Fencing Officials Commission
United
States Fencing Association
January, 2002
Fencing Officials Commission
United
States Fencing Association
January, 2002
Table of
Contents
How
to Become a Fencing Referee
General
Responsibilities of the Referee.
Administrative
Duties of the Referee
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 (
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This Code is
intended to provide the general principles by which Fencing Referees shall
guide themselves and by which they will be measured by the Fencing Officials
Commission.
The following
system has been established by the
The current
USFA ratings scheme is based on a 10 level scale, with 1 being the highest:
A level 10 rating requires a passing score on the written exam and demonstrated proficiency at a level equivalent to the finals of an Unclassified competition
A level 9 rating requires a passing score on the
written exam and demonstrated proficiency at a level equivalent to the finals
of an E rated competition.
A level 8 rating requires a passing score on the
written exam and a demonstrated proficiency at a level equivalent to the finals
of a D rated competition.
A level 7 rating requires a passing score on the
written exam and a demonstrated proficiency at a level equivalent to the finals
of a C rated competition.
A level 6 rating requires a passing score on the
written exam and a demonstrated proficiency at a level equivalent to the finals
of a B rated competition.
A level 5 rating requires a passing score on the
written exam and a demonstrated proficiency at a level equivalent to the first
round of an Open North American Cup competition. A level 5 rating must be earned before
subsequent ratings can be earned.
A level 4 rating requires a demonstrated proficiency
at a level equivalent to the Direct Elimination round of 128 of an Open North American
Cup competition.
A level 3 rating requires a demonstrated proficiency
at a level equivalent to the Direct Elimination round of 128 of an Open North
American Cup competition.
A level 2 rating requires a demonstrated proficiency
at a level equivalent to the Direct Elimination round of 8 of an Open North
American Cup competition.
A level 1 rating requires a demonstrated proficiency
at any level of an Open North American Cup competition.
The first
step in becoming a referee is to obtain a copy of the Study Guide for National Referee Examination. This may be obtained
from the USFA National Office, One Olympic Plaza, Colorado Springs,
Then, all referee candidates must take the
Referee Seminar. No one is to be allowed
to take either a written or practical exam without first having attended the
seminar.
All referees must pass the written exam
with a score of 90% or greater. Lower
ratings mean less skill and experience, not less knowledge.
Your actual
written test will be culled from the very same questions in the Study Guide for National Referee Examination.
You must earn at least a 90% on both the General Section and the particular
weapon section(s) in which you wish to be tested in all of the written tests.
Finally, all referees must pass a practical exam. The practical exam is composed of fencing at a given level, either in live competition or in “practice” competition. The level of ability evident in the bouts determines the rating that a referee candidate may be awarded. The best referee in the world can’t earn a 5 with bouts that are of a 7 level.
The
Once an
individual has any rating, the
Fencing needs
good referees! Fencing needs referees who are active!
The Class 4
rating may be awarded by the
Immediately
after any practical examination has been given, the candidate will be advised
by the examiner(s) as to the evaluation(s). The results of the practical
examination for Classes 3-1 will be reported to the
Referees
represent authority in any sport. It is very beneficial to have these figures
of authority appropriately attired while officiating. In order to establish a
degree of "uniformity," we require that all referees at National
Competitions wear a uniform.
The uniform
for men is a navy blue blazer, gray trousers, shirt and tie. The uniform for
women is a navy blue blazer, gray skirt or slacks, and a blouse. This uniform
is to be clean and pressed as a sign of respect to the fencers and to the
referee who is wearing it. A blazer issued to referees at the Olympics, World
University Games, et cetera is also acceptable.
It is requested that all referees wear appropriate shoes and leave
athletic shoes to the athletes.
The Fencing
Officials Commission is very much aware of the need for local or regional
Referee Seminars. The Commission has established the
All Sections
have been mandated by the USFA Board of Directors to have a representative of
the Fencing Officials Commission at the Sectional Championships for examining
referees. Section Chairs should write to the
Clinics are
essential to develop standardized officiating practices. Standardized
officiating practices are essential to the development of our sport in the
All USFA rated referees with a Class 2 or 1 rating
are encouraged to apply to the
The Fencing
Officials Commission is the sole authority for the submission of candidates to
the FIE for examination or removal as an International Referee. A Nationally
rated 2 or 1 referee who would like to be rated by the FIE should send the
request, in writing, to the USFA Fencing Officials Commission. The
A referee’s
specific duties are listed in the Rules
Book, but there are several general responsibilities that are only implied.
