.
c.
allow a reasonable amount of time
for the replacement or repair; fencer
receives a YELLOW CARD
allow a reasonable amount of time
for the replacement or repair; fencer
receives a RED CARD
allow a reasonable amount of time
for the replacement or repair; no
penalty
t.45.1
Specifications for the cuff of the glove are:
25.
a.
b.
c.
none
cuff must be 8 centimeters long
cuff must cover approximately the
lower half of the forearm
m.25.6
55
m.25.7
55
What test must a mask be subjected to
before use in a competition?
26.
a.
b.
c.
visual inspection
punch test and visual inspection
check that the bib is less than 2
centimeters long
10 of 1
General Section
Question
Rule
No penalties have been given. While
retreating, Fencer X parries Fencer Y’s
attack and ripostes, touching Y on the valid
surface. X then falls; Y’s remise arrives on
the valid surface.
27.
a.
b.
c.
Discussion
Halt is called when the riposte arrives. Both the fall and
the remise are after the halt and of no effect. Moreover,
note that the penalty associated with falling is assigned
only when the touch (valid or not, presumably not floor)
is made during or after a fall (cf. t.87 & t.120).
award a touch for X;
award a touch for Y; X receives a
YELLOW CARD
annul all touches; X receives a
YELLOW CARD
With no penalties yet given, Fencer X falls
during an attack. X’s attack lands on the
opponent’s valid surface.
28.
a.
b.
c.
allow X’s touch
allow X’s touch; caution X to be more
careful
annul X’s touch; X receives a
YELLOW CARD
In a pool bout, Fencer X has received a
YELLOW CARD for nonconforming
equipment and is losing 3-2. Fencer Y
attacks and scores a valid touch. In
attempting to avoid the attack, X falls.
29.
a.
b.
c.
X is now losing 4-1
X is now losing 4-2
X has lost the bout 5-2
t.87
t.87
Falling is not penalized unless the falling fencer’s touch
arrives during or after the fall. Even if a halt were called
when Fencer X falls, Fencer Y’s action had already
started and therefore scores.
11 of 1
Page
General Section
Question
Having already received a YELLOW CARD
for raising the mask before the Referee
called Halt, X parries while turning the back
and then makes a riposte that arrives on the
opponent’s valid surface.
30.
a.
b.
c.
annul X’s touch; X receives a RED
CARD
allow X’s touch; X receives a RED
CARD
annul X’s touch; X receives a
YELLOW CARD
Rule
t.21
t.120
a.
b.
c.
X has won 5-2
X is now winning 4-3
X has won 5-3
Page
Turning the back is an offence of the first group, requiring
the referee to call “Halt!” and to assign the penalty. The
halt occurs on the parry. The touch is annulled because the 12
action began after the halt. (If the back were turned on the
riposte, the touch would be annulled because of the card.)
The touch is valid; the offence is a subsequent action. On
the table in t.120, there is no asterisk next to this offense,
meaning that the touch is not annulled.
In a pool bout, Fencer X has received a
YELLOW CARD for non-conforming
equipment and is winning 4-2. X attacks,
sees the machine register a valid touch and,
in excitement, removes the mask before the
Referee calls Halt!
31.
Discussion
The bout is not over, since the fencers have not saluted
and shaken hands. The penalty should be awarded.
t.120
In practice, referees often fail to call “Halt” and they are
not required to signal when there is an audible signal and
a light showing that a touch has arrived and both fencers
stop fencing. In such a situation, a penalty seems unfair.
We do not know how this question is graded.
12 of 1
General Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
Page
No penalties have been given. With the back
hand, Fencer X pushes Fencer Y’s blade
aside. X then touches Y on the valid surface.
32.
a.
b.
c.
allow X’s touch; X receives a
YELLOW CARD
annul X’s touch; X receives a RED
CARD
annul X’s touch; X receives a
YELLOW CARD
t.22
12
t.17
11
The lateral position for fencers when they
are placed on guard must be:
33.
a.
b.
c.
the middle of the width of the strip
the side opposite the Referee if one fencer
is left-handed
wherever the fencers wish to be
This question should be rewritten.
No other penalties have been given. At the
referee’s command “Ready,” Fencer X
comes on guard with his or her weapon
curved beyond the maximum allowed by the
rules for the weapon.
34.
a.
b.
c.
YELLOW CARD for X
the Referee instructs X to straighten
the blade.
the Referee issues X a verbal
warning, and instructs X to
straighten the blade.
Competitors come on guard when the Referee gives the order
‘On guard‘, after which the Referee asks, ‘Are you ready?‘. On
receiving an affirmative reply, or in the absence of a negative
reply, he gives the command for fencing to commence with the
word ‘Fence‘.
t.17
The Rules do not describe “Ready” as a “command.”
If the proper sequence is followed, the fencer has an
opportunity to answer in the negative after having
been on guard already, with an opportunity to inspect
the blade.
We know that “a” is the correct answer when the test
is graded.
13 of 1
11
General Section
Question
Fencer X attacks before the command
Fence! is given. Fencer Y parries
successfully and scores a valid touch on the
immediate riposte.
35.
a.
b.
c.
award a touch for X
award a touch for Y
no touch awarded
Rule
Discussion
t.18.1
t.53.1
The start of the bout is signaled by the word ‘Fence‘. No movement made or
initiated before the word ‘Fence’ is counted.
t.18.2
If a competitor stops before the word ‘Halt‘, and is touched, the touch is
valid.
Fencer X stops for any reason other than the
Referee’s Halt! during a phrase and is hit
valid by Fencer Y.
36.
a.
b.
c.
award a touch for Y
annul touch by Y
annul touch by Y only if there were
loud and confusing noises
Fencer X executes an attack. After scoring a
valid touch, X then leaves the side of the
strip with both feet.
37.
a.
b.
c.
award a touch for X
annul the touch; Y advances one
meter
annul the touch; Y remains in place and X
assumes normal distance
t.55
14 of 1
Page
General Section
Question
Fencer X drops the weapon after Fencer Y
executes a parry. Y’s immediate riposte
scores a valid touch.
38.
a.
b.
c.
touch annulled
award a touch for Y
award a touch for X
As Fencer X makes a straight attack, the
Referee notices that Fencer Y is in danger of
tripping over the reel. The Referee calls
Halt! At the moment of the Halt! Fencer Y
makes a parry and then an immediate riposte
that lands valid on X.
39.
a.
b.
c.
award a touch for Y
do not award the touch, as the action
started after the Halt!
do not award the touch; caution Y for
continuing to fence after the Halt!
Rule
Discussion
“Halt!” is called by the referee on observing the problem.
An immediate riposte would have been initiated before
the halt and is therefore valid.
The riposte cannot start until the parry is completed, so it
could not have been initiated prior to the halt.
If the fencer goes off the strip with both feet, the referee must
annul everything that has occurred after the boundary has been
crossed, except a touch received by the competitor who has
crossed the boundary even after he has crossed it, provided that
this touch results from a simple and immediate action.
We do not know how this question is graded.
Fencer X makes an attack, which is parried.
X is off the side of the strip in front of Y
with both feet before Fencer Y’s riposte
starts. Y’s riposte lands valid.
40.
a.
b.
c.
award a touch for Y
do not award a touch; place the fencers on
guard where they were, but in the lateral
center of the strip
do not award a touch; have Y
advance one meter, and then place
them in the lateral center of the strip
Halt on going off-strip before riposte, no touch. Ground
penalty for leaving the strip.
15 of 1
Page
General Section
Question
Fencer X abandons the strip after being
penalized twice for the same fault in an
earlier bout in the same pool.
41.
a.
b.
c.
X receives a YELLOW CARD
X receives a RED CARD
X receives a BLACK CARD
Rule
t.86
Discussion
Page
Cards don’t carry over from previous bouts, even bouts in
the same pool
Fencing at close quarters is allowed so long
as the competitors can:
42.
a.
b.
c.
possibly score a touch
wield their weapons correctly and the
Referee can, in foil and sabre, follow t.19
the phrase
continue fencing without a part of one
fencer’s body blocking the opponent’s
body from the view of the Referee
12
16 of 1
General Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
Page
No other penalties have been given. During
the action, the fencers come into body
contact (corps à corps).
43.
a.
b.
c.
for sabre and foil, call Halt!; fencer(s)
who caused the corps à corps receive a
YELLOW CARD
for all three weapons, call Halt!; for
t.20
foil and sabre, fencer(s) who caused
the corps à corps receive a YELLOW
CARD
for sabre and foil, call Halt!;
fencer(s) who caused the corps à
corps receive a YELLOW CARD;
for épée, only call Halt! if the action
is dangerous
12
17 of 1
General Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
No other penalties have been given. The
fencers come into body contact (corps à
corps). Fencer X immediately remises.
44.
a.
b.
c.
touch for X. In foil and sabre, YELLOW
CARD for the fencer(s) who caused the
corps à corps
no touch is awarded. In foil and
sabre, YELLOW CARD for the
fencer(s) who caused the corps à
corps
if the Referee was coughing during the
action and was unable to say Halt! before
the remise started, touch for Fencer X,
because the action started before Halt!
In foil and sabre, YELLOW CARD for
the fencer(s) who caused the corps à
corps
t.25
In a pool bout, having already received a
YELLOW CARD, Fencer X causes corps à
corps with jostling. Fencer Y is winning 4-2.
45.
a.
b.
c.
call Halt! and penalize X only in foil
and sabre
call Halt!; X receives a RED CARD;
bout ends with score of 5-2
call Halt!; remove touch from X’s score; Y
is now winning 4-1
t.20
18 of 1
Page
General Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
No other penalties have been given. During
an action, Fencer X causes corps à corps to
avoid a touch. No touch is scored. For the
replacement on guard:
46.
a.
b.
c.
Y holds position; X assumes proper
distance but may not be placed behind X’s
end line; in foil and sabre, X receives a
YELLOW CARD
t.20
Y holds position; X assumes proper
distance but may not be placed
behind X’s end line; in all three
weapons, X receives a YELLOW
CARD
both give ground with the contact point as
center; in foil and sabre, X receives a
YELLOW CARD
“In all three weapons it is forbidden for a fencer to cause
corps à corps intentionally to avoid being touched, or to
jostle the opponent. Should such an offence occur, the
Referee will penalize the fencer at fault….”
19 of 1
Page
General Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
No other penalties have been given. During
an action, Fencer X causes corps à corps
with Fencer Y. Both fencers are one meter
in front of X’s end line.
47.
a.
b.
c.
X places the rear foot on the end
line; Y assumes normal distance; in
foil and sabre, X receives a
YELLOW CARD
Fencer Y holds position; Fencer X
assumes normal distance or, if normal
distance would cause X to go off the
strip, place X’s front foot on the end
line; in foil and sabre, X receives a
YELLOW CARD
award a touch for Fencer Y; in foil
and sabre, X receives a YELLOW
CARD
t. 17
t.17
t.24
t.25
The competitors may not be replaced on guard, at their correct
distance, in such a way as to place behind the rear line of the strip a
fencer who was in front of that line when the bout was halted.
If he already had one foot behind the rear line, he remains in that
position.
If a fencer has crossed the lateral boundaries of the strip, he may be
put back on guard at the correct distance even if this places him behind
the rear line and thereby causes a touch to be awarded against him.
No penalties have been given. After causing
incidental corps à corps with Fencer Y,
Fencer X leaves the side of the strip with
both feet.
48.
a.
b.
c.
Y advances one meter; X receives a
YELLOW CARD in foil and sabre
Y holds ground except if it would
cause X to be placed behind X’s end
line; X receives a YELLOW CARD
in foil and sabre
X loses one meter; X receives a
YELLOW CARD in foil and sabre
t.17
Halt for corps à corps—leaving the strip after the halt
incurs no penalty.
20 of 1
Page
General Section
Question
Rule
No penalties have been given. While fencing
at close quarters, Fencer X is not moving.
Fencer Y’s elbow gently touches X’s mask
as Y makes a parry. Y’s immediate riposte
lands valid.
49.
a.
b.
c.
a.
b.
c.
a.
b.
c.
t.21
Fencer X does not begin his reprise until after Fencer Y’s
action.
award a touch for X
award a touch for Y
no touch awarded
Fencer X makes a simple attack that misses
because Fencer Y displaces the valid surface
by ducking. Y’s counter attack lands valid.
51.
“Gently” means no jostling occurred and the blow was not
brutal.
no touch; in foil and sabre, Y
receives a YELLOW CARD
no touch; in all weapons, Y receives
a YELLOW CARD
award a touch for Y
Fencer X makes a simple attack. Fencer Y
ducks to avoid being hit and touches the
strip with the unarmed hand. While still
touching the strip, Y lands a valid touch on
X and then X begins a reprise that lands
valid on Y.
50.
