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Material rules

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RULES FOR COMPETITIONSBOOK 3. MATERIAL RULES
ArticlePART 1. FENCERS’ WEAPONS AND
EQUIPMENT
CHAPTER 1. WEAPONS
Characteristics common to all weapons
General description
Dimensions
The handle
The guard
Foil
WeightLengthThe blade
The guard
Electric wire
Pointe d’arrêt
Method of affixing the button
The insulation of the button, the blade and the handle
Epée
WeightLengthThe blade
The guard
Electric wires
Pointe d’arrêt and button
Method of affixing the button
Sabre
LengthWeightThe blade
The guard
CHAPTER 2. EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING
General conditions
Rules specific to foil
Glove
Mask
Conductive jacket (over-jacket or plastron)
Bodywire and attachment plugs
Rules specific to épéeMask
Bodywire
Rules specific to sabre
Mask

m.1
m.2
m.3
m.4
m.5
m.6
m.7
m.8
m.9
m.10
m.11
m.12
m.13
m.14
m.15
m.16
m.17
m.18
m.19
m.20
m.21
m.22
m.23
m.24
m. 25

m.26
m.27
m.28
m.29
m.30
m.31
m.32

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Glove
Conductive jacket and conductive t-shirt
Bodywire and plugs

November 2023

m.33
m.34
m.35

CHAPTER 3. CHECKING OF MATERIAL
Competence
Checking of fencers’ equipment.......................................................
Presentation of equipment to the Weapon
Checking Centre ...........................................................
Checking body .............................................................
Checking personnel and equipment ..............................

m.36
m.37
m.38–39
m.40–41
m.42–43

PART 2. FITTINGS AND MATERIALPROVIDED BY THE ORGANISERS
Introduction
CHAPTER 1. SCORING. APPARATUS
Authorised designs
Approval of designs of apparatus
Requirements for all electrical equipment
Number and quality of judging apparatus
Checking of apparatus
CHAPTER 2. SPOOLS, CABLES AND THEIRCONNECTIONSCHAPTER 3. CONDUCTIVE PISTESCHAPTER 4. SOURCE OF ELECTRICALCURRENTCHAPTER 5. EXTENSION LAMPS

m.45
m.46–50
m.51
m.52
m.53–54
m.55–56
m.44
m.57
m.58
m.59–60

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ANNEXE A TO THE MATERIAL RULES
Manufacturers’ Safety Standards for Fencers’
Weapons, Equipment and Clothing
Paragraph

1. WEAPONS. Specification for the Manufacture of Fencing Blades
PurposeGeneral conditions .....................................................................
Characteristics of the material ....................................................
Tests and examinations (material) ..............................................
Characteristics of the finished product .......................................
Tests and examinations (finished product) .................................
Results of tests and examinations ...............................................
Marking ......................................................................................

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

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2. EQUIPMENT. Standards for the Manufacture of Fencing Masks
2.1. Mesh of fencing masks
2.1.1. Standards for the materials for the mesh of fencing masks
Purpose ................................................................................ 1
General conditions of raw material ......................................... 2
Materials .............................................................................. 3
Tests and examinations.......................................................... 4
Documents ........................................................................... 5
2.1.2. Transparent masks
General ................................................................................ 1
Manufacturing norms ............................................................ 2
Safety standards .................................................................... 3
Homologation and test methods.............................................. 4
2.1.3. Masks that are coloured or decorated with drawings
2.2. Shape, dimensions and methods of production of theelements of fencing masks
Purpose ................................................................................ 1
General conditions ................................................................ 2
Shape and dimensions of masks.............................................. 3
Essential constituent elements ................................................ 4
Test and certificates .............................................................. 5
3. CLOTHING. Standards for the Manufacture of Clothing
3.1. Resistance of cloth against perforation
Generalities .......................................................................... 1
Methods of conducting the test ............................................... 2
Results ................................................................................. 3
3.2. Parts of the fencer that it is vital to protect
4. LABEL OF QUALITY

ANNEXE B TO THE MATERIAL RULES
Characteristics of Scoring Apparatus
A.
1.
(a)
(b)
2.

FOIL
The central judging apparatus
Principles
Sensitivity and regularity
Anti-blocking type central judging apparatus

B.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)

EPEE
Principle
TimingSensitivity
Non-registration
Visual signals
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(f)

Audible signals

C.
(a)
(b)

SABRE
Principles
Sensitivity and regularity

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BOOK 3. MATERIAL RULES
PART 1. FENCERS’ WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT
CHAPTER 1. WEAPONSCHARACTERISTICS COMMON TO ALL WEAPONS
m.1. 1. There are three types of weapon: foil, épée and sabre.