The first of these is that while rendering technical decisions, referees must
maintain their dignity and command respect. In addition, the referee must:
Ø
Help maintain the level of fencing quality and promote its
correctness.
Ø
Concentrate on the task (and refrain from officiating when
tired or out of form).
Ø
Maintain control of the fencing in a firm, courteous manner.
All fencing
referees must understand these responsibilities fully and conduct
themselves in a manner that brings credit to the sport. If you are assigned to
referee a bout in which you feel (or a competitor or coach may feel) that you
have a conflict of interest, inform the assignor of referees. Don't hope everything will "work
out" and that there won't be any close calls; let the assignor make this
call.
As a referee,
you are a referee all day long and even between tournaments. You can issue
warnings and penalties during a bout. You cannot tell a fencer "what you
think of her/him" after the bout, after the tournament, or even over
coffee the following week. To do so destroys your credibility and objectivity.
Do not
"incite" a fencer. When a fencer has just lost a bout, do not speak
to the fencer except to request the signing of the scoresheet. Any attempt at
instruction or justification of your actions may understandably cause a not too
polite reaction from the fencer.
Referees at
competitions are to behave courteously toward all other officials. A referee
who is a spectator at a bout should never make any word or gesture that would
indicate disagreement with the presiding referee. It is absolutely
inappropriate for one referee to interfere in any way with another's
refereeing.
Knowledge of
the rules of fencing is a prerequisite to competent officiating, but the
referee’s job is to apply the rules, and this requires far more than
knowledge. Of primary importance is that the referee
understand conceptually what is to be done. This understanding can be
gained by considering three classes of rules: analysis, administration, and
penalties.
The most
important officiating task in foil and sabre is correct interpretation of
right-of-way. The rules state in Article t.42: "As soon as the bout has
stopped, the Referee reconstructs briefly the movements which composed the last
fencing phrase." This disarmingly simple statement requires some
discussion for thorough understanding.
First,
referees must recognize that they are directed to analyze fencing actions
- not describe activity. This is a critical distinction. There is much activity
in fencing (lunge, feint, advance, et cetera.) But only a few of these result
in fencing actions (attack, repost, et cetera.) Since only actions
have priority in fencing, the referee must consider only actions to
arrive at decisions.
Second, the
referee must understand the identification system for these actions in
order to clearly communicate to the fencers the referee’s concept of the phrase.
The system is fairly simple, because these actions are few in number and
each has a specific name. In order of priority, they are:
1. Point in Line
2. Attack
3. Prise de Fer
4. Riposte
5. Counter Attack
6.
Remise/Redoublement/Reprise
These
actions, coupled with modifying words, are all that a referee needs to analyze
most fencing phrases. For example, the words "from the right (or
left)" identify which fencer is being considered; "in the final
phrase" limits the actions analyzed; and "in the preparation"
recognizes activities that precede the actions to be analyzed.
Once the
referee has grasped the concept of actions versus activity and has learned the
identification system, the referee can quickly arrive at decisions by applying
the rules of right-of-way in foil and sabre.
The point in
line exists as the highest level of priority. If it is established correctly,
the opponent must avoid it, remove it, or have the fencer with the point in
line to no longer have the point in line.
A point in
line exists when a fencer has the following conditions met prior to an
opponent’s attack:
Ø
weapon arm fully extended
Ø
a straight line from the point of the weapon to the shoulder
Ø
point aimed at valid target
Ø
no movement of the blade except to derobe the opponent’s
attempt to find the blade
Ø
is standing still, moving forward, or moving back
What makes an
action an attack is something that has been discussed for centuries.
There are, it sometimes seems, two schools regarding this question. One states
that the arm must be fully extended in order to be attacking; the other
school is just as adamant in stating that whomever
starts moving forward with even the intent to hit is the attacker. The truth is
actually somewhere in the middle.
Look at the Rules Book. Article t.7 is supposed to
define the attack.