Discussion
award a touch for X
award a touch for Y
no touch awarded
t.21
21 of 1
Page
General Section
Question
Rule
Fencer X makes an attack that fails, and then
continues past Fencer Y. After passing, X
makes an immediate replacement that
misses and Y starts an action that lands
valid.
52.
a.
b.
c.
Discussion
“After passing” implies that Y’s action is not in time.
We do not know how this question is graded.
award a touch for X
award a touch for Y
no touch awarded
During the second bout of a team match,
both fencers are not actively attempting to
score. The Referee should:
53.
a.
b.
c.
Call "Halt!" and warn the fencers.
Call "Halt!" Award each fencer with a
YELLOW CARD. Continue the bout
Call "Halt!" Award each team a
YELLOW CARD. Proceed to the
next bout.
Having already received a YELLOW
CARD, Fencer X turns the back in an action.
X has yet to score a touch.
54.
a.
b.
c.
allow fencing to continue
annul the first valid touch made by X
X receives a RED CARD
t.87
t.21
22 of 1
Page
General Section
Question
With no other penalties given, a fencer
receives a RED CARD for absence of
inspection marks. The fencer subsequently
turns the back. The fencer receives a:
55.
a.
b.
c.
Rule
Discussion
Page
t.120
YELLOW CARD
RED CARD
BLACK CARD
Fencer X arrives at the strip for a direct
elimination bout and receives a YELLOW
CARD for faulty equipment. With no other
penalties given, X is losing during the
second period by a score of 14-6 and turns
the back.
56.
a.
b.
c.
X receives a YELLOW CARD
X receives a RED CARD; score is
now 15-6; X loses
annul the next touch, if any, scored
by X
The correct distance between fencers when
they come on guard (other than at the on
guard lines) is:
57.
a.
b.
c.
four meters for sabre and Referee’s
discretion for foil and épée
four meters for all weapons
when both fencers are in a proper on
guard position with the weapons in
line, the points should not overlap
t.17
11
23 of 1
General Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
Page
Replacement on guard at the beginning of
each round of a direct elimination bout is:
58.
a.
b.
c.
at the position occupied by the fencers at
the end of the previous round
at the on guard lines
if the score is tied, the fencers take
up the positions occupied at the end
of the previous round; if one fencer
is leading, that fencer holds position
and the opponent retreats to proper
fencing distance
t.17
11
t.17
11
If time expires with a tied score in either a
pool or direct elimination bout, the fencers
are replaced on guard:
59.
a.
b.
c.
at the position occupied by the fencers at
the end of the previous round
at the on guard lines
if the score is tied, the fencers take up the
positions occupied at the end of the
previous round; if one fencer is leading,
that fencer holds position and the
opponent retreats to proper fencing
distance
24 of 1
General Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
Page
When a Halt! is called, Fencer X and Fencer
Y are very close but not in body contact and
X is straddling X’s end line.
60.
a.
b.
c.
place X on guard one meter from X’s end
line; Y assumes correct distance
X remains in place; Y assumes
correct distance
award a touch for Y
In an advance-lunge, Fencer X steps off the
side of the strip with both feet during the
advance, but recovers the strip and then
scores a valid touch on Fencer Y.
61.
a.
b.
c.
no touch; place the fencers on guard
where they are
no touch; Y advances one meter
award a touch for X
In an advance-lunge, Fencer X steps off the
side of the strip with one foot during the
advance, but recovers the strip and then
scores a valid touch on Fencer Y.
62.
a.
b.
c.
no touch; place the fencers on guard
where they are
no touch; Y advances one meter
award a touch for X
t.17
11
t.26
t.26
25 of 1
General Section
Question
In an advance-lunge, Fencer X scores a valid
touch on Fencer Y, stepping off the strip
with the front foot at the completion of the
lunge.
63.
a.
b.
c.
no touch; place the fencers on guard
where they are
no touch; Y advances one meter
award a touch for X
Rule
Discussion
t.26
Fencer X retreats over the rear limit of the
strip with both feet.
64.
a.
b.
c.
award a touch for Fencer Y
replace X on guard at the warning
line
replace X on guard at the rear limit
A Halt! is called when Fencer X retreats so
that both feet are behind the end line before
Fencer Y’s simple attack lands valid. The
attack was started while X was still in front
of the end line.
65.
a.
b.
c.
t.27
t.27
The first touch halts the action.
award one touch for Y
award two touches for Y
no touch awarded
26 of 1
Page
General Section
Question
Fencer X has retreated behind the end line
while parrying Fencer Y’s attack. X makes
an immediate valid riposte.
66.
a.
b.
c.
award a touch for X
award a touch for Y
no touch awarded
Fencer X retreats with both feet behind the
end line while parrying Fencer Y’s attack. Y
then makes a replacement, which X parries,
and X then scores an immediate valid
riposte.
67.
a.
b.
c.
Rule
t.27
t.27
Discussion
t.27
Should a competitor cross the rear limit of the
strip completely—i.e. with both feet—a touch will be
scored against him/her.
The halt—and the earning of the point—occurs as soon as
both feet leave the volume of the strip. Nothing after that
matters,
t.27
Should a competitor cross the rear limit of the
strip completely—i.e. with both feet—a touch will be
scored against him/her.
The halt—and the earning of the point—occurs as soon as both feet
leave the volume of the strip. Nothing after that matters,
award a touch for X
award a touch for Y
no touch awarded
A fencer steps off the side of the strip with
one foot. The Rules direct the Referee to:
68.
a.
b.
c.
allow the action to continue
call Halt! and penalize with the
ground penalty
call Halt! and place the fencers back on
guard in the lateral center of the strip
t.26
27 of 1
Page
General Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
During an action, Fencer X crosses the
lateral boundary of the strip with both feet
(not in order to avoid being hit).
69.
a.
b.
c.
call Halt! and replace X on guard where X
left the strip; Fencer Y takes proper
distance
call Halt! and place the fencers on guard
with the point where X left the strip as
center
call Halt! and advance Y one meter
from where Y was on the strip when
X went off the strip; X takes proper
distance
Fencer X goes off the side of the strip with
one foot between Fencer Y and the end line.
Y was standing 2.25 meters from X’s end
line when X went off the side of the strip.
The end result is:
70.
a.
b.
c.
place X on guard with X’s rear foot at
the end line
place X on guard one meter back from
where X left the strip
award a touch for Y
t.26
t.26
At the start of a five-touch bout, the clock is
set for:
71.
a.
b.
c.
6 minutes
5 minutes
3 minutes
o.17
28 of 1
Page
General Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
Page
In which of the below circumstances is a
touch awarded after time has expired?
72.
a.
b.
c.
never
if it is an immediate riposte
if the action began before the Halt!
t.32
13
t.32
13
t.31
13
If the clock fails, the Referee should:
73.
a.
b.
c.
retain the touch score and restart the
clock
retain the touch score and restart the clock
with one minute remaining
retain the touch score, estimate the
time expired, and restart the bout
from that point
Fencer X causes interruptions early in a bout
after a penalty for the same fault in a
previous bout in the pool.
74.
a.
b.
c.
X receives a YELLOW CARD
X receives a RED CARD
X receives a BLACK CARD
29 of 1
General Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
For recovery from a verified accident (once
for the same injury in one day), a fencer is
allowed:
75.
a.
b.
c.
no ti m e
10 minutes from the time the injury
occurs
10 minutes from the time the injury
is verified
t.33
Fencer X has already had a verified sprained
ankle occur in the current bout and has taken
a ten minute break. During a subsequent
action, X sprains a finger.
76.
a.
b.
c.
require X to continue as one injury time out
has already been granted
if requested, allow X another ten
minute break
award a touch for X’s opponent
Fencer X had a verified sprained ankle and
took a ten minute break during the round of
pools. During the third round of direct
elimination, X receives a touch to the hand
that sprains X’s finger.
77.
a.
b.
c.
require X to continue as one injury time out
has already occurred
if requested, allow X another ten
minute break
award a touch for X’s opponent
t.33
Time is allowed for a different injury or cramp.
In épée, “c” is also a correct answer. The question should
be reworded: “receives a touch to the hand” should be
replaced with “is struck on the hand in a way….”
30 of 1
Page
General Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
t.33
Fencer X has a sprained ankle. X states that
the ankle was sprained the day before while
playing basketball and that, as it still hurts,
an injury time out is officially requested.
78.
a.
b.
c.
require X to continue
if requested, allow X a ten minute
break
require X to continue; RED CARD
for X
t.33
For an injury or cramp which occurs in the course of a bout and
which is properly attested by the delegate of the FIE Medical
Committee or by the doctor on duty, the Referee will allow a
break in the bout lasting no longer than 10 minutes….
I think any sane fencer would claim to have re-injured the
ankle by fencing, and the time would be allowed. The
wording of the question seems designed to rule out this
possibility.
I think the original intent of “officially requested” was to
remove any doubt that the fencer was responsible for an
unjustified claim (cf. t.120, Group 2, therefore “c”).
Now the interpretation is that “officially requested” means
“requested by the Medical Committee” and therefore to be
allowed due to the deference they are owed..
Fencer X appears physically incapable of
continuing the bout.
79.
a.
b.
c.
require X to withdraw
require X to withdraw after
consultation with medical personnel
request X to withdraw as all competitors
fence at their own risk
t.33
…If the doctor considers, before or at the end of the 10minute break, that the fencer is incapable of continuing
the bout, the fencer must withdraw (individual events)
and/or be replaced, if possible (team events)….
31 of 1
Page
General Section
Question
Rule
At the end of a pool, the Referee should:
80.
a.
b.
c.
Discussion
The last paragraph of this rule should be rewritten
immediately return the scoresheet to the
Bout Committee
immediately total all indicators,
announce the results, have all fencers
sign the scoresheet, and then return
the scoresheet to the Bout Committee
t.87
immediately total all indicators,
announce the results, and then return the
scoresheet to the Bout Committee
Immediately after the end of a pool or a direct
elimination bout … [f]encers must then sign the
pool or bout score sheet, under the responsibility of
the Referee who must check the accuracy of the
results on this score sheet. Before the score sheet is
returned to the Technical Directory, the Referee
must indicate in writing if a fencer refuses to sign it.
No subsequent appeal relating to the results will be
allowed.
In practice, this occurs at the end of the pool, not each
pool bout.
The correct answer must be “b” because it is the only one
that requires a signature. The FIE no longer requires a
signature at all, because they require the referee to
announce the victory and score.
The score in a bout is not tied and time
expires before the maximum number of
touches has been scored.
81.
a.
b.
c.
the score is recorded as that at the
expiration of time
the touches for each fencer are raised by
one simultaneously until one fencer’s
score reaches the maximum number of
touches
the score of the fencer who has made
more touches is raised to the maximum
number of touches
o.17(b)
o.24
32 of 1
Page
General Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
A fencer in a six-fencer pool who wins three
bouts has a victory indicator of:
82.
a.
b.
c.
0.300
0.500
0.600
A fencer in an elimination pool who
receives ten touches and scores twenty
touches has a touch indicator of:
83.
a.
b.
c.
-10
0.5
+10
In a pool two fencers have a 0.600 victory
indicator. Fencer X has scored 23 touches
and received 17. Fencer Y has scored 21
touches and received 15. For placing:
84.
a.
b.
c.
fence a 5-touch bout to determine their
relative places
X is placed above Y
Y is placed above X
o.19
o.19
o.19
33 of 1
Page
General Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
In a pool, two fencers who have qualified to
the next round have a victory indicator of
0.600, a touch indicator of +4, and the same
number of touches scored. In seeding the
table:
85.
a.
b.
c.
they are classified as equal;
placement in the table is determined
by the drawing of lots
a barrage is fenced to determine their
relative placement in the table
the winner of the pool bout between these
two fencers is seeded higher
o.19(f)
How much time is a fencer allowed between
consecutive bouts?
86.
a.
b.
c.
2 minutes for a pool bout; 5 minutes for a
o.16
direct elimination bout
2 minutes for a pool bout; 10 minutes for a o.26
direct elimination bout
3 minutes for a pool bout; 10 minutes
for a direct elimination bout
34 of 1
Page
General Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
o.44.11
11. If a member of a team is obliged to retire during a
match as the result of an accident which has been
duly recognized by a medical representative of the
FIE, the captain of his team may ask to put in a
reserve to continue the match at the point where the
competitor who was obliged to retire withdrew, even
during a bout in progress.
Fencer X is in a team match and sustains
(verified) a twisted ankle while fencing and
cannot continue. The score in the bout at the
time of the injury is 0-3 in favor of Fencer
Y.
87.
a.
b.
c.
this bout and the rest of X’s bouts in this
match are forfeited
this bout is forfeited and a substitute may
take the place of X in subsequent bouts
with Bout Committee approval, X
may be replaced by a substitute for
the rest of the match, starting at 0-3
in the current bout; X may not fence
again in the same team match
35 of 1
Page
General Section
Question
Spectators at the competition (including
coaches, trainers, and an official not
presently presiding) are interfering with the
smooth running of the competition.