2. All weapons are authorised providing only that they conform to these regulations
and to the safety standards which are annexed.
3. The weapon should be so constructed that it cannot normally injure either the useror his opponent. All methods of treating a blade between the guard and the tip(button) including the groove, by grinding, filing, heating or other methods, areforbidden.
4. Sharpening the edges or angles of the point is forbidden.
General description
m.2. All weapons are composed of the following parts.
1. A flexible steel blade completed at its forward extremity by a button and at therear by the tang (the latter included in the handle when the weapon is mounted).
At all three weapons, the use of maraging steel blades is obligatory.
2. A handle within which the tang of the blade is fixed by a locking nut or in
any other way, and which enables the fencer’s hand to hold the weapon. It
may be composed of one or several parts: in the latter case it is divided into agrip (which is normally held in the hand) and a pommel (rear portion of thehandle which locks the handle onto the tang).
3. A metal guard fixed (with the convex face towards the front) between theblade and the handle, serving to protect the sword hand. For foil and épée,the guard must contain a padding or cushion (cf. m.5/2) to reduce the effectof blows. It will also contain a socket to which the bodywire can beconnected.
Dimensions (cf. m.7ss, m.15ss, m.21ss)
m.3. Each weapon has its particular design and measurements.
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1. The length of the blade includes the button and everything which is addedin front of the convex surface of the guard whether or not it is fixed to thelatter.
2. The total length of the weapon and its various parts corresponds to the
distances between lines (planes) drawn parallel to each other andperpendicular to the axis of the blade. These lines are situated:a) A at the forward extremity of the weaponb) B at the point where the blade leaves the front, convex, surface of theguardc) C at the back of the aforesaid guardd) D between the grip and the pommele) E at the rear extremity of the handle
3. The total length of the weapon is the distance between lines A andE; the length of the blade that between A and B; the length of thehandle that between B and E; and the depth of the guard that between B
and C.
4. The maximum total length of the weapon must be less than the greatest
permissible length for the blade and the handle added together. These twolatter lengths must, therefore, complement each other to arrive at the total
length of the weapon.
5. In order to measure either the total length of the weapon or the length of
the blade, it is essential that the latter should be without any curve. Whenmeasurements are being made, the blade should therefore be held straighton a flat surface.
6. Only the pommel or the locking nut may be placed between lines D and E.

The handle
m.4. 1. The maximum length of the handle at foil and épée is 20 cm, measured
between lines B and E, and 18 cm, measured between lines B and D. At
sabre the maximum length of the handle is 17 cm (see Figures 8, 9 and 13).
2. The handle must be able to pass through the same gauge as the guard. It
must be so made that normally it cannot injure either the user or his
opponent.
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3. All types of handle are allowed providing that they conform to theregulations which have been framed with a view to placing the various
types of weapons on the same footing. However, at épée, orthopaedic
handles, whether metal or not, may not be covered with leather or any
material which could hide wires or switches.
4. The handle must not include any device which assists the fencer to use it asa throwing weapon.
5. The handle must not include any device which can increase in any way theprotection afforded to the hand or wrist of the fencer by the guard: a crossbar or electric socket which extends beyond the edge of the guard isexpressly forbidden.

6. If the handle (or glove) includes any device or attachment or has a special
shape (orthopaedic) which fixes the position of the hand on the handle, thehandle must conform to the following conditions.
a) It must determine and fix one position only for the hand on the handle.
b) When the hand occupies this one position on the handle, the extremityof the thumb when completely extended must not be more than 2 cmfrom the inner surface of the guard.
The guard (cf. m.9, m.17, m.24)
m.5

1. The convex face of the guard must have a shape and surface which is bothsmooth and not too shiny. It must be so made that it can neither hold nor catchthe opponent’s point. It must not have a raised rim.
2. a) For foil and épée, inside the guard there must be a cushion (padding)sufficiently wide to protect the electric wires from the fencer’s
fingers. The padding on the inside of the guard must be less than 2 cm
thick and must be arranged in such a way as not to increase theprotection which the guard affords the hand.
b) The connections must be so arranged that it is impossible for the fencer
to break or make contacts while fencing.
c) On foils, the wire must be protected by an insulating sheath.
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November 2023d) On épées, the two wires must be protected by two insulating sheaths,
one on each wire.
e) Both the wire and the insulating sheath must go right up to the socket.
f) In no case may uninsulated wires project beyond the point where they
are attached to the socket (cf. m.29, m.31).
3. Any system of attachment inside the guard is allowed, provided that itconforms to the following requirements.
a) It must be easy to detach or attach the bodywire.
b) It must be possible to check it by a simple method such as using apenknife or a coin.
c) It must be easy to apply the pointe d’arrêt of the opponent’s weapon to
the earth circuit connected to the blade.