"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 fleche."
Does this
tell the whole story? Hardly. To find out what an
attack is, there are two important things one needs to understand.
One is that
you'll not find the answer by only looking in the Rules Book. (Remember that the Rules
Book doesn't even state which arm has to be extending to make an attack.)
The Rules Book does not have a
glossary so there are no definitions as to what an "offensive action"
is or what “threatening” means. The definition as to what is an attack is
derived from both the Rules Book and
from convention--what is called an attack by the world's best referees.
The other is
that it isn't what one person does that makes an action an attack. The
attack is defined by what both fencers do in relationship to each other.
Here is an example. In a foil bout between Mary and Sue, Mary lunges while
extending her arm. Her arm is fully extended just before her forward foot hits
the ground. What fencing action has Mary done? Here are three possibilities:
1 If Sue was immobile, in lunge distance, and in
the On Guard position, Mary made an attack.
2 If, just before Mary started, Sue lunged while
extending her arm, Mary made a counter
attack.
3
If Sue was immobile, beyond lunge distance, and in the On
Guard position, Mary established a point
in line.
In this
example, the same "movement" by Mary resulted in three different
"actions."
One will
overhear something such as the following at competitions all over the world
after a top-level referee correctly says "Halt. Attack
from the left. Point for the left." when the fencer on the left
went after his opponent with his guard next to his hip and then finally started
extending just before the opponent--who had been desperately trying to make a
parry--ultimately extended his arm:
We've got to let everyone know what's going on.
"They" are calling any aggressive movement an attack.
It is
important to realize that the referee is supposed to analyze
"actions." In this example - even though there was much
"movement" - the end result was an attack.
What makes
one’s action an attack is one’s movement in relationship to what the opponent
is doing. Knowing this, take another look at Article t.7
paying particular attention to some key words.
"The
attack is the initial offensive action made by extending the arm and continuously threatening the valid surface of
the opponent's target."
Initial--you must
start your action before your opponent. This does not at all mean who
started moving first.
Offensive--you must be
going toward your opponent. Attempting a parry is not offensive.
Extending--for those
of you who know grammar, this is a gerund; it connotes action. The arm never
has to become extended to have a correctly executed attack. To have an
extending arm, your hand must be going away from your body.
Continuously--non-stop.
You must keep attacking. If you "break" your attack--stop moving
forward or hold back your arm--you are no longer attacking and, if your
opponent starts an attack of her own, your continuation may become a counter
attack. Your attack ends when it misses,
is parried, or falls short. In Sabre,
the attack also ends when the front foot lands in the lunge.
Threatening--you must
present a danger to your opponent. This word really has two parts to its
definition. One is the relationship of distance between the fencers in
determining whether one is threatening. If your opponent is within advance
lunge distance, you can be threatening; you can start an attack. If your
opponent is beyond advance lunge distance, you cannot be threatening; you
cannot start an attack - even if your opponent were to remain completely
immobile, your attack would not start until you were at advance lunge distance.
The other part that is important in defining this word is that your point (for
foil) or your blade (for sabre) is going toward your opponent’s valid target.
It is a very common misconception that, for example, a foil attack requires the
point to be "aimed" at the valid target before an attack starts.
If one were
to only use the Rules Book to decide
what constituted an attack one could easily argue in favor of foil fencer John
in this completely absurd example: John extends his arm aiming the point
directly at the middle of Bob's chest. John then lunges without moving his arm.
After John lunges, Bob sticks out his arm. John's point arrives on Bob's arm;
Bob's point arrives on target. Is it a point for Bob because John couldn't have
been attacking? Since John hit Bob on the arm, John clearly wasn't
"continuously threatening the opponent’s (Bob’s) target". Here, of
course, the referee would say that John's attack was off target and Bob's
action was a counter attack; no touch is awarded.
What actually
happens so often in competition is the combination of the technical and
tactical execution of an action. Example: If a fencer starts a correctly
executed attack and her opponent starts retreating while trying to make a
parry, the aggressor may very well pull her arm back so that the defensive
fencer has no blade to parry. If the parries continue, the aggressor will wait
until she is close enough and then restart her attack. If the parrier were to
start her own attack while the former aggressor had her arm back, then this
attack would have right of way; it would be an attack into a preparation.
