USAFSE key terms

A set of conventions used in foil and sabre to decide who scores when both fencers hit. It favors the attacker who initiates a coherent action and is not used in epee.

The initial offensive action made by extending the arm and continuously threatening the opponent's target. Maintaining the attack requires continuous forward motion and blade threat.

A defensive blade action that deflects the opponent's attacking blade away from target. A successful parry normally gives the defender priority to make a riposte.

The offensive action a fencer makes immediately after successfully parrying an opponent's attack. It is the defender's reply and carries priority following the parry.

A position where a fencer extends the arm with the blade continuously threatening valid target before the opponent's attack begins. In foil and sabre it grants priority to that fencer until the line is taken.

The valid scoring surface in foil, limited to the torso, including the back and groin, plus the bib of the mask. Hits landing outside this area stop the action but do not score.

The valid scoring surface in sabre, comprising everything above the waist, including the head, arms, and hands. Hits below the waist are off-target and do not score.

A situation in epee where both fencers register a valid hit within the timing tolerance, so each is awarded a touch. It does not occur in foil or sabre under priority rules.

A hit that lands on a fencer's non-valid surface. In foil it stops the phrase without scoring, while in sabre hits below the waist are simply not registered as scoring.

Body contact between fencers during a bout. When it occurs, the referee halts the action and restarts the fencers from the on-guard lines without penalty in most cases.

A situation where a fencer moves past the opponent's body during the action. The referee stops the bout and restarts the fencers, and scoring rules depend on whether a touch occurred.

The referee's command that stops the fencing action immediately. After 'Halt' no further touches count, and the referee then analyzes the phrase to award any points.

The referee's step-by-step reconstruction of the exchange of actions to determine priority and award touches. It requires identifying attacks, parries, ripostes, and counter-attacks in order.

The official who directs a bout, enforces the rules, awards touches, and applies penalties. The referee starts and stops the action and has final authority over the bout's conduct.

The strip on which a bout is fenced, with marked on-guard lines, warning lines, and a center line. Fencers are penalized for crossing the rear limit of the piste.

The line behind which each fencer must stand at the start of a bout and after each touch. Fencers begin the action from these lines at the referee's command.

The starting position and the referee's command to assume it before fencing. Fencers stand behind their on-guard lines ready to begin when the referee says 'Fence'.

The boundary at the back of each fencer's side of the piste. Crossing it with both feet results in a touch being awarded against the fencer who retreats off the strip.

A line on the piste, typically two meters from the rear limit, marking where a fencer is close to the back boundary. Crossing it triggers special rules about retreating.

The first-level penalty card in fencing, warning a fencer for a listed offense. A subsequent similar offense by that fencer typically escalates to a red card.

A penalty card that awards a touch to the opponent. It is given for a repeated offense after a yellow card or for more serious listed infractions.

The most severe penalty card, resulting in exclusion from the competition or tournament. It is given for grave offenses such as serious misconduct or flagrant cheating.

The least serious category of rule violations, such as late arrival or incorrect equipment. These offenses are penalized first with a yellow card and escalate on repetition.

A category of offenses that are penalized directly with a red card, awarding a touch to the opponent. Examples include certain disruptive or unsporting behaviors.

The most serious category of offenses, penalized with a black card and exclusion. These include grave misconduct, doping, and flagrant cheating.

The conductive jacket worn in foil and sabre to register valid hits on the scoring apparatus. It must cover the valid target and be worn over non-conductive clothing.

The electronic system that detects and displays valid and off-target hits during a bout. It uses circuits through the weapon, lamé, and body cord to signal touches.

The cable connecting a fencer's weapon and lamé to the scoring apparatus through a reel or wireless system. Proper connection and insulation are checked before each bout.

The pre-bout inspection of equipment such as blade flexibility, tip travel, and insulation to ensure it meets regulations. Failures found at check can lead to penalties.

A malfunction of a fencer's weapon or gear during a bout. Depending on timing and cause, the referee may annul a touch or apply penalties if the failure was the fencer's fault.

Protective headgear required in all three weapons, with a bib and mesh rated to withstand blade impact. The mask must be worn correctly and securely throughout the bout.

Required protective gear including mask, jacket, glove, and appropriate undergarments. Failure to wear proper safety equipment can result in penalties or being barred from fencing.

A preliminary round in which fencers are grouped and each fences every other member once. Results determine seeding into the direct elimination round.

The knockout stage of a competition where the loser of each bout is eliminated. Bouts may be fenced to a set number of touches or in periods with breaks.

The ranking used to place fencers in pools and the direct elimination bracket based on results. Proper seeding ensures stronger fencers meet later in the competition.

The standards of impartiality, honesty, and professionalism expected of referees. Referees must avoid conflicts of interest and treat all fencers fairly and consistently.

A situation where a referee has a personal or competitive relationship that could bias officiating. Referees must disclose such conflicts and may be recused from certain bouts.

The behavioral expectations for referees, including consistent application of rules, clear commands, and respectful treatment of fencers and coaches. Breaches can lead to sanctions.