88.
a.
b.
c.
the spectators, coaches, trainers, and
officials receive a warning that is
registered with the Bout Committee
(or all may be expelled) and noted on
the scoresheet
the spectators, coaches, and trainers
receive a warning that is registered with
the Bout Committee and noted on the
scoresheet, but the officials receive a
warning only after consultation with the
Bout Committee
the fencer these people are supporting
receives a RED CARD
Rule
Discussion
t.94 lets us know that the Bout Committee is the same
thing as the Technical Directory (AKA Directoire
technique or DT).
t.115 The offences and their penalties which appear in
different articles of the Rules are summarized in
the list that follows in Article t.120; they are
divided into four groups (cf. t.116–t.119). All
these penalties are within the competence of the
Referee, although the Technical Directory still
retains the right to intervene on its own initiative
(cf. t.97).
We do not know how this question is graded.
36 of 1
Page
General Section
Question
Rule
After receiving a warning duly registered
with the Bout Committee and noted on the
scoresheet, spectators at the competition
(including coaches, trainers, and an official
not presently presiding) are interfering with
the smooth running of the competition.
89.
a.
b.
c.
t.115 The offences and their penalties which appear in
different articles of the Rules are summarized in the
list that follows in Article t.120; they are divided
into four groups (cf. t.116–t.119). All these
penalties are within the competence of the Referee,
although the Technical Directory still retains the
right to intervene on its own initiative (cf. t.97).
the spectators, coaches, trainers, and
officials receive a BLACK CARD
the spectators, coaches, and trainers
receive a BLACK CARD, but the
officials receive a BLACK CARD only
after consultation with the Bout
Committee
the fencer these people are
supporting receives a RED CARD
We do not know how this question is graded.
Fencer X has received a RED CARD for
disturbing order on the strip. X repeats the
offense and receives a BLACK CARD. X
protests the issuance of the BLACK CARD
because the RED CARD was not noted on
the scoresheet.
90.
a.
b.
c.
award a penalty touch for X’s
opponent because of X’s unjustified
appeal; the exclusion of X stands
no additional touch for X’s opponent;
the exclusion of X stands
X’s protest is valid; X receives a
RED CARD (noted on the
scoresheet) for disturbing order
Discussion
t.114
t.118
t.114 All warnings (Yellow Cards), penalty touches (Red
Cards) and exclusions (Black Cards) must be noted
on the score sheet of the bout, the pool or the
match, together with the group to which they
belong.
37 of 1
Page
General Section
Question
Rule
Fencer X is so excessively verbally abusive
that the Referee cannot maintain order.
91.
a.
b.
c.
X receives a YELLOW CARD
X receives a RED CARD
X receives a BLACK CARD
Fencer X refuses to obey the orders of the
Referee after a penalty for the same fault in
the current bout.
92.
a.
b.
c.
X receives a YELLOW CARD
X receives a RED CARD
X receives a BLACK CARD
t.83
Discussion
t.83 The Referee and/or the Technical Directory, on their
own authority or at the request of an official delegate
of the FIE or of the Organizing Committee, can
decide to expel from the competition venue, with or
without a warning, any person who by his gestures,
attitude or language disturbs the good order or
smooth running of the event.
t.82
In the fourteenth bout of the pool, Fencer X
is not present when first called to the strip
and was penalized for the same fault in a
previous bout in the pool. Fencer X arrives
at the strip to fence five minutes after first
being called.
93.
a.
b.
c.
X starts the bout with the score being
0-4 having received a YELLOW
CARD and 4 RED CARDS.
X starts the bout with the score being
0-1 receiving a 2nd group RED
CARD
exclude X from competition, after 3
calls at one minute intervals
t.86
38 of 1
Page
General Section
Question
Fencer X is not present when called to the
strip after the first and second required calls
at the start of a pool, but arrives, ready to
fence before the third call.
94.
a.
b.
c.
X receives a YELLOW CARD
award a penalty touch for X’s first
opponent
allow X to fence without penalty
Rule
Discussion
t.86
Team Z has only two of their members
present when called to the strip after all the
required calls at the start of a pool.
95.
a.
b.
c.
every fencer on team Z receives a
RED CARD
award a penalty touch for team Z’s
first opponent
exclude team Z from the competition
t.86
39 of 1
Page
General Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
During a pool bout, the fencers are not
actively attempting to score, the Referee
should:
96.
a.
b.
c.
do nothing and allow fencing to
continue
call “Halt!” and warn the fencers
t.87
call “Halt!” If the score is not tied,
the bout ends at the current score. If
the score is tied, determine priority
and fence either to 5 touches for one
fencer or one full minute. If the score
is still tied at the end of that minute,
the fencer with priority wins the bout.
The rules for non-combativity apply to individual direct
elimination bouts of 10 or 15 touches and team events.
During the first period of a 15 touch direct
elimination bout with no previous warnings
having been given, the fencers are not
actively attempting to score, the Referee
should:
97.
a.
b.
c.
call “Halt!” and warn the fencers
call “Halt!” The fencers will go straight
into the next period of fencing,
without the minute break and without t.87
the possibility of consulting with
their coaches
call “Halt!” Award each fencer with
a YELLOW CARD. The fencers will
go straight into the next period of
fencing, without the minute break
and without the possibility of
consulting with their coaches
40 of 1
Page
General Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
During the first encounter of a Youth 10 or
Youth 12 direct elimination bout, the fencers
are not actively attempting to score, the
Referee should:
98.
a.
b.
c.
do nothing and allow fencing to
continue
call “Halt!” and warn the fencers
call “Halt!” If the score is not tied,
the bout ends at the current score. If
the score is tied, determine priority
and fence either to 5 touches for one
fencer or one full minute. If the score
is still tied at the end of that minute,
the fencer with priority wins the
bout.
The rules for non-combativity apply to individual direct
elimination bouts of 10 or 15 touches and team events.
We do not know how this question is graded.
41 of 1
Page
General Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
During the second period of a 15 touch
direct elimination bout, with no previous
warnings given, the fencers are not actively
attempting to score, the Referee should:
99.
a.
b.
c.
call “Halt!” and warn the fencers
call “Halt!” The fencers will go
straight into the next period of
fencing, without the minute break
and without the possibility of
consulting with their coaches
call “Halt!” Award each fencer with
a YELLOW CARD. The fencers will
go straight into the next period of
fencing, without the minute break
and without the possibility of
consulting with their coaches
t.87
42 of 1
Page
General Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
During the second period of a 10 touch (i.e.
Veteran) direct elimination bout, having
been warned in the first period that they
were not actively attempting to score, the
fencers continue to not actively attempt to
score. The Referee should:
100.
a.
b.
c.
give each fencer a YELLOW CARD.
call “Halt!” Award each fencer with
a RED CARD. The fencers will go
straight into the next period of
fencing, without the minute break
and without the possibility of
consulting with their coaches.
call “Halt!” Award each fencer with
a RED CARD. Determine priority.
The fencers will fence 1 final minute
in its entirety (or to 10 touches),
immediately after priority is
determined, with no break. If the
score is tied at the end of this period,
whoever has priority wins.
t.87
43 of 1
Page
General Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
During the third period of a 15 touch direct
elimination bout with 2 minutes left to
fence, having been warned in the first two
periods that they were not actively
attempting to score, the fencers continue to
not actively attempt to score. The Referee
should:
101.
a.
b.
c.
give each fencer a BLACK CARD.
call “Halt!” Give each fencer a RED
CARD. Determine priority and fence
either to 15 touches for one fencer or
one full minute. If the score is still
tied at the end of that minute, the
fencer with priority wins the bout.
call “Halt!” Award each fencer with
a RED CARD. If the score is not
tied, the bout ends at the current
score. If the score is tied, determine
priority and fence either to 15
touches for one fencer or one full
minute. If the score is still tied at the
end of that minute, the fencer with
priority wins the bout.
With no penalties yet given, Fencer X
allows Fencer Y to score a touch without
attempting to defend.
102.
a.
b.
c.
X receives a YELLOW CARD
X receives a RED CARD
X receives a BLACK CARD
t.88
t.105
44 of 1
Page
General Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
A YELLOW CARD indicates:
103.
a.
b.
c.
a warning valid for the bout
a warning valid for the pool
a touch for the opponent
Having already received a YELLOW CARD
in the current bout, Fencer X commits a
different offense from the same group.
104.
a.
b.
c.
a previous touch scored by X is
removed
X receives a RED CARD
X receives another YELLOW CARD
A RED CARD issued to a competitor
indicates:
105.
a.
b.
c.
a penalty valid for the bout
a touch for the opponent
both a and b
A BLACK CARD indicates:
106.
a.
b.
c.
a warning valid for the pool
loss of the bout
exclusion/expulsion from the
competition or from the tournament
45 of 1
Page
General Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
In a previous bout in the same pool, Fencer
X committed an offense requiring an
immediate Group 2 RED CARD. With no
other penalties given in the current bout, X
commits the same offense.
107.
a.
b.
c.
X receives a RED CARD
exclude X from the competition
consult the Bout Committee
A warning for any person disturbing order
off the strip is valid for:
108.
a.
b.
c.
t he bout
the pool or team match
the competition
When may a Referee’s reconstruction of a
phrase be protested?
109.
a.
b.
c.
when the Referee abstains
when the Referee is incompetent
never
t.122
When may a Referee’s awarding of a touch
be protested?
110.
a.
b.
c.
when a rule is misapplied
when a fencer disagrees with the
reconstruction of the phrase
never
t.122
46 of 1
Page
General Section
Question
In an individual competition, Fencer X
unjustifiably complains about an analysis of
a phrase after a penalty for body contact
earlier in the bout.
111.
a.
b.
c.
a.
b.
c.
t.122
X receives a YELLOW CARD
X receives a RED CARD
X receives a BLACK CARD
In a team competition, Fencer X’s Captain
unjustifiably complains about an analysis of
a phrase after X was penalized for leaving
the strip without permission earlier in the
bout.
112.
Rule
Discussion
The key word is “penalty.” This means that a red card has
already been awarded; another Group 1 offense
(unjustified challenge) results in a second RED CARD.
t.122
award a touch for Fencer Y
remove a previous touch of X’s
exclude the Captain from the
competition
47 of 1
Page
General Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
The bout score is 3-3 in a 5 touch pool bout;
three minutes have elapsed.
113.
a.
b.
c.
the score remains 3-3; the referee
selects one fencer by lot; the clock is
reset to one minute; fencing
continues until a single touch is
scored or time expires
the score is advanced to 5-5; the
referee selects one fencer by lot; the
clock is reset to one minute; fencing
continues until a single touch is
scored or time expires
the score is advanced to 4-4; the
referee selects one fencer by lot;
fencing continues until a single touch
is scored or time expires
When one minute of fencing time remains,
the timekeeper should:
114.
a.
b.
c.
stand, call One minute; Referee calls
Halt!
stand, call Halt!; one minute
continue timing
o.17(b)
Old rule: there used to be penalties that applied in the final
minute of fencing. There are no longer any such rules, so
the timekeeper does nothing at this point.
48 of 1
Page
General Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
In the third bout of a team match, the score
is 12-12 when time expires.
115.
a.
b.
c.
the score is advanced to 14-14; the
referee randomly determines priority;
fencing continues for one additional
minute or until a single touch is
scored; the fencer with priority wins
o.44
15-14 if no single touch is scored in
the additional minute
the bout is over; the score is
advanced to 15-15
the bout is over; the score remains
12-12; the next pair fence until one
or both teams have 20 touches or
time expires for that bout
A direct elimination bout consists of three
rounds of three minutes each. A one minute
warning is given:
116.
a.
b.
c.
in each round
in only the last round
never
Old rule.
49 of 1
Page
General Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
The score has reached 15-9 in favor of
Fencer X during the first round of a direct
elimination bout.
117.
a.
b.
c.
the bout is over; X wins
the current round continues until
time has expired; whoever is leading
at that time wins the bout
fencing continues until the end of all
three rounds; whoever is leading at
that time wins the bout
t.30
Fencer X, seeded #27 into the direct
elimination table, is leading 13-11 over
Fencer Y, seeded #6, when time expires at
the end of the third round.
118.
a.
b.
c.
X wins
as neither fencer reached 15, fencing
continues until one fencer scores 15
touches
Y wins
t.30
50 of 1
Page
General Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
Fencer X, seeded #27 into the direct
elimination table, and Fencer Y, seeded #6,
are tied at 12-12 when time expires at the
end of the third round of a bout in the table
of 32.
119.
a.
b.
c.
the referee randomly determines
priority; fencing continues for one
minute or until a single touch is
scored; if no single touch is scored in
the additional minute, the fencer with
priority wins the bout 12-12
o.24
the referee randomly determines
priority; fencing continues for one
minute or until a single touch is
scored; if no single touch is scored in
the additional minute, the fencer with
priority wins the bout 13-12
priority goes to fencer Y; fencing
continues for one minute or until a
single touch is scored; if no single
touch is scored in the additional
minute, fencer Y wins the bout 12-12
51 of 1
Page
General Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
Page
Fencer X, seeded #16 into the direct
elimination table, and Fencer Y, seeded #6,
are tied at 12-12 when time expires at the
end of the third round in the bout for first
place.