There are two
other comments that one frequently hears about a referee's decision:
Ø
"That was too close to call! You shouldn't make a call
like that on the final touch."
Ø
"That was really simultaneous. Neither fencer really
started before the other."
The first
comment is one that is just wrong; it is based on a totally false premise.
There is no such thing as an action that "just isn't good enough for the
final touch." The referee is required to make the last call of a bout just
as he or she is required to make the first call. If an action was done
correctly enough to get the first touch, it was also done correctly enough for
the final touch. A fencer should not be required to make a "one
light" touch to win a bout.
The
"simultaneous" call is made far too often. Is it possible that both fencers
started at exactly the same time? Theoretically, yes; really,
hardly ever unless, as most often happens in sabre, both fencers have made the
tactical decision to attack simultaneously. Some of the best officials
will sometimes analyze an action as simultaneous to indicate that they just
could not tell who started or that both fencers did not execute their actions
correctly. Many less qualified officials will use "simultaneous" as a
means of avoiding actually making a call.
It is the
referee's job to determine who is the attacker. The
referee must simply translate into words the perception of what actions the
fencers made. (A good referee describes "actions"--not
"movements.") An attack is an attack because a fencer, in
relationship to another fencer, executed the action correctly.
In foil and
sabre, it is very important for the referee to differentiate between the beat
and the parry. Whenever there is a meeting of the blades, the referee must
decide which fencer is then able to have the right of way.
It is equally
true in foil as it is in sabre that the parts of the two blades that meet are
critical in deciding whether the meeting is a beat or a parry. If one fencer’s
weak [foible] part of the blade meets the strong [forte] part of the opponent’s
blade (not a mere grazing of the blades), it is a parry by the opponent. If it
is the strong that meets the weak, it is a beat.
This
determination is not as easy as it may sound. The referee requires extensive
experience to make this judgment. This is especially true as all meetings of
blades are not always a weak on strong. The referee should generally give
priority to the offensive fencer, the fencer who initiates the contact, where
it cannot be distinguished if the action is a beat or a parry.
The fencers
and the audience have to know what the referee is calling. The use of the
correct words and the required gestures that the referee uses will allow for an
easy understanding of the referee’s analysis of actions.
The words
that are to be used in analyzing actions, along with brief descriptions such as
"from the right," are:
Ø
Preparation
Ø
Point in Line
Ø
Attack
Ø
Beat
Ø
Prise de Fer
Ø
Parry
Ø
Riposte
Ø
Counter Attack
Ø
Remise
Ø
Redoublement
Ø
Reprise
The referee
must not overlook administrative and organizational duties because they are
important to establish control. Timing or scoring errors can negate the best
refereeing. Protests can delay a match and cause criticism of the referee.
The following
practices are strongly recommended:
Ø
Respect the scorer and timer. These officials are the
referee’s allies and will return concern for their welfare with proper
attention to their duties. Before the pool or match, the referee must determine
the experience of each and instruct them in order to be confident in their
work. Make sure that the timer knows to very loudly say "Halt!" when
time expires. It is also very important that at the moment this “Halt” is
required, the timer should have the scoring apparatus in her or his peripheral
vision so that the timer will be able to inform the referee if a light that may
be on the apparatus was on before or after the expiration of time. Also be sure
that the timer knows to only inform you as to how much time is remaining and
only if you ask. (This insures that both fencers have the same
information regarding time.) Ask the scorekeeper to announce the score clearly
after every touch. Also ask the scorekeeper for pool scoresheets to write in
the number of touches under the tally marks for a defeat (instead of a
"D") and a "V" with the number of touches scored under the
tally marks for a victory on the score sheet after each bout. Note that there
is a possibility of less than five touches being scored and a fencer having a
victory in a pool bout. Below are some examples of one of the only two
acceptable forms of notation on a pool sheet. Upper left: indicates a victory
in which five touches were scored; upper right indicates a victory in which
three touches were scored where time expired in the bout.); lower left
indicates a defeat in which the loser scored two touches; lower right indicates
a victory where time expired with no touch being scored, this fencer was
awarded the priority, and no touch was awarded in the extra minute.
|
V5 |
/// V3 |
|
// 2 |
0
V0 |
The other
acceptable form of notation is to keep a written score on the side and then
transpose the information with victories being indicated by a
"V#" and defeats by a "#."