d) It must have a security device which prevents the bodywire frombecoming unplugged during the bout. In the absence of a security
device being fitted to the weapon, a security device must be fitted tothe plug of the bodywire.
e) It must ensure the complete connection of the electric wires; it must
be impossible for even a momentary break of contact to occur while
the plugs are connected.
f) It must not include any part which allows electrical contact to bemade between the plug sockets.
4. a) The maximum electrical resistance allowed for foil and épée is 2
ohms.
b) Those who wish to assemble electric weapons, but who are notequipped to undertake electrical tests, are advised that the limits forthe electrical resistance for the circuits laid down for each weapon
have been fixed so that they can be attained by anyone who isreasonably careful.
c) They are advised:i)thoroughly to de-oxidise the external surface of the guard andthe connecting surfaces inside it;
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ii)

not to damage the insulation of the wires, especially where they
pass along the groove in the blade at the point and at the guard;iii)

to avoid accumulations of glue in the groove of the blade.

Equipment and Checking of Weapons
5. a) At foil and épée, only traditional or homologated pointes d'arrêt are
accepted. No other kind of pointe d'arrêt, notably new ones that are
not homologated, will be accepted at the weapon control.
In order to make the identification easier, please note that a traditional
pointe d'arrêt has two screws to fix the tip of the pointe d'arrêt to thebase, the whole is in metal and there is no plastic in the base.
To make the checking of weapons easier and allow the complete
observation of the tip and its base, foil fencers are requested topresent their foils at the weapon control with bare points not covered
with adhesive tape over the first 15cm.
b) In order that the registering of hits by the contact of the point on the
opponent be correctly registered by the scoring device, the pointes
d'arrêt must be clean. The electrical resistance measured in ohms must
not exceed the limit of two ohms (m.5.4.a).

c) The blades and the guards at épée, foil and sabre must be totally of
metal. Apart from at sabre where the part of the guard next to thepommel is insulated (insulating sheath), their exteriors must not becovered by any material (plastic or other).
The guard may not feature any advertising. This is also the case forthe insulated part of the sabre guard.
d) Any fencer or other person who tries to register hits in a way that
does not comply with the rules, either with the weapon or bymanipulating the scoring device, will be excluded from thecompetition or from the competition zone and, after identification,
will be liable to further penalty.

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FOIL
Weightm.6. The total weight of the foil ready for use must be less than 500 g.
Lengthm.7. The maximum total length of the foil is 110 cm.
The bladem.8. 1. The blade, which is rectangular in section, must be made of steel
complying with the safety standards described in Annexe A to the Rules.
2. The edges must be smoothed off so that they cannot cut, and must be
chamfered at an angle of 45° (± 5°), 0.5 mm on each side (± 0.1 mm), sothat they will neither cut nor become capable of cutting.
3. The blade is mounted with the widest face placed horizontally.
4. The maximum length of the blade is 90 cm (cf. m.3).
5. The blade should have a flexibility equivalent to a bend of minimum 5.5
cm and maximum 9.5 cm measured in the following way.
a) The blade is fixed horizontally at a point 70 cm from the extremity ofthe button.
b) A 200 g weight (tolerance +/- 1 g) is suspended 3 cm from theextremity of the button.
c) The bend of the blade is measured at the extremity of the button
between the non-weighted and weighted positions (see Figure 8).
d) The groove in the blade must be uppermost.
6. The blade should be as straight as possible. Any curve of the blade
must be uniform and the maximum bend must in any case be less than
one cm; it is only permitted in the vertical plane and must be near thecentre of the blade.
The curve of the blade must be measured as follows:i) the blade is placed on a flat surface so that the curve is uppermost;

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ii) the maximum distance between the flat surface and the blade ismeasured: this distance is deemed to be the curve of the blade (cfFig 8).
The guard (cf. m.5)
m.9. 1. The guard must be able to pass through a straight cylindrical gauge
having a diameter of 12 cm and a length of 15 cm, the blade being
parallel with the axis of the cylinder.
2. Eccentric mounting is forbidden, that is to say that the blade must
pass through the centre of the guard. The diameter of the guard
must be between 9.5 cm and 12 cm.