120.
a.
b.
c.
the referee randomly determines
priority; fencing continues for one
minute or until a single touch is
scored; if no single touch is scored in o.24
the additional minute, the fencer with
priority wins the bout 15-15
the referee randomly determines
priority; fencing continues for one
minute or until a single touch is
scored; if no single touch is scored in
the additional minute, the fencer with
priority wins the bout 12-12
Y wins 15-14
A fencer reports to the strip without the
name on the back of the uniform between
the shoulders.
121.
a.
b.
c.
fencer receives a YELLOW CARD
unless the name appears on the
fencer’s rear leg; allow the fencer to
fence.
fencer receives a RED CARD unless
the name appears on the fencer’s rear
leg; allow the fencer to fence.
no penalty if the fencer is wearing an
armband bearing the national colors
t.45
18
52 of 1
General Section
Question
Rule
During the action, a spectator is giving
verbal instructions to Fencer X.
122.
a.
b.
c.
According to some experienced referees, advice that can
be heard by both competitors is not considered
“instructions.”
Call Halt! only if the verbal
instruction is excessively disruptive
Call Halt! Give spectator a YELLOW
CARD for disturbing order.
Only allow such instruction if Fencer
Y is also getting instruction.
We know that “a” is the correct answer when the test is
graded.
After the referee calls Halt! awarding a
touch to make the score 14-12, a spectator
approaches the Referee and offers comments
about the Referee’s calls.
123.
a.
b.
c.
Only listen to the spectator if he or she
doesn’t have a student in the bout.
Give the spectator a WARNING,
note it on the score sheet, and inform
the Bout Committee.
Give the spectator a BLACK CARD.
Discussion
t.82
t.82 …Everybody taking part in or present at a fencing
competition must remain orderly and must not
disturb the smooth running of the competition.… At
no time is one allowed to criticize the Officials or
thier descisions [sic], to insult them or to attempt to
influence them in any way.
After a Direct Elimination bout has ended, a
spectator becomes excessively verbally
abusive towards the Referee.
124.
a.
b.
c.
The bout’s over, ignore the abuse since no
penalty can be given
Give the spectator a WARNING,
note it on the score sheet, and inform
the Bout Committee.
Give the spectator a BLACK CARD
t.82
53 of 1
Page
General Section
Question
Fencer X has been given a RED CARD for
disturbing order on the strip. In the same
bout, Fencer X uses his non-weapon hand to
parry his opponent’s attack.
125.
a.
b.
c.
Rule
Discussion
t.22
X receives a YELLOW CARD
X receives a RED CARD
X receives a BLACK CARD
54 of 1
Page
General Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
At a national competition, a direct
elimination bout ends with the score at 1412. Proper procedure for the end is:
126.
a.
b.
c.
have the fencers salute each other, the
referee, and any spectators, record the
final score and the victor on the
scoresheet, have the fencers sign, and
have the winning fencer return the bout
slip to the bout committee table.
have the fencers return to the guard
lines, salute each other, the referee,
and any spectators, then shake hands.
The referee will announce the winner
of the bout and the score, will record
the score and the victor on the
scoresheet, and have the fencers
sign. The winning fencer returns the
bout slip to the bout committee table.
have the fencers return to the guard
lines, salute each other, the referee, and
any spectators. The referee will announce
the winner of the bout and the score, will
record the score and the victor on the
scoresheet. The winning fencer returns
the bout slip to the bout committee table.
t.87
Key points:
• guard line
• salutes
• shake hands
• announce winner and score
• sign
• deliver results
The rules do not specify how the slip is to be delivered to
the bout committee; the referee is responsible for making
it happen.
55 of 1
Page
General Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
Fencer X reports for his bout with a mask
with a valid inspection mark: With no other
penalties given, the Referee notes that there
is no safety strap on the back of the mask.
127.
a.
b.
c.
Start the bout since the mask passed
inspection.
Fencer X receives a YELLOW CARD,
and is allowed to fence with the mask as
is.
Fencer X receives a YELLOW
CARD, and must either obtain a
safety strap or use another mask.
t.45
The strap could have been removed after inspection; the
referee is still responsible for ensuring conformance.
Fencer X reports for his bout with a mask
with a valid inspection mark. With no other
penalties given, and prior to the start of the
bout, the Referee notes that one side of
Fencer X’s mask strap will not stay attached.
128.
a.
b.
c.
Fencer X receives a YELLOW
CARD, and must fix the mask so the
strap stays attached.
Fencer X receives a YELLOW CARD,
and is allowed to fence with the mask as
is.
Start the bout,
since the mask
has passed inspection.
m.25.7
56 of 1
Page
General Section
Question
No other penalties have been given. Fencer
X attacks. Fencer Y makes a prime parry,
and scores a riposte to the valid target of
Fencer X. During the parry, Fencer Y’s bell
guard hits Fencer X’s mask.
129.
a.
b.
c.
Award a touch for Fencer Y
Annul the touch; Fencer Y receives a
RED CARD.
Annul the touch; Fencer Y receives a
YELLOW CARD.
In a team match, Team X properly
substitutes for fencer #3 with their reserve
fencer for the fifth bout of the relay match.
In the seventh bout, Team X is winning by a
score of 33-16, when the Team X fencer
sustains an injury, verified by the medical
personnel, because of which he is forced to
retire.
130.
a.
b.
c.
Rule
Discussion
This answer is based on the interpretation that the activity
described is a blow delivered with the bell guard.
t.87
t.103
If it is considered corps à corps without jostling, “c”
would be correct. I suspect this is not intended, because
another question characterizes such contact as “gentle.”
We do not know how this question is graded.
o.44.12
Team X replaces the injured fencer
with fencer #3, and continues the
match.
Team X
loses the match.
Team X wins the match, by the score
of 33-16.
57 of 1
Page
General Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
Page
In a team match, Team X’s fencer #1 has a
YELLOW CARD for non-conforming
equipment. During the course of the match,
and with Team X winning 32-30, Team X’s
fencer #1 exhibits unsportsmanlike
behavior.
131.
a.
b.
c.
Award a RED CARD to Team X’s fencer
#1, the score is now 32-31.
Award a BLACK CARD to Team X’s
fencer #1, allow the reserve to substitute
for the excluded fencer.
Award a BLACK CARD to Team
X’s fencer #1, Team X loses the
match.
t.109
The format of a Youth 10 Direct Elimination
Bout is:
132.
a.
b.
c.
Best 2 out of 3, 5 touch bouts. 1
minute rest between bouts.
10 touch bouts, with two 3 minute periods.
1 minute rest between periods.
15 touch bouts, with three 3 minute
periods. 1 minute rest between periods.
App. D
2.a)
also 5)
80 also
81
58 of 1
General Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
The format of a Youth 14 Direct Elimination
Bout is:
133.
a.
b.
c.
Best 2 out of 3, 5 touch bouts. 1 minute
rest between bouts.
10 touch bouts, with two 3 minute periods.
1 minute rest between periods.
15 touch bouts, with three 3 minute
periods. 1 minute rest between
periods.
From Regional Youth Circuit Guidelines, Rules of
Competition
The format of a Veteran Direct Elimination
Bout is:
134.
a.
b.
c.
Best 2 out of 3, 5 touch bouts. 1 minute
rest between bouts.
10 touch bouts, with two 3 minute
periods. 1 minute rest between
periods.
15 touch bouts, with three 3 minute
periods. 1 minute rest between periods.
From the Athlete’s Handbook.
The following competitions must be fenced
with blades that are less than 32 inches long.
135.
a.
b.
c.
Youth 10.
Youth 12.
Both a and b.
From Regional Youth Circuit Guidelines.
59 of 1
Page
General Section
Question
Rule
During a team match, the captain of Team X
leaves the team box and approaches the
referee to question the referee’s
interpretation of an action. In a subsequent
bout Fencer #1 on Team X leaves the strip
to avoid a touch.
136.
a.
b.
c.
Fencer X receives a YELLOW
CARD.
Fencer X receives a RED CARD.
Fencer X receives a BLACK CARD.
t.90
Discussion
t.90 In team events, only the team captain has the right to
be placed with his fencers in the Strip Enclosure and
to approach the President of the Technical Directory,
the referees, etc., in order to decide technical
matters, or to register protests.
t.92 …During team matches, the team members not
actually fencing must remain within their Team
Enclosure….
The captain may approach the referee and question the
interpretation of an action. It’s not clear that he is allowed
to leave the team box to do so. YELLOW CARD?
Leaving the strip to avoid a touch is a Group 1 infraction.
We do not know how this question is graded.
During a team match, in the first bout of the
match, Fencer #2 for Team X receives a red
card for a vindictive hit. In a subsequent
bout Fencer #1 on Team X turns the back
during a riposte.
137.
a.
b.
c.
Fencer X receives a YELLOW
CARD.
Fencer X receives a RED CARD.
Fencer X receives a BLACK CARD.
The point is that warnings and penalties are assigned to
the team, not the fencer.
60 of 1
Page
General Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
During a team match, in the second bout of
the match Fencer #1 for Team X should
have fenced, but Fencer #2 for Team X
actually did fence. The error is caught at the
beginning of the third bout.
138.
a.
b.
c.
Since the error happened early in the
match, change the order of the
fencers on the scoresheet and
continue to fence as though Fencer
#1 and Fencer #2 were in the
changed slots.
Go back and fence the second bout
over with the proper fencers. The
bout never happened and the score
should be reset to what it was at the
end of the first bout.
Team X forfeits the match. Team Y
wins.
o.44.3
61 of 1
Page
Question
Foil Section
Rule
Fencer X makes a simple attack with
advance-lunge while Fencer Y, who has
been waiting to time X’s action, immediately
extends the arm before the start of X’s lunge.
Both fencers hit valid, within the same
tempo.
t.8
t.10
a.
award a touch for X
t.56.5
b.
award a touch for Y
c.
no touch awarded
1.
Discussion
t.8
Offensive actions
(a) The attack
The action is simple when it is executed in one movement and is
- either direct (in the same line)
- or indirect (in another line).
The action is compound when it is executed in several movements.
Fencer X is not making a simple attack—it entails more
than one movement. However, the right of way has been
established (given that it is an attack: extending the arm
and threatening target).
“Extends” is understood to mean the position of “point in
line”—but in this case, it was initiated before the position
could be established:
Fencer X is at double advance plus lunge
distance and makes a double advance plus
lunge attack while Fencer Y, who has been
waiting to time X’s action, immediately
extends the arm before the start of X’s
advance-lunge. Both fencers hit valid.
2.
a.
b.
c.
An advance out of distance cannot be an attack because it
does not threaten valid target. Point in line is established
before the advance-lunge.
award a touch for X
award a touch for Y
no touch awarded
1 of 1
Page
Question
Foil Section
Rule
There has been no official weapons check.
Fencer X reports to the strip wearing a
metallic vest with a small patch sewn on it.
During the check it is found that the patch
registers non-valid.
3.
a.
b.
c.
no penalty; confiscate the metallic
vest; X gets another metallic vest
X receives a YELLOW CARD;
confiscate the metallic vest; X gets
another metallic vest
X receives a RED CARD; confiscate
the metallic vest; X gets another
metallic vest
m.28
What feature(s) should be checked about the
foil handle?
4.
a.
b.
c.
none other than that for orthopedic
grips, the hand must be fixed in only
one position and the thumb must be 2
centimeters or less from the guard
the handle must not be longer than 10 m.4
centimeters and the extremities of the m.13
handle must be electrically insulated
for all handles, the extremities of the
handle must be electrically insulated;
for orthopedic grips, the hand must
be fixed in only one position and the
thumb must be 2 centimeters or less
from the guard
2 of 1
Discussion
Page
Question
Foil Section
Rule
Discussion
The jacket, in foil
5.
a.
b.
c.
may be cut horizontally at the waist,
but must overlap the breeches by at
least 10 centimeters
must cover the entire trunk and
overlap the breeches by at least 10
centimeters
may be cut horizontally at the waist,
and must barely overlap the breeches
by 1 centimeter
Only the epee jacket is required to cover the whole trunk.
The foil lame must, of course, cover valid target.
May a fencer hold a French foil by the
pommel?
6.
a.
b.
c.
no
yes
yes, but only if the entire handle is
insulated
t.16
t.16 If the handle has no special device or attachment or
special shape (e.g. orthopaedic), a fencer may hold it
in any way he wishes and he may also alter the
position of his hand on the handle during a bout.
After a penalty for corps à corps in the
current bout, Fencer X parries with the
unarmed hand and then lands a valid riposte.