Ø
In Direct Elimination Bouts, have the scorekeeper mark the
scoresheet as in this example:
|
Smith |
1 |
2 |
|
3 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
5 |
|
Jones |
|
|
1 |
|
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
|
(Note that in
the above example, when Smith scored her fourth touch, Jones scored her fifth
touch for a double touch. This had to be an épée bout.) These methods of
keeping score greatly reduce the possibility of scoresheet errors as it more
easily enables everyone to recall the order of touches.
Ø
Call the roll and check equipment in a businesslike manner.
The equipment check should serve notice that the referee knows the rules and is
prepared to apply them.
Ø
Confiscate any equipment that does not work. If it is
non-regulation at the time of inspection, confiscate it and issue the
appropriate card. If equipment breaks during the bout, also confiscate it.
Confiscating equipment is not only required by the rules; it is for the
fencers' protection - they cannot get a card for presenting a known non-functioning
piece of equipment to the referee at a subsequent time in the bout.
Ø
Be sure the scorekeeper writes down on the score sheet any Yellow, Red, or Black cards that are given.
Ø
After each bout, review the score sheet for correctness.
Early checks will avoid disputes later on and also catch errors before they
become critical for promotion to the next round.
Ø
Be sure to check the accuracy of any score sheet, total all
indicators, have all fencers initial all scoresheets – pool and direct
elimination – and you then sign the scoresheet.
Ø
Thank all other officials at your strip after each round.
They have contributed and should receive recognition.
Ø
Be sure all scoresheets are promptly returned to the Bout
Committee.
Proper application
of the penalty rules is second only to correct analysis of the fencing phrase.
Proper handling of penalty situations is a critical test of the referee’s
judgment. The referees' responsibilities are as follows:
Ø
As appropriate, issue Yellow, Red, and Black Cards immediately when faults occur. Do not wait until another
occurrence. Delay conditions fencers to improper fencing, favors the offender,
places the offender’s opponent at a disadvantage, and may result in accidents
or injuries. Hold the single card up toward the offending fencer for a few
seconds so that both fencers and the audience know that a card has been issued.
Ø
Apply penalties uniformly with both experienced and
inexperienced fencers. Resist the tendency to give the experienced fencer more
leeway or to overlook faults caused by inexperience. Ignorance of the rules may
be widespread, but it is not an excuse for improper fencing or bad behavior.
Ø
Learn the rules thoroughly. Penalty rules are complex, and
referees often hesitate to apply them when they are unsure. In particular,
rules for corps á corps, covering target, the use of the unarmed hand, and
violent or disorderly fencing must be mastered. The USFA Penalty Reference Chart will help. It is imperative that you
realize that this chart is only a reference chart. It will not replace a
thorough knowledge of the penalty rules.
Ø
Apply penalties and warnings in a courteous, firm and
unemotional manner that precludes emotional response from the fencers.
Penalties should not disrupt the match. Be sure to record on the score sheet
the type of card issued.
Ø
Be philosophic. Understand that a student, upon finding out
a grade for a class, will say, "I got an A." Or the student
will say, "The teacher gave me an F." Remember that the
fencers’ incorrect fencing requires the penalty; you do not
penalize the fencer.
Here are some common situations that require the
referee to issue cards:
Ø
Covering
Target: Not applicable for épée; it rarely occurs in sabre; but it is a frequent occurrence in foil. Covering
can be done with the back arm (including the hand), the head, and hair. As to
the back arm and hand, it is important to remember that the covering must
deny access to the target by the opponent. That means that even though a
fencer’s hand and arm are in front of her or his metallic vest during an
adjustment of the fencer’s mask when the two fencers are far apart, no card
should be issued. Covering with the head in foil is to be called when the
fencer places the head down so that the back of the head and the spine are
parallel to the strip; it should not be called when a fencer makes a long and
low lunge. Covering in all its forms does not allow for the annulling of a
valid touch scored by the fencer who covered.
