Card Stacking on the Piste
In a pool bout, the FOL repeatedly commits the same infraction: crossing the lateral boundary with both feet during a retreat. The director has already issued a Group 1 card (yellow) earlier in the bout for the same action. Now it happens a second time. Later in the same bout, the FOL also refuses to obey the director's 'Halt' command, continuing to fence for two seconds after the call. The FOR has one yellow card from earlier for a different Group 1 infraction (deliberate corps-à-corps). The score is 4-2 for the FOR. The FOL's coach argues that because the FOR already has a yellow, the FOL's second boundary violation should be treated as a Group 2 red card only if it is 'dangerous.'
1. What card does the FOL receive for the second lateral-boundary violation?
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The first lateral-boundary violation drew a yellow (Group 1). A repeat of the same Group 1 infraction by the same fencer in the same bout escalates to a red card (Group 2), which awards a touch to the opponent. The card is not contingent on danger; repetition alone triggers the escalation. The director issues the red card and awards a touch to the FOR, making the score 5-2 for the FOR (assuming the touch stands).
2. What is the ruling for continuing to fence after 'Halt'?
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Refusing or failing to obey 'Halt' is a Group 1 infraction on first occurrence (yellow). Because the FOL has already escalated to a red card in this bout, a further Group 1 infraction by the FOL results in a red card (Group 2) and a touch awarded to the FOR. The director should also consider whether the continued fencing was dangerous; if it endangered the opponent, a Group 2 or higher treatment may apply. On the facts, a red card plus touch to the FOR is the standard escalation.
3. The FOL's coach claims the FOR's existing yellow changes the analysis. Is the coach correct?
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No. Each fencer's card record is tracked independently. The FOR's prior yellow for corps-à-corps does not affect how the FOL's infractions are escalated. The FOR's yellow remains on the FOR's record; the FOL's escalation is based solely on the FOL's own repeated Group 1 conduct. The director should not offset or transfer cards between fencers.