7.
a.
b.
c.
annul X’s touch
annul X’s touch; X receives a RED
CARD
exclude X from the competition
t.22
3 of 1
Page
Question
Foil Section
Rule
Before the command Fence! is given, Fencer
X establishes the line.
8.
a.
b.
c.
give the command Fence!
give the command Fence!, but do not
award any touch scored by X’s
existing line
instruct X to remove the line
t.17
Discussion
t.17 … The fencers must come on guard correctly and
remain completely still until the command ‘Fence’ is
given by the Referee. In foil and saber fencers may not
come on guard in the ‘in line’ position.
Fencer Y has received a YELLOW CARD
for covering target in the current bout.
Fencers X and Y come together, both
causing corps à corps.
9.
a.
b.
c.
X receives a YELLOW CARD; Y
receives a RED CARD
no penalty but caution both
no penalty
No penalties have been issued. Fencer X
parries Fencer Y’s attack and makes a
riposte to Y’s valid surface, during which
X’s shoulder of the unarmed arm comes
forward of the shoulder of the armed arm. Y
then remises to X’s valid surface.
10.
a.
b.
c.
Old rule t.46 (still in the index), no longer applies.
award a touch for X
award a touch for Y
annul all touches; X receives a
YELLOW CARD
4 of 1
Page
Question
Foil Section
Rule
Fencer X is losing the bout 4-2 and has been
penalized for turning the back. X’s attack
lands valid. During the attack, the shoulder
of X’s non-weapon arm was forward of the
shoulder of the weapon arm.
11.
a.
b.
c.
Old rule t.46 (still in the index), no longer applies.
the bout is over; Y wins 5-2
award a touch for X
the score remains the same
What is the maximum bend allowed in the
foil blade?
12.
a.
b.
c.
none
less than 1 centimeter, located near
the center of the blade
less than 2 centimeters, located near the
center of the blade
m.8
How may the foil blade be bent?
13.
a.
b.
c.
no bend is allowed
up or down
down only
m.8
The foil spring must push back a test weight
of how many grams?
14.
a.
b.
c.
500
750
1000
Discussion
m.6
5 of 1
Page
Question
Foil Section
Rule
Discussion
What feature should be checked about the
foible of the foil?
15.
a.
b.
c.
none
it must be insulated for a distance of
10 centimeters from the tip
it must be insulated for a distance of
15 centimeters from the tip
m.13
The body of the barrel and the foil blade for a length of 15 cm from the
barrel, as well as the pommel or the rear extremity of the handle, must be
entirely covered with insulating material (insulating tape, gummed paper,
Sellotape, plastic material or varnish).
Fencer X drags the point on the strip after
receiving a YELLOW CARD in the current
bout.
16.
a.
b.
c.
annul any touch that might be scored
after the dragging of the point, as it
would be after the Halt!
call Halt!, then resume fencing
X receives a RED CARD; annul any
touch that might be scored after the
dragging of the point, as it would be
after the Halt!
Fencer X parries Y’s attack and makes an
immediate compound riposte (with the arm
extending during the feint), while Y makes a
simple, direct remise. Both touches arrive on
the valid surface within the same tempo.
17.
a.
b.
c.
t.46
t.60
2. Only the fencer who attacks is counted as touched: …(c) If, during a
compound attack, his opponent finds the blade, but he continues the attack
and his opponent ripostes immediately.
award a touch for X
award a touch for Y
no touch awarded
6 of 1
Page
Question
Foil Section
Rule
Discussion
Page
The metallic vest must be made so that when
it is laid flat there is a straight line between
the junction of the lines of the groin and the:
18.
a.
b.
c.
two points corresponding to the tops
of the hip bones
juncture of the torso with the legs,
measured from the side of the fencer
two points corresponding to the
bottom of the ileum
t.47
m.48
What should the Referee check about the
wire that joins the rear connection of the
body cord to the metallic vest?
19.
a.
b.
c.
that it has a visible soldered (or other
FIE-approved) connection and is at
least 40 centimeters long
that it has an insulated screw
connection and is less than 40
centimeters long
that it has an insulated screw and
clamp connection and is at least 40
centimeters long
m.29
56
7 of 1
Question
Foil Section
Rule
Discussion
Page
What should the Referee check about the
inside of the foil guard?
20.
a.
b.
c.
that the handle of the foil is in electrical
contact with the guard
that the foil wire is insulated and
covered by a cushion
that the foil wire is firmly soldered to the
connector
m.29
Where must the body cord be attached to the
fencer’s metallic vest?
21.
a.
b.
c.
any place on the back of the metallic
vest
so as to be visible to the Referee when the
fencer assumes the on guard position
on the weapon arm side of the back
of the metallic vest
m.28
56
8 of 1
Question
Foil Section
Rule
Discussion
No penalties have been given. During a halt
following an action, the side judge observing
Fencer X announces the non-valid touch
occurred on X’s hand while it was covering
the valid surface. The Referee believes that
covering did not occur.
22.
a.
b.
c.
only the side judge’s opinion is counted:
award a touch for X’s opponent; X
receives a YELLOW CARD
due to disagreement, no penalty nor touch
may be given
only the Referee’s opinion is
counted: no touch and no penalty in
this case
If the fencer on the left is attacking, and the
white and colored lights on the right side of
a machine meeting the current FIE
specifications both light up, the Referee
should:
23.
a.
b.
c.
award the touch
declare the attack to be non-valid
call for the technical expert
t.49
The correct answer cannot be “b” because it is the
materiality of the touch that is in question, not the validity
of the attack.
9 of 1
Page
Question
Foil Section
Rule
Discussion
No penalties have been given. With no other
fencing actions occurring, Fencer X
intentionally touches the ground outside the
metallic strip to cause a halt.
24.
a.
b.
c.
call Halt! X receives a YELLOW CARD.
call Halt!; X receives a YELLOW CARD
or, if it occurred during the last minute, a
RED CARD
call Halt!; X receives a RED CARD
t.53
Fencer X makes a direct attack that lands
valid. Before the attack arrives, Fencer Y
hits the floor and registers non-valid while
trying to parry the attack.
25.
a.
b.
c.
award a touch for X
no touch awarded, Y receives a RED
CARD
no touch awarded; Y receives a
YELLOW CARD
t.53
Fencer X executes a beat attack that registers
valid. On the beat, Fencer Y’s foil registers
non-valid.
26.
a.
b.
c.
award a touch for X
annul X’s touch
award a touch for X only if Y has
previously received an equipment
penalty
t.54(b)
Disregard touches… made on any object other than the opponent or his
equipment…
On the other hand, when the Referee has decided that a touch made by a
competitor has priority, this touch shall not be annulled if subsequently it is
found that a valid touch made by the opponent is registered as non-valid or
that the weapon of the fencer against whom the touch was awarded is
permanently registering a non-valid touch.
10 of 1
Page
Question
Foil Section
Rule
Fencer X scores on Fencer Y with a direct
attack. During the halt it is found that
touches scored on X by Y do not remain
fixed on the machine.
27.
a.
b.
c.
award a touch
for X
annul X’s touch, call for the
technician
annul X’s touch only if the machine
holds touches scored against X for
less than one half a second
t.54(a)
He must annul a touch which he has just awarded as a result of a touch
signalled [sic] as on the valid target (coloured [sic] lamp) if he establishes, by
tests made under his personal supervision, before the bout has effectively
recommenced (the command ‘Fence’)…
that the registration of touches made by the competitor against whom the
touch was awarded does not remain recorded on the apparatus.
Fencer X scores on Fencer Y with a direct
attack. During the halt it is found that valid
touches scored on X by Y are registered as
non-valid.
28.
a.
b.
c.
award a touch for X
annul X’s touch
annul X’s touch only if some fencing
action occurred prior to the direct
attack
Discussion
t.54(b)
11 of 1
Page
Question
Foil Section
Rule
Fencer X attacks and scores a valid touch.
While attempting to parry, Fencer Y's blade
breaks and registers off target.
29.
a.
b.
c.
award a touch for X
no touch awarded, Y’s broken blade
stops action
award a touch against Y unless X
clearly arrived prior to the breaking
of Y’s blade.
t.54.3(f)
When a competitor against whom a touch has been registered has broken
his blade, the touch must be annulled unless the breaking of the blade has
occurred clearly after the touch has been registered.
We do not know how this question is graded.
Fencer X attacks with a beat and thrust and
scores a valid touch. The beat breaks Fencer
Y's blade and it registers off target.
30.
a.
b.
c.
award a touch for X
no touch awarded, Y’s broken blade
stops action
award a touch against Y unless Y’s
blade breaks before X’s attack lands
Fencer X scores a valid touch with an attack.
Fencer Y attempts to parry and ripostes, but
the blade breaks on the riposte and registers
off target.
31.
a.
b.
c.
Discussion
award a touch for X
no touch awarded, Y’s broken blade
stops action
award a touch against Y unless Y’s
blade breaks before X’s attack lands
12 of 1
Page
Question
Fencer X begins an attack even though Y has
a point in line. To have the right of way, X
must:
32.
a.
b.
c.
have Y retreat or deflect Y’s blade
have Y advance or deflect Y’s blade
deflect Y’s blade
Fencer X begins an attack with a feint.
Fencer Y momentarily follows the feint and
then counter attacks and hits valid into X’s
attack, which also lands valid.
33.
a.
b.
c.
a.
b.
c.
award a touch for X
award a touch for Y
no touch awarded
Discussion
t.60
t.60.1(d)
1. Only the fencer who is attacked is counted as touched:… (d) If, during a
compound attack, he makes a stop hit without being in time.
t.60.2(c)
2. Only the fencer who attacks is counted as touched…(c) If, during a
compound attack, his opponent finds the blade, but he continues the attack
and his opponent ripostes immediately.
award a touch for X
award a touch for Y
no touch awarded
Fencer X makes an attack that is parried and
an immediate remise that lands valid before
Fencer Y’s immediate riposte lands valid.
34.
Foil Section
Rule
13 of 1
Page
Question
Fencer X starts a multiple feint attack.
Fencer Y follows the feints. After X’s first
feint, X’s arm is pulled back so that X’s
elbow is touching X’s side. X finishes the
action with the arm extending and Y counter
attacks into the extension. Both land valid.
35.
a.
b.
c.
Foil Section
Rule
Discussion
t.60.1(d)
award a touch for X
award a touch for Y
no touch awarded
Fencer X falls to avoid Y’s attack. X’s
counter-attack arrives, Y’s attack fails.
36.
a.
b.
c.
Touch for X
No touch
No touch. X receives a Yellow Card
t.87
During or after a fall…
Fencer X falls to avoid Y’s attack. Y’s attack
arrives on valid surface.
37.
a.
b.
c.
Touch for Y
No touch awarded. X’s fall stops
the action.
Touch for Y. X receives a Yellow
Card
14 of 1
Page
Question
Foil Section
Rule
Fencer X trips and falls while retreating
from Y’s attack. Y’s attack arrives.
38.
a.
b.
c.
Touch for Y
No touch awarded. X’s fall stops
the action.
Touch for Y. X receives a Yellow
Card
Fencer X makes an attack which is parried.
Fencer Y makes an immediate riposte, while
Fencer X makes an immediate remise while
dropping his head so that the top of his mask
is facing Y. X’s remise arrives, Y’s riposte
fails, glancing off X’s mask.
39.
a.
b.
c.
t.22
Touch for X
No touch. Call halt and place
fencers on guard.
No touch, Yellow Card for X.
Fencer X makes an attack which is parried.
Fencer Y makes an immediate riposte, while
Fencer X makes an immediate remise while
leaning forward. X’s remise arrives, Y’s
riposte fails sliding down the front of X’s
lamé.
40.
a.
b.
c.
Touch for X
No touch. Call halt and place
fencers on guard.
No touch, Yellow Card for X.
15 of 1
Discussion
Page
Question
Foil Section
Rule
Fencers X & Y beat the blades at the same
time. X makes lunge, Y makes thrust. Both
fencers hit valid.
41.
a.
b.
c.
Touch for X
Touch for Y
No touch
X makes attack, Y makes counter attack. X’s
attack arrives as he’s falling and Y’s counter
attack arrives.
42.
a.
b.
c.
Touch for X
Touch for Y
No touch, X receives a Yellow Card.
Discussion
t.7 The offensive actions are the attack, the riposte and the counterriposte.
— The attack is the initial offensive action made by extending
the arm and continuously threatening the opponent‘s target,
preceding the launching of the lunge or flèche (cf. t.56ss,
t.75ss). [emphasis added]
An argument could be made that Y anticipates the lunge,
but I think that’s still attempting to establish point in line
(too late).
We do not know how this question is graded.
t.22
16 of 1
Page
Question
Foil Section
Rule
Fencer X makes attack, Fencer Y makes
counterattack while twisting away from X,
so that when the action is finished, Y’s back
is turned to X. X’s attack fails, Y’s counter
attack lands valid.