Ø
Corps à Corps - Body Contact:
“Halt” must always be called whenever corps à corps takes place. (Yes, even in
épée!) In foil and sabre, a card must be issued to the fencer who caused even
the slightest contact. And if the contact jostles the opponent or the fencer
caused the corps à corps to avoid a touch, a card must be given in all weapons,
even épée. If both fencers caused the illegal contact, then both fencers are to
be given cards. It is important to realize that in situations with attack and
counter-attack, the counter-attacker most often causes contact. If a fencer
attacks with a fleche or a fast advance lunge and the opponent causes illegal
contact by stepping into the path of the attacker, the opponent must be given a
card. If the fencer who caused the illegal contact landed a touch, the touch is
annulled.
Ø
Reversing Shoulders: This is only applied in foil. The
referee must not allow a fencer to place her or his rear shoulder in front of
her or his forward shoulder. This angle of shoulders must be looked at with
relation to the opponent, not the strip. Any touch scored with an action with
reversal of the shoulders is annulled.
Ø Turning the Back: In all weapons, it is illegal to turn one’s back toward the opponent. (This is not turning the head. Do not give fencers a card if they turn their heads so that they look behind themselves.) This warning should be given when the fencer turns her or his back toward the opponent; it is not judged by the angle to the strip. The warning is not given when a fencer goes past the opponent, as “Halt” would be called at the passing. Any touch scored with an action with the turning of the back is annulled.
Problems can
arise from such apparently simple situations as starting or stopping the bout.
Some situations may even lead to controversy. Much of this controversy can be
avoided.
The basic
rules for stopping and starting the bout are found in Article t.18 of the Rules Book. The first paragraph refers
to starting the bout and states:
"As
soon as the word 'Fence' has been pronounced, the competitors may assume the
offensive. No movement (action) made or initiated before the word
'Fence' is counted."
This is
straightforward, and most referees experience little difficulty here. However,
referees must be alert for premature starts, which can be avoided if the rules
of t.17, "Coming on Guard," are applied. The pertinent section
states:
"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 signal for the assault to commence
with the word "Fence." The fencers must come on guard correctly and
remain completely still until "Fence" is given by the referee.”
The question
of a "correct" on guard position is no longer open to interpretation.
Referees are to have the fencers take the position indicated by the drawings in
the Rules Book that show the targets
for each weapon. Also remember - "at foil and sabre no fencer may come on
guard with his point in line." The key to the proper starting of the bout
is to make sure that the fencers are completely still. A fencer may not
argue with a referee on what a correct on guard position is nor
about remaining immobile until the command “Fence” is given.
Stopping of a
bout is much more complex than starting it, and, therefore, more questions can
arise from improper handling. Paragraph 2 of Article t.18 states in part:
"
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. Everything which takes place afterwards is entirely non-valid "
To properly
interpret this instruction, a referee must understand what constitutes an
action and that the halt occurs when the referee says he/she said
"Halt." Example: épée fencers come together causing corps á corps
without a touch landing; there is then an immediate remise from one side which
arrives. Here the referee calls “Halt” at the corps á corps and does not allow the remise. The fencer who landed the touch may say to the
referee: "but you didn’t say halt until after I started the
remise - I even heard the buzzer on the machine before I heard your
halt." In this case, the referee must simply state: "I called halt at
the corps á corps; the remise is after the halt and
therefore not allowed. No touch." Nothing more should be said!
Thus, in all
cases, the referee must decide whether or not the critical action started
before or after the halt and should announce the decision quickly. (Avoid using
the phrase "with the halt" as this can be confusing. An action
started either "before" or "after the halt.”) This decision
cannot be appealed, and, therefore, attempts to justify it by superfluous
description, which can lead to argument, must be avoided. Do not attempt to
support your decision further!
In the light
of the foregoing discussion, referees should realize that hesitation in
announcing the halt must be avoided to prevent misunderstandings.
The stopping
of the bout when fencers leave either the end or the side of the strip also
provides situations that can lead to controversy. The referee’s attention is
split between the action and the position of the fencers on the strip. Since
the primary duty of the referee is to the action, it is not surprising that
referees have to interpret strip position liberally.
