USAFSE flashcards
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34 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Foil valid target
- In foil, the valid target is the torso only, including the groin and back. Arms, legs, head, and neck are off-target and score no point.
- Epee valid target
- In epee, the entire body is valid target, including the mask, hands, and feet. There is no priority rule in epee.
- Sabre valid target
- In sabre, the valid target is everything above the waist: torso, arms, and head. The legs are off-target.
- Foil priority rule
- The attacker who begins the attack has priority. The defender must parry to take priority, and a counter-attack against a valid attack does not score.
- Simultaneous hits in epee
- In epee, simultaneous hits within the apparatus tolerance score one point for each fencer. A double defeat results in a loss for both.
- Sabre cross-over fault
- In sabre, crossing the legs forward (cross-over) is a fault. The attacker must move forward with the arm extending to establish priority.
- Pool bout length
- A pool bout is fenced to 5 touches or 3 minutes of effective fencing time. The higher score at time expiry wins.
- Direct elimination length
- Direct elimination bouts are fenced to 15 touches in three periods of 3 minutes each, with a 1-minute break between periods.
- Salute requirement
- Fencers must salute the opponent and the referee before the bout and shake hands after. Refusal to salute is a breach of etiquette subject to penalty.
- Medical break limit
- A fencer may receive a medical break for treatment, but cannot receive more than one medical break per competition without penalty.
- Team bout format
- Team bouts are fenced in relay format: each team member fences each opposing team member to a cumulative score, with the final score determining the winner.
- Yellow card meaning
- A yellow card is a warning for a first group-1 offense, such as failure to salute or minor delays. A second group-1 offense results in a red card.
- Red card meaning
- A red card is awarded for a repeated group-1 offense or a first group-2 offense. The opponent receives one touch and the offender is penalized.
- Black card meaning
- A black card is awarded for group-3 offenses, such as violent behavior or deliberate cheating. The fencer is excluded from the competition.
- Group-1 offenses
- Group-1 offenses include failure to salute, leaving the strip without permission, incorrect equipment that is corrected, and minor delays. First offense is a yellow card.
- Group-2 offenses
- Group-2 offenses include refusing to obey the referee, deliberate hits off-target or with the guard, and disturbing order on the strip. First offense is a red card.
- Group-3 offenses
- Group-3 offenses include violent or dangerous actions, deliberate cheating, and gross misconduct. The result is a black card and exclusion.
- Referee start sequence
- The referee calls 'En garde', then 'Ready', then 'Fence'. The bout begins only on the command 'Fence'.
- Halt and phrase analysis
- On a halt, the referee calls 'Halt' and analyzes the phrase: who attacked, who parried, who riposted, and where the hit landed, before awarding the point.
- Referee positioning
- The referee must position themselves to see both fencers and the scoring apparatus, moving along the strip to maintain a clear view.
- Awarding the point
- The referee awards the point by indicating the fencer and announcing the score. The score is then confirmed with the scorer.
- Finality of fact decisions
- The referee's decision on points of fact is final. Only a direct appeal to the tournament committee on a point of rule may be considered.
- Foil tip requirements
- The foil tip must have a spring-loaded point with a defined travel and spring tension. The blade must be flexible and conform to required length and weight.
- Epee tip requirements
- The epee tip must have a defined travel and spring tension. The epee has a larger guard and a stiffer blade than the foil.
- Mask safety standard
- Masks must conform to safety standards for mesh strength and bib attachment. A damaged or non-conforming mask must be replaced before fencing.
- Lamé condition
- The lamé must be in good condition and cover the valid target area. Holes or wear can cause incorrect scoring and must be addressed.
- Plastron requirement
- Fencers must wear a plastron (underarm protector) and a jacket that overlaps the breeches. The uniform must cover the body and provide protection.
- Pool seeding
- Pool rounds group fencers into round-robin pools. The results determine seeding for the direct elimination bracket.
- Tie-breaking indicators
- Ties in pool results are broken by indicators (touches scored minus touches received), then by touches scored.
- Default for no-show
- A fencer who does not report to the strip when called within the allowed time is defaulted, resulting in forfeit of the bout.
- Referee impartiality
- The referee must be impartial and must not favor either fencer. Any conflict of interest must be disclosed to the tournament committee.
- Referee consistency
- The referee must apply the rules consistently and must not change decisions based on pressure from fencers, coaches, or spectators.
- Referee safety duty
- The referee must ensure the safety of the fencers and must stop the bout if a fencer is in danger.
- Referee record keeping
- The referee must keep accurate records of cards and penalties and must report serious misconduct to the tournament committee.