Introduction

In any sport, the level of competitive performance and the level of officiating are inextricably linked; competitors are inspired to perform well when they are confident of proper judgments and discouraged when that confidence is lacking. This relationship between performance and officiating is particularly strong in fencing, because referees, very close to the action, must make immediate judgments on rapid, complex actions and apply a set of highly technical rules. Thus, it is vital for the sport that the effort expended to develop competent referees parallels that to develop competitors.

With this goal in mind, this handbook has been prepared by the United States Fencing Association's Fencing Officials Commission (FOC) to explain its policies as to how one earns a referee’s rating, to give some direction as to how one develops as a referee, and to discuss some common refereeing methods that have been tested and proven effective in competition. Future additions to the refereeing methods section are planned. Suggestions are, of course, most welcome. We would sincerely appreciate recommendations for the inclusion of any relevant material.

It is hoped that this handbook will assist in having the rules uniformly applied. The Commission expects both experienced and developing referees to follow these guidelines and encourages coaches and instructors to include them in their teaching programs.

How to Become a Fencing Referee

The Fencing Officials Commission wants every person who is qualified to become a rated referee. One of the main purposes of the Fencing Officials Commission is the encouragement and assistance of interested people in becoming good referees. Here are some general guidelines in this regard:

Ø Becoming a good referee depends, in large part, upon establishing confidence in one’s self and in others that your judgments will be sound. This takes time, effort and exposure. This requires the referee to be available to accept opportunities to direct at higher level competitions.

Ø A referee must do more than know the rules. The rules must be applied! And - they must be applied under the pressures generated in competitions.

Ø The referee not only must apply the rules competently, but do so in a manner that is positive rather than negative.

Ø Referees must train and practice their skills as surely as the competitors they judge must train and practice. Just as a competitor’s skills deteriorate without practice, so do a referee’s. A top referee officiates often.

Ø One must study (not just read) the rules! The referee must realize that application of the rules is primary, but command of the rules is the best way both to gain confidence and to convince others of one’s competence.

Ø Attend approved referees' seminars - these will give a better idea of what is expected of a fencing referee. In addition, literature, videotapes, et cetera provided by the FOC should be studied for clues to proper application of the rules.

Ø One must remember that our sport is constantly changing. The fact that a referee directed in the finals of the Nationals two years ago does not necessarily mean his or her level of competence is the same today. A good referee stays current!

Ø Attend as many competitions as possible. Be sure to arrive before the first round. That is when you will most likely be assigned. Don’t become one of the complainers who are often heard to say: "They never use me as a referee! For the past five years, I’ve arrived just before the finals of the Nationals and offered to referee, but the FOC Representative never assigns me!” It is important to understand that the person in charge of assigning referees must have confidence in your abilities at the moment of need - it simply is not fair to the fencers to assign you even though you might have directed well at another time.

Ø Develop habits to aid you in remembering what you should do. (Example: Every time you do your inspection of a fencer's equipment at the start of a pool or direct elimination bout, you should do it in exactly the same order. You will be far less likely to overlook a missing inspection mark, or an irregularity in the weapon.) Keep score, time bouts, check scoresheets, watch other referees. We learn by doing and by example, and a competition is the place to learn.

Many clubs organize tournaments for the dual purpose of training novice fencers for competition and for providing practice opportunities for referees. If your club does not, you should organize such an event. Offer to referee whenever you see two people fencing for touches. Top coaches are in agreement that understanding refereeing can only help the competitor. Compare your judgments with those of experienced referees at every tournament. You may not always agree, so ask questions and discuss things.

Most referees' first experience with tournament officiating will come unexpectedly; when there is no one else readily available, you will be asked to referee. If you have prepared as outlined above, you will survive this experience, and you will learn from it. Be warned, however, that your first opportunity will probably involve inexperienced fencers, and their actions are often extremely difficult to analyze. There is no help for this; persevere and learn from each exposure.

Referee Code of Ethics

The Fencing Officials Commission has established the following code as a guide for all referees:

The concepts of honor and right have permeated the practice of arms for centuries.

From the medieval Code Duello ‑ which held that only the just cause would triumph ‑ to the codification of rules covering the emergence of competitive fencing in the nineteenth century, it is clear that both concepts are inextricably linked with the sport.

Combined, they constitute Fencing's essential spirit, an ineffable sense that justice will be done for the combatants.

This is the spirit that fencing referees must clearly recognize, embrace, represent and communicate.

It is not unlike the standard Hypocrites crafted for physicians: The physician must not only be prepared to do what is right himself, but also to make the patient, the attendants, and externals cooperate.

This code of ethics seeks to establish for fencing officials - in particular the Referee ‑ a guide to the exercise of honor and right. It considers four areas: Integrity, Competence, Responsibility and Dignity.

Integrity

Ø The Rules of Fencing assign sweeping powers to the Referee and important ones to ancillary officials. It would be impossible to fulfill the letter of these laws in the absence of the sense of incorruptibility that the idea of integrity implies.

Ø Rule t.34 states: "By accepting a position as referee or judge, the person so designated pledges his honor to respect the rules and to cause them to be respected, and to carry out his duties with the strictest impartiality and absolute concentration."

Ø For this reason alone referees must maintain and promote complete neutrality.

Ø Referees should accept assignments only when no conflict of interest exists.

Ø Even in those instances that may suggest a conflict of interest, the Referee must make it known immediately to the assignors, e.g. pupil or former pupil, same club, et cetera.

Ø Referees are representative of the body conducting the competition and, therefore, must not consider themselves associated with any country, club or individual during the competition.

Ø Referees are present at the competition solely to officiate; it is inappropriate to coach or assist athletes during the competition.

Ø Referees are to respect other Referees to the utmost. It is improper to publicly indicate disapproval of the actions of other referees.

Competence

Ø Referees must know the rules.

Ø Referees must apply the rules.

Ø Referees must stay current on interpretations of the rules.

Ø Referees must attend scheduled seminars on the rules.

Ø Referees must offer their judgment to appropriate Officials Commissions concerning rules that do not accomplish their intended goal.

Responsibility

Ø Referees must be available for assignment from the time they are required to report until released by the assignors.

Ø Referees must do nothing that would interfere with their mental and physical abilities to perform.

Ø Referees must check with the assignors for reporting times and be present a minimum of one‑half hour prior to the starting time of the round.

Ø Referees must be within earshot of all announcements affecting referees unless properly excused from the competition area.

Ø Referees are to be completely familiar with the duties assigned by Article t.35 of the Fencing Rules and carry them out scrupulously.

Ø Referees must insure that scoresheets are accurate and that they are turned in to the Bout Committee immediately upon completion of a bout or match.

Dignity

Ø Referees must be properly attired at all times.

Ø Referees should refrain from joining in horseplay or other exhibitionism that sometimes arises during breaks.

Ø Referees should exercise authority but avoid inciting contestants to misbehave.

Ø Referees should strive to conduct themselves in such a way that they earn a high regard from others.

Ø Referees should volunteer for withdrawal if unable to continue to perform.