The Basics

What is Fencing?

Fencing is an Olympic sport that involves two people on a designated linear strip who attempt to hit the other player with the tip of their foil, lightly, in order to score touches. They wear special gear and have swords fashioned for the sport. The idea is to hit the other person without getting hit. The first fencer to score a designated number of points wins. There are often time limits on matches. The rules of fencing are made to develop the sport as a modern way to swordfight.

Touches can't be scored anywhere on the body, however. A hit on the torso, neck, sides, and back are called on-target and will give the fencer a point. Hits on the face, arms, legs, hands, and feet are called off-target and do not get a point. These rules are there to keep the sport as realistic as possible--a hit to the arm would not necessarily kill an opponent in real battle.

Right-of-way is a set of rules that is there to determine which fencer gets the point if they both hit each other at the same time. A fencer must have right-of-way in order to get a point (with an on-target touch). Right-of way is gained by extending the foil so that it threatens the on-target area. If they lunge and hit, they get the point. The opponent must parry the foil in order to get right-of-way back. Their parry must be followed by an immediate attack. If they hit, they get the point, regardless of the other fencer's hits. The fencers go back and forth with attacks and defenses until someone hits with right-of-way. The attacks and defenses become more and more elaborate and complex as the fencers go back and forth.

The matches are governed by a director and a set of four judges. The director constitutes right-of-way and the judges watch for touches. The judges stand at the four corners around the strip, two per fencer. They raise their hand when they see a touch and the director will stop the match. He determins which fencer had right-of way and then asks the corresponding judges if there was a touch and if it was on-target or off-target. The judges can also "abstain" which means they do not know. Each judge has a one point vote. The director has a one and a half point vote. Therefore, if the two judges disagree, the director chooses who he believes is right. If the judges agree, the director can't dispute the point. Fencers can say "touche" if they feel their opponent got a fair touch on them. This is pretty much the only thing they are allowed to say while fencing, unless asked a question by the director. Directors can call "double," which means the fencers both hit at the same time with no right-of-way, and therefore it was a tie. "Passe" means the fencers hit with the side of the blade. Passes do not usually stop the action. To start a match, the director calls "en guarde," and then "fence!".

This system has been replaced by an electric scoring system. Fencing is so fast that people opt to the more sure way of scoring touches. The fencers' jackets have an electrically wired metallic vest, or "lame" over the on-target areas. If the specialized tip comes in contact with the electric jacket, a light is set off to indicate a touch.

Fencers have to stay within the boundaries of their strip, which is about 1.5 meters wide and 14 meters long. If they do go out of bounds, the other fencer is awarded ground on the strip and the bout is resumed.

Sabre and Epee

The main style of fencing in this website is foil. The other types of fencing are sabre and epee, classifyed by the weapons used. The differences between foil, sabre, and epee fencing include the use of right-of-way, the on-target areas, the sword itself, and the equipment.

Foil fencing has the strictest rules, and therefore is the hardest to do. Right-of-way is used. The on-target areas include the neck, back, torso, and sides. The foil is light, flexible, and rectangular. It often weighs less than a pound.

Epee swords are much heavier, with a thicker blade and a larger guard that protects the hand more, as it is an on-target area. It is about the same length as a foil. The entire body is on-target and the rules are much less strict--there is no right-of-way. Epee is meant to resemble dueling as it was in the medieval times. The epee can only be used for stabbing, not slashing.

Sabre or "saber" fencing is unique in that fencers can hit with the side of their blade. Right-of-way is used. The on-target area is anything above the waist. This is to simulate attacking a person on a horse, or fighting calvalry. Sabre fencers have to hit with the last 2/3 of their sword on one side because the sabre used to only be sharp on the last portion. The guard is different, more elegant. Sabre blades are the same length as the foil.

Etiquette

Fencing is very polite and safe, with traditions that are in place to protect both the fencer and the people around them.

Fencers always wear a mask when fencing or around fencers to protect their eyes and face. Fencers have to be extremely wary of where they are pointing their foil, and they always hold it tip-down, by the blade, when they aren't fencing. Directors and judges stand far enough back so that they will not get hit if a foil is swung. A foil is never pointed at someone if they don't have the proper equipment. Fencers put their foil down when doing anything with two hands. They always have a tip on their foil and are careful to pick up any shards in case a foil breaks. While fencing, they never turn their back to their opponent. The back of the head is exposed because of the way the mask is made. Fencers have to keep their temper under control because a foil is a weapon that can hurt someone if in the wrong hands. Body contact is not allowed on the strip. Fencers keep their non-sword hand back, away from the target areas. It is not protected and, if hit, the small bones can break easily. It should never be put in front of the on-target areas when fencing. Hits should be firm but light. If a fencer is slashing or hitting too hard, they can be penalized or disqualified.

Fencers salute both their opponent and their coaches, directors, and/or judges before a match. When the match is done, they shake hands and salute again. If a fencer refuses to salute or shake hands, they can be disqualified. When walking on to the strip, they are properly dressed. Often fencers will salute without their mask to show respect and then put it on right before the bout starts.

Matches begin with the fencers walking onto the strip. The referee and judges should be in place (one judge for each corner) and if the bout is being scored electronically, the systems should be set up and working properly. The director often asks if the judges are ready, and then the fencers. He/she says "salute" and then "en guarde". When the director is ready, he/she calls "fence" and the bout commenses. It is best if the audience stays quiet so the fencers can concentrate. When the director wants to call a penalty, the judges see a hit and raise their hands, or the socreboard tallies a hit, the director stops the action by saying "halt!" and the fencers return to their sides. The clock is stopped after every "halt!" and continued after every "fence".