The Rules of Fencing

Introduction

Although swordsmanship has been trained for thousands of years as military training, the sport of fencing is believed to have originated in 15th century Europe. In fact, three countries, Italy, Spain, and Germany, all lay claim to its origins.

The modern-day rules of fencing were introduced in the 17th and 18th century due to three separate innovations; The foil (fencing weapon), a protective mesh mask, and rules for the target area. These helped increase the safety and popularity of fencers around Europe. This eventually led to the founding of Fédération Internationale d’Escrime (FIE) in 1913, which still remains the sport’s main governing body. 

Nowadays, fencing still has a loyal following of fans around the world. Its biggest events include the World Championships and the European Championships. Fencing has also been a part of the Summer Olympic Games since 1896. Women’s Olympic events followed in 1924 in Paris. The Paralympic equivalent, wheelchair fencing, was introduced in the Rome Olympics in 1960. 

The object of the game

The object of fencing is relatively simple – both fencers attempt to touch one another with the tip of their sword whilst trying not to get hit in the process. The target areas vary between fencing styles and weapon choices, but the overall rules remain very similar. 

Scoring in fencing

In fencing, points are scored by touching your opponent with the tip of your weapon. The stab must also hit a specific target area, such as the arms or the torso. Competitive-level tournaments also use an electronic scoring system that signals whenever a point is scored.

Each bout lasts until the first fencer scores 15 touches or when the time runs out.

Starting the bout

Bouts begin with both unmasked fencers saluting each other and the officials. This is done by raising the blade to their chin and dropping it. After saluting, both fencers put down their masks and go to the starting mark, also known as the en garde line. Each phrase (point) follows the same commands:

1. ”En garde” – On guard.
2. ”Êtes-vous prêts” – Are you ready? 
3. ”Allez” – Fence!
4. ”Halte!” – Halt!

A halt may be called due to a touch, rule infringement, or unsafe situation. After interrupting the bout, the referee may explain the reason for the stoppage and give points accordingly. Once a point is rewarded, the bout continues with a salute from the en garde line. This goes on until one fencer reaches 15 points. 

Gameplay

Modern fencing consists of three different forms, all of which have slightly different rules and weapons. Thus, the sport is divided into three competitive scenes; foil, épée, and sabre.

The foil is a light thrusting weapon that only targets the torso. In foil, only tip touches may score points and hitting with the side of the blade does not register on the electronic apparatus. Additionally, off-target touches stop the play, but are not scored. At the end of a phrase (one point), only one fencer may score points. If both fencers hit each other within a few milliseconds, the referee may use a ”right of way” rule to determine whether an off-target hit has priority over a valid one or not. If the right of way cannot be determined by the referee, no points will be rewarded. 

The épée is also a thrusting weapon that only scores points with the tip. However, in épée, the whole body is a target, which means it does not have off-target touches or ”right of way” rules. The only exception to this is if the score is tied at the last point and a double touch occurs. In this case, the last point will be replayed. 

The sabre is a thrusting and cutting weapon that targets everything above the waist, except the hands. Thus, you may also score points with the front edge of the blade, not just the tip. Although off-target touches do not score points in sabre, the fencing continues until either fencer scores a valid point. If both fencers score at the same time, the referee may use the right of way rules like in foil.

Referees

The rules of fencing are overseen by a referee, whose main responsibilities include starting each bout, halting a play, keeping count of the score, and making sure the bout follows the official rules of the Fédération Internationale d’Escrime (FIE). The referee may also assign two or four line judges for assistance.

Game time and intervals

In addition to having a maximum score of 15 points, fencing bouts are also timed. The maximum elapsed time is nine minutes, which also divided into three periods. However, a period may also end before the three-minute time limit if a fencer reaches 5 points during that period. There is also a 60s break between each period.

If the time runs out before a fencer has reached 15 points, the fencer with the most points wins the game. However, if the score is tied after nine minutes of fencing, the referee will determine the priority fencer. If neither fencer scores a point during a one-minute ”sudden death”, the fencer with the priority wins.