43.
a.
b.
c.
Touch for X
Touch for Y
No touch, Y receives a yellow card.
Discussion
t.21 … It is forbidden to turn one‘s back on one‘s opponent during the bout.
Should such an offence occur, the Referee will penalize the fencer at
fault as specified in Articles t.114, t.116, t.120 and any touch scored by
the fencer at fault is annulled….
t.21
However, the sequence intended here is (1) Y starts
counterattack, (2) twists the body, (3) makes a touch, and
(4) the back is turned "when the action is finished."
If that’s what’s intended the statement that Y’s
counterattack lands valid should at least precede “when
the action is finished,” which should instead be “after the
action is finished.”
I think the answer “b” is clearly wrong and “c” clearly
correct. I think that “c” describes how it has been called
against me in competition. The action is finished with a
touch and if Y has the back turned at that point, it must
have been turned by the time the attack arrived.
We do not know how this question is graded.
Fencer X makes an attack that is short. With
no pause, X immediately continues and
arrives valid, while simultaneously Fencer Y
counterattacks. Both actions land valid.
44.
a.
b.
c.
no touch awarded
award a touch for X
award a touch for Y
Interpret as “Attack from X—No! Attack from Y—
Arrives. Remise out of time.
Instructor wants the flip-flop of right of way; IMHO
“counterattack” is not a correct expression of the idea.
17 of 1
Page
Question
Fencer X makes an attack against Fencer Y’s
point in line. At the final moment of X’s
attack, Y advances. Both fencers hit.
45.
a.
b.
c.
no touch
award a touch for Y
award a touch for X
Foil Section
Rule
t.60.2(a)
Fencer Y makes a direct attack with
advance-lunge against Fencer X’s point in
line. Expecting the beat, X makes two
disengages. Both fencers hit.
46.
a.
b.
c.
“Expecting the beat” is not intended to imply that there
was an attempt to beat. Consequently, the point was no
longer in line.
award a touch for X
no touch
award a touch for Y
A male fencer may wear a rigid chest
protector:
47.
a.
b.
c.
as long as it is next to the skin.
over the t-shirt (if worn), but under
the under-arm protector and jacket.
as long as it is under the jacket
Discussion
m.25.4
18 of 1
Page
Question
Foil Section
Rule
A male fencer appears at the beginning of
the first round pool without an under-arm
protector, but wearing a rigid chest protector.
48.
a.
b.
c.
Instruct the fencer to get an underarm protector.
Instruct the fencer to get an underarm protector. YELLOW CARD for
the fencer’s first bout.
Allow the fencer to fence. The rigid
chest protector replaces the under-arm
protector.
19 of 1
Discussion
Page
Épée Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
How are the shim gauges used to test the
épée point?
1.
a.
b.
c.
insert the 1.5 millimeter gauge,
making sure it will fit; insert the 0.5
millimeter gauge and depress the
point, making sure it registers a touch
make sure the 1.5 millimeter gauge
does not fit; insert the 0.5 millimeter
gauge and depress the point, making
sure it will not allow the registering
of a touch
insert the 1.5 millimeter gauge,
making sure it will fit; insert the 0.5
millimeter gauge and depress the
point, making sure it will not allow
the registering of a touch
t.44
m.19.4
1 of 1
Page
Épée Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
Fencer X just received a YELLOW CARD
and had the weapon confiscated for having a
weapon that did not support the weight. The
second weapon at the strip is missing one of
the screws to hold the point in.
2.
a.
b.
c.
allow X to fence with the weapon,
but advise X that a touch cannot be
annulled if the point is missing
allow X to fence with the weapon if
X’s opponent agrees; X receives
another YELLOW CARD
X receives a RED CARD; confiscate
the second weapon; X gets another
weapon
t.44
t.116
With no penalties given, Fencer X appears at
the strip without a retainer to secure the body
cord in the guard.
3.
a.
b.
c.
allow X to fence with the weapon,
but advise X that a touch cannot be
annulled if the body cord comes out
allow X to fence with the weapon if
X’s opponent agrees
X receives a YELLOW CARD;
confiscate the weapon; X gets a
second weapon
m.5.3
2 of 1
Page
Épée Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
What feature(s) should be checked about the
épée handle?
4.
a.
b.
c.
for orthopedic grips, there is no
covering (e.g., tape) allowed on the
handle that could hide wires or
switches; the hand may be fixed in
only one position, with the thumb 2
centimeters or less from the guard
the handle must be longer than 20
centimeters; the extremities of the
handle must be electrically insulated
for all handles, the extremities of the
handle must be electrically insulated;
for orthopedic grips, the hand may be
fixed in only one position, with the
thumb 2 centimeters or less from the
guard
m.4.3
Not b: the handle must not be more than 20 cm.
Not c: The épée need not be insulated.
3 of 1
Page
Épée Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
What should be checked about the inside of
an épée guard?
5.
a.
b.
c.
the épée wires must be soldered to
the connector; there must be a
retaining device for the body cord
the épée wires must be contained in a
single piece of insulated sheath and
covered by a thumb pad; there must be a
retaining device for the body cord
the épée wires must be individually
covered with insulated sheaths and
covered by a thumb pad; there may
be no covering (e.g., tape) on an
orthopedic handle that could hide
wires or switches; there must be a
retaining device for the body cord
In a pool bout, Fencer X has received a
YELLOW CARD for non-conforming
equipment and is losing 3-2. Fencer Y
attacks and X counter attacks; both hit on
valid surface, with the machine indicating a
double touch. In the course of the action, X
falls.
6.
a.
b.
c.
m.5
m.31
t.87
t.116
X is now losing 4-3
X has lost the bout 5-2
X has lost the bout 5-3
4 of 1
Page
Épée Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
May the épée be held by the pommel?
7.
a.
b.
c.
yes, always
no
yes, but only if it does not have an
orthopedic grip.
t.16
No penalties have been given. Fencer X has
systematically caused corps à corps, but
without jostling.
8.
a.
b.
c.
X receives a YELLOW CARD
no penalty, but call Halt! on contact;
t.63
any touch scored with an action
started after the corps à corps will not
be awarded, as it will automatically
be after the Halt!
no penalty, but call Halt! only if both
fencers cease offensive action
Fencer X attacks with a flèche. Fencer Y
parries and makes an immediate riposte on
X, who is now behind Y. After passing Y, X
starts an action that hits Y. The machine
indicates a double touch.
9.
b.
c.
t.63
a. award a touch for Y
award a double touch
no touch awarded
5 of 1
Page
Épée Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
Fencer X attacks with a flèche and is off the
strip with both feet just before the attack
lands. Fencer Y had started a counter attack
before X left the strip. The machine indicates
t.26
a double touch.
10.
b.
c.
a. award a touch for Y
award a double touch
no touch awarded
Fencer Y makes a flèche attack and Fencer
X attempts a stop hit while retreating over
the rear limit, which lands when X has both
feet off the strip. The machine indicates a
double touch.
11.
a.
b.
c.
t.27
The reason for preferring b to c is that only one touch is
awarded, therefore the valid touch by Y must be annulled.
award a double touch
annul the double touch, touch for Y
award a touch for Y
What is the maximum bend allowed in the
épée blade?
12.
a.
b.
c.
none
less than 1 centimeter, located near
the center of the blade
less than 2 centimeters, located near the
center of the blade
m.16
6 of 1
Page
Épée Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
How may the épée blade be bent?
13.
a.
b.
c.
no bend is allowed
up or down
down only
m.16
The épée spring must push back a test
weight of how many grams?
14.
a.
b.
c.
500
750
1000
m.19.2
Fencer X reports to the strip with a mask that
has the upper portion taped with a vinyl tape
to reduce glare. Fencer Y objects that the
tape might cause a point to glance off.
15.
a.
b.
c.
ignore the objection
Y’s objection is correct only if the
mask is completely covered by the
material; Y receives a YELLOW CARD
have the tape removed if the
technical expert states that the tape is
illegal; X receives a YELLOW
CARD
m.25.3
m.30
7 of 1
Page
Épée Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
With no previous penalties, Fencer X
appears on the strip wearing a waist-length
jacket.
16.
a.
b.
c.
X receives a YELLOW CARD; X
must change jacket
X receives a YELLOW CARD unless the
jacket overlaps the breeches by 10
centimeters
no penalty
m.25.4
Épée jacket must cover the entire trunk.
No penalties have been given. Fencer X
drags the point of the épée along the strip
while retreating.
17.
a.
b.
c.
call Halt!; X receives a YELLOW
CARD
call Halt!; X receives a RED CARD
allow fencing to continue because the
point is being dragged, not pushed
Fencer X attacks, and the Referee clearly
sees the machine indicate a good touch when
X’s point is on the blade in front of Fencer
Y’s guard. Subsequent tests reveal no rust,
glue or other foreign substance on the blade.
18.
a.
b.
c.
t.46
t.61
t.66
award a touch for X
annul the touch if the Referee can
recreate the situation
annul the touch
8 of 1
Page
Épée Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
With no other penalties having been given,
Fencer X intentionally touches the ground
outside the metallic strip to cause a halt.
19.
a.
b.
c.
X receives a YELLOW CARD
X receives a YELLOW CARD or, if it
occurred during the last minute, a RED
CARD
X receives a RED CARD
Just after the second of two touches have
been scored against Fencer X, it is found that
the floor cable connected to X’s reel has
become unplugged.
20.
a.
b.
c.
t.53
t.66
Source not found.
annul both touches
do not annul any touches
annul the last touch
9 of 1
Page
Épée Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
The proper procedure for testing the weapon
at the request of a fencer is:
21.
a.
b.
c.
simply press the point down; if it does not
work, check all the connections to see
where the problem lies
check that the fencer is plugged in at
the back; check that the fencer is
plugged in at the front; check that the
wires are attached to the connector;
check that the barrel is not loose;
then (and only then), if everything is
correct, press the point down
press the point down five times to find out
if the weapon does not work on any of
the five tries
Fencer X is hit and presents the épée for
testing. On the first test the épée fails to
register a touch, but all subsequent tests
properly register a touch.
22.
a.
b.
c.
annul the touch
award a touch for X’s opponent
call the technical expert; if the technical
expert certifies that all equipment is
working correctly, award a touch for X’s
opponent
t.68(e)
10 of 1
Page
Épée Section
Question
Rule
The Referee awards a touch for Fencer X.
After the touch is awarded, the Referee sees
Fencer Y simply press the tip of the épée; it
does not work. Y then submits it to the
Referee for testing.
23.
a.
b.
c.
test the weapon; annul the touch if it
does not work
test the weapon; annul the touch even if it
does work, because Y found it defective
touch cannot be annulled, because the
Referee did not make the initial test
Fencer Y scores a touch on Fencer X. Fencer
X then shows the Referee that the body cord
became unplugged from the connector inside
the guard.
24.
a.
b.
c.
award a touch for Y
annul Y’s touch
annul Y’s touch only if there is a
retaining device on X’s connector
t.68(b)
t.68(f)
Discussion
t.68 (b) The failure must be determined by tests made immediately after the
bout was stopped, under the supervision of the Referee and without
changing anything whatever of the equipment in use.
This appears to be in conflict with the rules, but on the
exam, “a” was graded as the correct answer.
Assumed to be X’s fault.
11 of 1
Page
Épée Section
Question
A valid touch is registered by Fencer Y. The
Referee believes the touch may have been on
Fencer X’s hand. X claims the touch
occurred on the guard. In testing, a small
area of oxidation is found that will cause a
valid touch to be registered.
25.
a.
b.
c.
award a touch for Y, X replaces the
epee
annul Y’s touch
call the technical expert; if the oxidation
area has less than 50 ohms resistance,
annul Y’s touch
Rule
Discussion
t.68(g)
Even though Fencer X is hit on the chest,
nothing registers on the machine. It is found
that X’s jacket has become saturated with
perspiration, electrically grounding out
touches by Fencer Y.
26.
a.
b.
c.
award a touch for Y if the Referee clearly
sees it arrive on the valid surface
have X change jackets; do not award
a touch
have X tape the weapon’s handle; do not
award a touch
t.40
Materiality must be established by the apparatus.
12 of 1
Page
Épée Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
The Referee observes a small hole in the
metallic strip while the bout is in progress.
27.
a.
b.
c.
call Halt! and have the hole repaired
wait until a normal halt and then have the
hole repaired
wait until the bout is complete and then
have the hole repaired
t.69
During the action, Fencer X and Fencer Y
attack simultaneously. Their tips obviously
touch, causing both valid lights to illuminate.
28.
a.
b.
c.
a. Call Halt! Award a touch for both
fencers
t.66
Call Halt! Give both fencers a RED CARD
for touch not on the valid target.
Call Halt! Disallow both touches and
place fencers on guard at the point
where the action started.
Double touches are registered. Fencer Y has
clearly hit Fencer X, but X’s touch is
doubtful.