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Figure 8. Foil dimensions and flexibility

This diagram is for guidance purposes only. In case of any doubt the wording of the appropriate text takes precedenceElectric wire
m.10. The foil has a single wire, glued in a groove cut the whole length of theblade, which permanently connects the pointe d’arrêt to the corresponding
socket inside the guard.
Pointe d’arrêt
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m.11. 1. The diameter of the pointe d’arrêt is between 5.5 mm and 7 mm; thediameter of the body of the button including its exterior insulation must not be morethan 0.3 mm less than that of the pointe d’arrêt.
2. The pointe d’arrêt must be cylindrical; its front surface is flat andperpendicular to its axis.
Its edge will either be rounded with a radius of 0.5 mm or have a chamferof 0.5mm at 45°.
3. The pressure required on the pointe d’arrêt, in order to break the contact
and cause the apparatus to register a hit, must be more than 500 g, that is
to say that this weight must be lifted by the spring of the point. The
weight of 500 g supplied by the Organising Committee may have atolerance of ± 2 g, i.e. 498–502 g.
4. The course or travel of the pointe d’arrêt required to cause the electricalapparatus to register a hit, called the lighting stroke, may be infinitesimal:
the total travel of the pointe d’arrêt must not be greater than 1 mm. The
gauge used should have a tolerance of a maximum of +/- 0.05mm.
5. The pointe d’arrêt must be retained in the button in at least two places
equidistant from each other, or by any other method which has been
approved by the SEMI Committee of the FIE.
6. When not depressed the pointe d’arrêt is in contact with the earth circuitof the foil. When a hit is made, this contact must be broken.
Method of affixing the button
m.12. 1. If the base of the button is not made in one piece with the blade, or if it
does not permit the flattened piece at the tip of the blade to be retained, it
must be screwed onto the end of the blade, which must be cut andthreaded for this purpose respecting the following conditions.
2 Normally, only fixing by metal-to-metal is allowed. However, fixing by any
material of great mechanical strength may be authorised after approval by
the SEMI Commission of the FIE.
3. All methods of soldering or brazing or in general any heating which may
affect the temper of the blade are forbidden. Only solder of very easily
melted tin, used with a soldering iron, to prevent the tip from coming loose,
is authorised.
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4. The end of the blade before cutting the thread must not have a diameter at
any point of less than 3.5 mm, and this without anything being wrappedround it, a process which is strictly forbidden.
5. The diameter of the core of the thread must not be less than 2.7 mm(thread SI 3.5
x 0.60). The threading must be very tight.
6. The part of the blade on which the button is fixed should be of a length of
7–8
mm entirely covered by the button. It is recommended that only the half of
this length at the extremity of the blade be threaded. For the other half the
button will have a smooth surface of 3.5 mm diameter into which it shouldtake some force for the corresponding part of the blade to be introduced.
7. When a button made of light alloy is used, instructions should be soughtfrom the SEMI Committee of the FIE.
8. At the point at which the wire passes into the button, the width of thegroove must not exceed 0.5 mm, and its depth must not exceed 0.6 mm
measured on the diameter of the core of the thread, in order to weaken as
little as possible the section of the blade.
9. Only the members of the SEMI Committee of the FIE or the Directoire
Technique can require the verification of the above points.
The insulation of the button, the blade and the handle
m.13. 1.

The body of the button and the foil blade for a length of 15 cm +/- 1cmfrom the button must be entirely covered with insulating material(insulating tape, gummed paper, Sellotape, plastic material or varnish).

2. The flange of the sleeve which slides in the base of the point and within
which is fixed the pointe d’arrêt must be of a smaller diameter than theinsulated head of the pointe d’arrêt itself, to obviate an accidental contact
being made with the conductive jacket when a hit is made.

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EPEE
Weightm.14. The total weight of the épée ready for use is less than 770 g.
Lengthm.15. The total maximum length of the épée is 110 cm (cf m.3).
The bladem.16. 1. The blade, which is triangular in section without cutting edges, is made ofsteel and must comply with the safety standards described in Annexe A to
the Rules.
There are two methods of manufacture (see Figure 9):— By forging a steel cylinder (Cross-section of blade, A);— By folding a sheet of steel (Cross-section of blade, B).
2. It should be as straight as possible and mounted with the groove uppermost.
Any curve of the blade must be uniform and the maximum bend must in
any case be less than 1 cm; it is only permitted in the vertical plane andmust be near the centre of the blade.
The curve of the blade must be measured as follows:i) the blade is placed on a flat surface so that the curve is uppermost;ii) the maximum distance between the flat surface and the blade ismeasured: this distance is deemed to be the curve of the blade (cf Fig
9).
3. The maximum length of the blade is 90 cm. (cf. m.3).
4. The maximum width of any of the three sides of the blade is 24 mm.
5. The blade should have a flexibility equivalent to a bend of 4.5 cm minimum
and 7 cm maximum measured in the following way.
a) The blade is fixed horizontally at a point 70 cm from the extremity ofthe button.