It is
difficult (if not impossible) to determine precisely the instant a fencer’s
feet cross the boundaries. A judgment must be made as much by instinct as by
eyeball when an action occurs. Referees are advised to make this decision
without attempting to describe the precise position, attitude, or movements of
the fencers.
This advice
is not always easy to follow with actions that occur as a fencer leaves the
strip. For example, one often hears heated arguments when a fencer near the
edge of the strip jumps into the air during an action. Again, the director must
judge whether one (or both) of the fencers was on or off the strip and avoid
describing the precise position of the fencer at any specific time. If a touch
lands, this decision may affect the awarding or annulment of that touch. If no
touch lands, this decision will affect where the fencers are replaced on guard.
In these situations the referee’s judgment is paramount. Arguments about
whether the fencer was off the strip while in the air during the action are
completely superfluous. The strip is a volume and not just a surface; if a
fencer jumps in the air over the physical strip, the fencer is still
"on" the strip.
It is
important to remember that when a fencer leaves the side of the strip with both
feet, the opponent advances one meter from where she or he was when the
fencer left the strip. (It is a common myth that a fencer loses a meter when
crossing the side of the strip.) And, when the fencer who left the strip is
placed by the application of this rule behind the rear limit of the strip, that
fencer is considered as having been touched. The correct distance between
fencers when they come on guard, other than when on their on guard lines, is
established by having both fencers in the on guard position with their weapon
arm extended and the points not overlapping.
Referees are
advised to be strict with fencers who tend to fence near the side of the strip,
and to discourage such tactics by annulling touches that are made by the fencer
who is off the strip with both feet and by penalizing that fencer, whether or
not that fencer has landed a touch.
Judgments about
stopping a bout are important to the tempo of fencing. A referee must allow the
fencers to continue fencing, especially when in-fighting.
On the other
hand, the referee must be prepared to call an immediate halt when a blade
cannot be wielded correctly, a fencer leaves the strip, a penalty situation
occurs, or there is possibility of injury. It is especially important to call a
halt whenever corps á corps occurs, especially in épée where a fencer could
register a touch by hitting herself or himself. Just as it is incorrect to call
"Halt" too late, it is also incorrect to call it too early.
In addition,
referees must be consistent in the calling of halt, so that fencers do not stop
prematurely expecting a command that is not given and perhaps receive a touch
as a result. The feeling for "timing" a command of halt is developed
with experience and by thoughtful observation of first-line referees.
In all of the
situations just outlined, the referee’s judgment is called into play.
Competitors, spectators, other officials, et cetera may not agree with a
referee’s decision on strip position or the timing of the call of halt, but as
long as the referee refrains from describing positions, foot placements, et
cetera and reasons why the fencer was off or on the strip at a particular time,
that judgment must prevail - and cannot be appealed.
Ø
Fencers are advised to accept such judgments because, in
most cases, they are secondary to the analysis of the action, which must be the
referee’s first priority.
Ø
Referees are advised that almost all protests are caused by
the referee hesitating or simply saying too much. Remember to describe actions
precisely using only fencing terminology. Do not "get caught"
describing activity.
After you
have inspected the strip for holes and checked to see that there is sufficient
space around the strip, you have to know where to stand. Where you place
yourself is very important in allowing you to make the correct calls. Referees
should always place themselves between the fencers so that they may see both
fencers equally. Standing to one side of the competitors will frequently
incorrectly influence one’s decision as to right of way.
It is also
important for the referee to be able to see the scoring apparatus. A referee
must devote most of her or his attention to actions, but at the same time it is
critical that the referee is able to see when a light comes on. (Is it any
wonder that referees are always requesting extension lights?) In a fencing
phrase consisting of attack, riposte, and remise, the referee has to know if it
was the attack that landed or the remise if lights on
both sides are on. This is impossible unless the referee can see the scoring
apparatus. This is impossible if the referee does not move with the fencers.
Referees should also allow themselves enough room to preside. (This assumes that the organizers give you enough space.) One should stand, at a minimum, approximately eight feet from the edge of the strip in order to have sufficient vision to observe everything one has to observe. You might wish to stand somewhat closer when refereeing épée due to the slightly lower visual line of site that is used to allow you to be better able in discern a floor touch and to make judgments as to a fencer being on or off the strip.