29.
a.
b.
c.
annul the double touch
X may decide to have the double touch
awarded or annulled
Y may decide to have the double
touch awarded or annulled
t.67(e)
13 of 1
Page
Épée Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
Double touches are registered. Fencer X is
clearly hit, but X’s point clearly hits the
ground outside the metallic strip.
30.
a.
b.
c.
annul the double touch
award a touch for Y
Y may decide to have the double touch
awarded or annulled
t.67(e)
In a pool bout before the expiration of time,
the score is 4-4. A double touch occurs.
31.
a.
b.
c.
award a touch for each fencer; score
is 5-5; return the fencers to their on
guard lines; continue fencing until a
single touch is scored or time expires
award a touch for each fencer; score
is 5-5; bout is over; previous
determination of advantage decides
the winner
annul the double touch; do not return
the fencers to their on guard lines;
continue fencing until a single touch
is scored or time expires
o.17(a)
14 of 1
Page
Épée Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
Time expires when the score is 3-3 in a pool
bout.
32.
a.
b.
c.
the score remains 3-3; the Referee
randomly determines priority; the
bout continues for one additional
minute; if a single touch is scored in
this additional minute, the bout ends
4-3; if no single touch is scored, the
fencer with priority wins 3-3
the score goes to 5-5; ; the Referee
randomly determines priority; the bout
continues for one additional minute; if a
single touch is scored in this additional
minute, the bout ends 5-4; if no single
touch is scored, the fencer with priority
wins 5-5
the score goes to 4-4 with fencing
continuing until there is a single valid
touch
o.17(b)
15 of 1
Page
Épée Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
Time expires when the score is 5-5 in a pool
bout.
33.
a.
b.
c.
the score goes back to 4-4; the Referee
randomly determines priority; the bout
continues for one additional minute; if a
single touch is scored in this additional
minute, the bout ends 5-4; if no single
touch is scored, the fencer with priority
wins 5-5
the score cannot reach 5-5 in a pool
bout
the score remains at 5-5; the Referee
randomly determines priority; the bout
continues for one additional minute; if a
single touch is scored in this additional
minute, the bout ends 5-5; if no single
touch is scored, the fencer with priority
wins 5-5
At the start of the bout, with no penalties
given, the Referee notices that the edge of
the point of Fencer X’s weapon has no
chamfer, resulting in a 90 degree angle.
34.
a.
b.
c.
Award a RED CARD, confiscate the
weapon.
Award a YELLOW CARD,
confiscate the weapon.
If the weapon passes all other tests,
allow its use.
o.17(a)
t.45
m.19
16 of 1
Page
Épée Section
Question
Rule
In a team match, in the fifth bout of the relay
match, the score is 24-24 when a double
touch is scored. There is 1 minute remaining
in that bout.
35.
a.
b.
c.
Award the double touches, the score
is now 25-25. Proceed to the next
bout.
Annul the double touches. The fencers
must fence for a single touch.
Award a single touch to the higher
seeded team.
Discussion
The first two opponents fence until one of them has
scored five touches, within the time limit of 3 minutes.
o.44.6
The next two opponents fence until one of their scores has
reached ten touches, within the time limit of 3 minutes,
and so on with successive bouts, cumulatively, of five
touches.
Despite this wording (which is parallel to the wording for
pools, the correct answer for the test (and practice at
NACs) is “a” and not “b.”
With no penalties given, Fencer X has been
hit, without a touch registering for Fencer X.
Fencer X immediately presents the weapon
for testing by the referee. While performing
the tests, the referee notes that the epee is
missing one tip screw.
36.
a.
b.
c.
Stop the test, confiscate the weapon. Do
not annul the touch.
Continue the test and annul the touch
if the weapon is not functional.
Confiscate the weapon.
Stop the test, give fencer X a YELLOW
CARD. Confiscate the weapon.
t.67(b)
17 of 1
Page
Épée Section
Question
Fencer X attacks with an advance-lunge.
Fencer Y counter-attacks with a retreat,
stepping off the side of the strip with one
foot during the retreat. Double touches are
registered.
37.
a.
b.
c.
a.
b.
c.
Discussion
t.26
Award the touch for Fencer X.
Award both touches.
Annul both touches.
Fencer X has been hit by Fencer Y, without
a touch registering for Fencer X. Fencer X
immediately presents the weapon for testing
by the referee. While performing the test, the
referee notes that Fencer X’s body cord is
unplugged in the back, and the safety device
is missing.
38.
Rule
t.68(f)
Annul Fencer Y’s touch.
Award Fencer Y’s touch.
Plug the body cord back into the reel and
continue the test.
18 of 1
Page
Épée Section
Question
Fencer X has been hit by Fencer Y, without
a touch registering for Fencer X. Fencer X
immediately presents the weapon for testing
by the referee. While performing the test, the
referee notes that Fencer X’s body cord is
unplugged in the back, and the safety device
is present and functioning.
39.
a.
b.
c.
Rule
Discussion
t.68(f)
Annul Fencer Y’s touch.
Award Fencer Y’s touch.
Plug the body cord back into the reel and
continue the test.
Fencer X makes a beat-attack on Fencer Y.
Fencer Y’s weapon breaks on the beat.
Fencer X’s touch arrives valid.
40.
a.
b.
c.
Award a YELLOW CARD to Fencer Y for t.54.3(f)
nonconforming equipment.
Allow the touch made by Fencer X.
Annul the touch made by Fencer X.
Fencer X makes an attack on Fencer Y, with
the touch landing valid. Fencer Y then
makes a late counterattack on X, with Fencer
Y’s blade breaking on the counter-attack.
Only Fencer X’s touch shows as valid on the
scoring equipment.
41.
a.
b.
c.
t.54.3(f)
Award a YELLOW CARD to Fencer Y for
nonconforming equipment.
Allow the touch made by Fencer X.
Annul the touch made by Fencer X.
19 of 1
Page
Épée Section
Question
Fencer X makes an attack on Fencer Y.
Fencer Y makes an immediate counterattack. Only Fencer Y’s touch registers on
the scoring equipment. With the referee
watching, Fencer X gently tests the weapon
on the floor. No touch registers. Fencer X
then presents the weapon for testing by the
referee, but before the referee can begin the
tests, the scoring apparatus starts to
continuously register valid touches for
Fencer X.
42.
a.
b.
c.
Rule
Discussion
“Gently” is the clue that nothing was altered by the
t.68.3(a) fencer. A literal interpretation of the rules would suggest
that “b” is a better answer.
Annul Fencer Y’s touch, because the test
made by Fencer X showed the weapon
was not functional.
Allow Fencer Y’s touch, as Fencer X tested
the weapon prior to presenting it to the
referee.
Annul Fencer Y’s touch, as the touch
is doubtful
20 of 1
Page
Saber Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
t.75(a)
t.75(b)1
t.75 (a) Any attack properly executed (cf. t.7) must be parried, or completely
avoided, and the phrase must be followed through.
(b) The attack is correctly carried out when the extending of the arm, with the
point or the cutting edge continuously threatening the valid target, precedes
the initiation of the lunge.
1. An attack with a lunge is correctly carried out:
— in a simple attack (cf. t.8) when the beginning of the extending of the arm
precedes the launching of the lunge and the touch arrives at the latest when
the front foot touches the strip;…
***
3. If the attack is commenced when the opponent‘s blade is not ‘in line’, the
attack may be completed either direct, or by a disengagement or by a cutover,
or else be preceded by feints (cf. t.77) which oblige the opponent to parry.
Fencer X makes a flank cut that is short.
With no pause, X immediately cuts to the
head, while simultaneously Fencer Y cuts to
the head. Both actions land valid.
1.
a.
b.
c.
no touch awarded
award a touch for X
award a touch for Y
Fencer X makes a direct attack with
advance-lunge while Fencer Y, who has
been waiting to time X’s action,
immediately establishes a line before X
completes the advance. Both fencers hit
valid.
2.
a.
b.
c.
no touch awarded
award a touch for X
award a touch for Y
The implication is that the flank cut is made correctly
(with a lunge), and that the front foot has landed, ending
the first attack. It has been “completely avoided.” Since
this attack failed, right-of-way shifts to Fencer Y, whose
attack is “commenced when the opponent’s point is not in
line.” This has priority over the redoublement by
Fencer X.
Where is this made explicit in the rules?
t.75(b)2. An attack with a step-forward-lunge is correctly carried out: — in
t.75(b)2
t.80.2
a simple attack (cf. t.8) when the beginning of the extending of the arm
precedes the step-forward and when the touch arrives at the latest when the
front foot touches the strip;
t.80.2. The fencer who attacks is alone counted as touched: (a) If he initiated
his attack when his opponent had his point ‘in line’ and without deflecting the
opponent‘s weapon.
When Fencer X initiated his attack, Fencer Y was not yet
in the position of point-in-line.
1 of 1
Page
Saber Section
Question
Fencer X is at double advance plus lunge
distance and makes a double advance plus
lunge attack while Fencer Y, who has been
waiting to time X’s action, immediately
establishes a line before the start of X’s
advance-lunge. Both fencers hit valid.
3.
a.
b.
c.
Rule
t.80.2
a.
b.
c.
t.75(b)2. An attack with a step-forward-lunge is correctly carried out: — in a
simple attack (cf. t.8) when the beginning of the extending of the arm
precedes the step-forward and when the touch arrives at the latest when the
front foot touches the strip;
t.80.2. The fencer who attacks is alone counted as touched: (a) If he initiated
his attack when his opponent had his point ‘in line’ and without deflecting the
opponent‘s weapon.
The attack by Fencer X did not start until his final
advance. Fencer Y had established the point in line and
Fencer X did not deflect it.
no touch awarded
award a touch for X
award a touch for Y
Fencer X starts a multiple feint attack.
Fencer Y follows the feints. After X’s first
feint, X’s arm is pulled back so that X’s
elbow is touching X’s side. X finishes the
action with the arm extending and Y
counter attacks into the extension. Both land t.80(d)
valid.
4.
Discussion
(d) If, during a compound attack, he makes a stop hit without being in time.
The attack by Fencer X started with the extension.
award a touch for X
award a touch for Y
no touch awarded
The correct distance between sabre fencers
when they come on guard (other than at the
on guard lines) is:
5.
a.
b.
c.
four meters
at the discretion of the Referee
when both fencers are in a proper on
guard position with the weapons in
line, the points should not overlap
t.17
2 of 1
Page
Saber Section
Question
Fencer X makes a beat attack that arrives on
the valid surface. On the beat, Fencer Y’s
weapon drops to the strip.
6.
a.
b.
c.
award a touch for X
penalize Y for incorrect fencing
no touch awarded
Rule
t.18
Discussion
2. Stopping the bout
The bout stops on the word ‘Halt’…. As soon as the order ‘Halt’ has been
given, a competitor may not start a new action; only the movement which has
been begun before the order was given remains valid.
The order ‘Halt’ is also given if…one of the competitors is disarmed
Halt! will not be called until the weapon leaves Fencer Y’s
hand, by which time the final thrust has begun.
Before the command Fence! is given,
Fencer X establishes the line.
7.
a.
b.
c.
give the command Fence!
give the command Fence!, but do not
award any touch scored by X’s
existing line
instruct X to remove the line
t.17
In foil and saber fencers may not come on guard in the ‘in line’ position.
t.27
t.27 Should a competitor cross the rear limit of the strip completely — i.e.
with both feet — a touch will be scored against him/her.
Fencer X retreats over the rear limit for the
first time.
8.
a.
b.
c.
call Halt!; replace X at the on guard
line and warn X: Once off
call Halt!; replace X two meters
from the end line and warn X: Two
meters
call Halt!; award a touch for X’s
opponent
3 of 1
Page
Saber Section
Question
A sabre blade may not curve or hook in the
direction of the cutting edge, but what is the
maximum allowable curvature of the blade
in the lateral plane?
9.
a.
b.
c.
Rule
Discussion
m23
If the blade has a curve, it must be a distinct curve which must be continuous,
and the deflection must be less than 4 cm. Blades with sharply bent
extremities or which curve in the direction of the cutting edge are forbidden.
m.24
The guard must be full in shape, made in one piece and externally smooth. It
must have a convex form which is continuous, without rim or holes.
m.34
The sleeves of the conductive jacket must be fixed at the wrist by means of an
elastic band. There must be a strap passing between the fencer‘s legs to keep
the jacket in place (see Figure 15, above).
less than 2 centimeters
less than 3 centimeters
less than 4 centimeters
What feature should the Referee check
about the guard of the sabre?
10.
a.
b.
c.
that it is circular in cross-section
that it is solid, smooth, without rims
or holes
that the pommel does not have a
rectangular cross-section
What feature should the Referee check
about the sabre fencer’s conductive jacket?
11.
a.
b.
c.
that the conductive jacket covers the
complete torso
that the conductive jacket must
overlap the breeches by at least 5
centimeters when in the on guard
position
that the jacket must cover the valid
surface and the sleeves must be
fixed at the wrist by an elastic band
4 of 1
Page
Saber Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
Fencer X cuts (not a point action) and
clearly lands with the flat of the blade on
Fencer Y’s valid surface. Y’s counter-attack
lands with the point.
12.
a.
b.
c.
no touch awarded
award a touch for X
award a touch for Y
Fencer X’s attack arrives on Fencer Y’s leg.
Y’s counter attack arrives simultaneously
on X’s valid surface.
13.
a.
b.
c.
award a touch for X
award a touch for Y
no touch awarded
t.72
Both fencers attack simultaneously. Fencer
Y makes an attack that lands valid, while
Fencer X’s attack lands off the valid
surface.
14.
a.
b.
c.
award a touch for X
award a touch for Y
no touch is awarded
5 of 1
Page
Saber Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
Fencer X makes an attack and Fencer Y
makes a counter-attack. The lights indicate
that only Y was hit. X’s cord from the
metallic jacket to the mask had become
disconnected prior to the attack.
15.
a.
b.
c.
award a touch for X
award a touch for Y
a. no touch
Fencer X makes an attack against Fencer
Y’s point in line. At the final moment of
X’s attack, Y lunges. Both fencers hit.
16.
a.
b.
c.
no touch
award a touch for X
award a touch for Y
With no penalties given in the bout, Fencer
X makes a flèche-attack. While retreating,
Fencer Y makes a stop-cut. Neither of these
actions lands. Both fencers immediately
remise their actions; the remises land at the
same time.
17.
a.
b.
c.
t.70.a
t.75.b.3
award a touch for X
award a touch for Y
no touch; X receives a YELLOW
CARD
6 of 1
Page
Saber Section
Question
Rule
Fencer X makes an attack in which the back
foot crosses in front of the forward foot;
Fencer Y makes an immediate counterattack. Both land valid.
18.
a.
b.
c.
award a touch for X; X receives a
YELLOW CARD
award a touch for Y; X receives a
YELLOW CARD
no touch; X receives a YELLOW
CARD
t.75(b)3
a.
b.
c.
a.
b.
c.
t.76 (c) In order to judge the correctness of an attack, the following points
must be considered:
1. If the attack is initiated when the opponent has his point ‘in line’ (cf. t.10)
the attacker must first deflect his opponent‘s weapon.
no touch
award a touch for Y
award a touch for X
Fencer X begins an attack with a feint.
Fencer Y momentarily follows the feint and
then counter attacks and hits valid into X’s
continuation, which also lands valid.
20.
award a touch for X
award a touch for Y
no touch awarded
3. The flèche and any forward movement in which the rear foot completely
passes the front foot is forbidden. Any offence will be penalized as specified
in the 1st group (cf. t.114, t.116, t.120. Any touch scored by the fencer at fault
will be annulled. However, any touch correctly executed by his opponent is
valid.
What does “immediate” mean? Answer assumes that it
means that Y’s action is initiated before the “Halt!”
Fencer X makes an attack against Fencer
Y’s point in line. At the final moment of
X’s attack, Y advances. Both fencers hit.
19.
Discussion
t.77
(e) If during a compound attack the opponent finds the blade during one of the
feints, he has the right to riposte.
(f) In a compound attack the opponent has the right to stop-hit; but, in order to
be valid, the stop hit must precede the last movement of the attack by one
period of fencing time, i.e. the stop hit must arrive before the attacker has
started the last movement of the attack itself.
Having failed to find the blade during the feint, Fencer Y
does not earn right of way.
7 of 1
Page
Saber Section
Question
Fencer X makes a compound attack, but the
blade is less than 135 degrees; Fencer Y
immediately cuts into X’s action.
21.
a.
b.
c.
award a touch for X
award a touch for Y
no touch
Rule
Discussion
t.77(d)2
t.80(e)
t.77 (d) In compound attacks the feint must be correctly carried out, i.e.:
1. A feint with the point, with the arm extended and the point threatening the
target continuously.
2. A feint with a cut, the arm extended, the blade and the arm forming an
obtuse angle of about 135°, with the cutting edge threatening a valid part of
the target.
t.80 (e) If, during a compound attack, he is stop-hit one period of fencing time
(temps d‘escrime) before he makes his final movement.
Both fencers start attacks simultaneously.
While attacking, Fencer X makes a feint,
with the blade and arm forming an angle of
about 35 degrees. Fencer Y makes a direct
attack. Both hit at the same time.
22.
a.
b.
c.
award a touch for X
award a touch for Y
no touch
Both fencers start attacks simultaneously.
During Fencer Y’s attack, Y attempts to
find Fencer X’s blade with a forward and
sideways sweep, but fails. Both fencers hit
at the same time.
23.
a.
b.
c.
Is 35 a typo? Was 135 intended?
If 035 is intended, the attack is not correct; it is
preparation.
If 135, no priority, no touch.
t.80.2(b)
award a touch for X
no touch
award a touch for Y
8 of 1
Page
Saber Section
Question
Fencer X advances with a slow feint and
then completes the attack with a head cut.
On the feint, Fencer Y finds X’s blade and
makes a head cut. Both actions land valid.
24.
a.
b.
c.
Rule
Discussion
t.80.2(c)
no touch awarded
award a touch for X
award a touch for Y
Fencer X makes an attack that is parried and
an immediate remise that lands valid before
Fencer Y’s immediate direct riposte lands
valid.
t.80.2(f)
a.
award a touch for X
b.
award a touch for Y
c.
no touch awarded
25.
Fencer X makes an advance-lunge with a
head cut, but X’s arm is in the guard
position on the advance. As X starts the
advance, Fencer Y hits X before the start of
X’s lunge. Both actions land valid.
26.
a.
b.
c.
no touch awarded
award a touch for X
award a touch for Y
t.80.2(d) If, during a compound attack, he bends his arm or makes a
?
momentary pause, during which time the opponent makes a stop hit or an
attack while the attacker continues his own attack
(e) If, during a compound attack, he is stop-hit one period of fencing time
(temps d‘escrime) before he makes his final movement.
9 of 1
Page
Saber Section
Question
Fencer X attacks and is parried. X quickly
recovers, simultaneously placing the point
in line. After X recovers, Fencer Y makes
an attack. Both actions land valid.
27.
a.
b.
c.
no touch awarded
award a touch for X
award a touch for Y
Fencer X makes an attack with advancelunge. Fencer Y counterattacks with a
lunge. Neither of these actions lands. Both
fencers remise simultaneously; the remises
land at the same time.
28.
a.
b.
c.
Rule
Discussion
(a) If he initiated his attack when his opponent had his point ‘in line‘ and
without deflecting the opponent‘s weapon. Referees must ensure that a mere
grazing of the blades is not considered as sufficient to deflect the opponent‘s
blade.
Handbook? Transfer of right of way?
award a touch for X
award a touch for Y
no touch
Fencer X reports to the strip with a lamé
over-glove that has no provision, such as
elastic, to ensure good contact with the
sleeve of the metallic jacket.
29.
a.
b.
c.
allow Fencer X to fence
ask Fencer X to change the overglove
confiscate the illegal over-glove; X
receives a YELLOW CARD; require
X to get a legal over-glove
10 of 1
Page
Saber Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
The metallic fabric covering the glove must
be folded to the inside of the cuff to a depth
of at least:
30.
a.
b.
c.
5 centimeters
2 centimeters
3 centimeters
Fencer Y makes a direct attack with
advance-lunge against Fencer X’s point in
line. Expecting the beat, X makes two
disengages. Both fencers hit.
31.
a.
b.
c.
Expecting doesn’t mean that there was an attempt.
award a touch for X
no touch
award a touch for Y
In direct elimination bouts, in saber only,
the first period will end when:
32.
a.
b.
c.
no time is kept in saber
only when three minutes have
elapsed
when either three minutes have
elapsed or when the score of one of
the fencers has reached eight.
11 of 1
Page
Saber Section
Question
Fencer X makes an attack which clearly
registers a valid touch as X’s cut arrives on
the guard of Fencer Y. Upon examination it
is found that Y has a non-insulated pommel
nut.
33.
a.
b.
c.
Award a touch for X.
Confiscate the illegal weapon; Y
receives a yellow card; require Y to
get a legal weapon.
Annul the touch.
During the preliminary check-in of fencers
prior to a pool it is discovered that Fencer X
is wearing a waist-length jacket (without
croissard).
34.
a.
b.
c.
No penalty, but require X to get a
legal jacket prior to fencing the first
bout.
Require X to get a legal jacket prior to
fencing; X receives a yellow card in the
first bout.
Allow X to fence with the jacket as
long as long as there is at least a 10
centimeter overlap with the breeches
when in the on guard position.
Rule
Discussion
By inference: the weapon is not conforming and therefore
must be confiscated. However, it was not identified at the
weapon check. If the method of insulation could have
been affected by fencing, no penalty. Still, it seems that
both a and b are correct.
t.73 If the saber of the fencer judged to have been touched does not conform
with Article m.24/4 and 24/6 (insulation of the interior and exterior of the
guard, of the handle and of the pommel), there will be no annulment, even if
a touch on the weapon causes a signal to register.
m.34 There must be a strap passing between the fencer‘s legs to keep the
jacket in place
What is a “croissard”? If it’s the part of a jacket between
waste and groin, it’s required in épée (The épée jacket
must cover the whole trunk.)
If it’s the strap passing between the legs, it’s required in
all three weapons.
12 of 1
Page
Saber Section
Question
Rule
Discussion
May an orthopaedic grip be used in sabre?
35.
a.
b.
c.
Yes, provided that the hand may be
fixed in only one position, with the
thumb 2 centimeters or less from the
guard, and the upper surface of the
thumb is perpendicular to the plane
of flexibility of the blade.
No.
Yes, provided documented medical
necessity for such a handle.
Fencer X makes a direct attack to head with
advance lunge. During the course of the
action, Fencer Y blocks the attack with the
elbow of his weapon arm and makes a
riposte which arrives valid.
36.
a.
b.
c.
Award a touch for X.
Y receives a yellow card for substitution
of target. X’s touch is allowed.
Annul the touch. Y receives a yellow
card.
Both fencers attack simultaneously. The
lights indicate that only Fencer Y was hit.
Y’s cord from the metallic jacket to the
mask had become disconnected prior to the
attacks.
37.
a.
b.
c.
Never seen, but legal.
— The parry is the defensive action made with the weapon to prevent an
offensive action arriving..
The light goes off when the elbow of Fencer Y is hit.
“Blocking” is ineffective; the elbow is valid target, hence
there was no “substitution.” There is no riposte because
there was no parry .
The hit was on other valid target. There is no reason to
annul it.
Annul the touch.
Award a touch for X.
Y receives a yellow card.
13 of 1
Page
Saber Section
Question
Fencer X makes an attack which Fencer Y
successfully parries. After the parry, X’s
blade whips over and hits Y, registering a
touch. Y’s immediate and direct riposte,
which arrives on valid target is timed out
and does not register on the machine.
38.
a.
b.
c.
a.
b.
c.
a.
b.
c.
t.70(c)
How is the parry “successful”?
“After the parry” suggests remise, over which the riposte
has right of way.
t.70(b)
Point touches which slip over the valid target, or cuts which merely brush the
opponent‘s target (passé touches) do not count.
t.80.1(e)
If, having his point ‘in line‘ (cf. t.10) and being subjected to a beat or a taking
of the blade (prise de fer) which deflects his blade, he attacks or places his
point in line again instead of parrying a direct touch made by his opponent.
No touch.
Award a touch for X.
Award a touch for Y.
Fencer X makes an attack against Fencer
Y’s point in line. During the course of the
attack X searches for and finds Y’s blade. Y
places his point in line again while X
continues his attack directly. Both fencers
hit.
40.
Discussion
(c) Touches through the blade, that is to say those which touch the valid target
and the saber of the opponent at the same time, are valid whenever they arrive
clearly on the target.
Award a touch for X.
Award a touch for Y.
Annul all touches.
Fencer X makes an attack against Fencer
Y’s point in line. At the final moment of
X’s attack, Y hits with the cutting edge.
Both fencers hit.
39.
Rule
No touch.
Award a touch for X.
Award a touch for Y.
14 of 1
Page
Saber Section
Question
Fencer X makes an attack which is
successfully parried. Fencer Y makes an
immediate riposte while simultaneously X
makes a remise of the attack. Both fencers
hit. Prior to the referee making his call,
Fencer Y acknowledges a touch against
himself.
41.
a.
b.
c.
Rule
Discussion
t.80.2(f)
If he makes a touch by a remise, redoublement or reprise following a parry by
his opponent which has been followed by a riposte which is immediate,
simple and executed in one period of fencing time without withdrawing the
arm
Award a touch for X.
Award a touch for Y.
Penalize Y for attempting to influence
the referee
15 of 1
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