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November 2023b) A 200 g weight (tolerance +/- 1 g) is suspended 3 cm from theextremity of the button.
c) The bend of the blade is measured at the extremity of the button
between the non-weighted and weighted positions (see Figure 9).

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Figure 9. Epée dimensions and flexibility
This diagram is for guidance purposes only. In case of any doubt the wording of the appropriate text takes precedence

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The guard (cf. m.5)
m.17 1. The guard, which must have a circular edge, must be able to pass through acylindrical gauge having a diameter of 13.5 cm and a length of 15 cm, theblade being parallel to the axis of the cylinder. The depth of the guard (thedistance between lines B and C) must be between 3 cm and 5.5 cm (cf.
m.3).
2. The total length between lines A and C must never be greater than 95.5 cm(cf. m.3).
3. Eccentric mounting is allowed provided the distance between the centre of
the guard and the point where the blade passes through the guard does notexceed 3.5 cm.
Electric wires
m.18. 1. The épée has two electric wires, glued in a groove in the blade, whichconnect the button to two of the three sockets situated inside the guard andwhich form the active circuit of the épée. The earth circuit of the épée isconnected to the third socket.
2. The handle must have, at the end which is in contact with the guard, a notchof 2 mm minimum depth, which allows the electric wires and theirinsulating sheaths to pass towards the sockets inside the guard without
being squashed. (cf m.31.7)
3. The socket inside the epee guard must have two separate holes in the block,so that the two wires can be passed through the block separately and thenconnected to the terminals.
Pointe d’arrêt and button
m.19. 1. The electric button is completed by a pointe d’arrêt which must conform to
the following specifications.
a) The pointe d’arrêt is cylindrical. Its front surface is flat andperpendicular to its axis. Its edge will either be rounded with a radius of
0.5 mm or have a chamfer of 0.5 mm at 45° (see Figure 10).

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Figure 10. Epée: details of the electric button
This diagram is for guidance purposes only. In case of any doubt the wording of the appropriate text takes precedenceb) The diameter of the crown of the pointe d’arrêt is 8 mm with atolerance of± 0.05 mm. The diameter of the base must not be less than 7.7 mm.
c) The flange (collar) which guides the pointe d’arrêt as well as theinsulating washer must be sufficiently recessed in relation to the crown(it is recommended that it be reduced in diameter by 0.3–0.5 mm inrelation to the crown) so that it shall not be possible to cause a hit to beregistered merely by sliding the depressed pointe d’arrêt against theconvex surface of the guard (see Figure 11) (cf. t.67.a).

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Figure 11. Epée: details of tip of point
This diagram is for guidance purposes only. In case of any doubt the wording of the appropriate text takes precedence

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2. The pressure required on the pointe d’arrêt in order to complete the circuitin the épée, and thus cause the apparatus to register a hit, must be more than
750 g, that is to say that this weight must be lifted by the spring of the point.
3. The weight used to check competitors’ épées on the piste consists of ametal cylinder drilled part of the way along its axis with a hole parallel to its
sides; this hole, into which is inserted the end of the blade, must have an
insulating lining to prevent its metallic parts coming into contact with theearthed mass of the épée which might then give a false result to the test.
This weight of 750 g, which is supplied by the Organising Committee, may
have a tolerance of ± 3 g, i.e. 747–753 g.
4. a) The course or travel of the pointe d’arrêt required to complete thecircuit in the épée and thus cause the apparatus to register a hit, called
the lighting stroke, must be greater than 1 mm. The further course
which the pointe d’arrêt may travel must be less than 0.5 mm. (Thisrequirement is just as essential as that for the lighting stroke). The
gauge used should have a tolerance of a maximum of +/- 0.05mm.
b) To enable a check to be made on the piste, the total course or travel ofthe point must be greater than 1.5 mm (cf. t.43). The gauge used shouldhave a tolerance of a maximum of +/- 0.05mm.
c) Adjusting the lighting stroke by means of screws or any otherexternal fixing device, once the point has been assembled on theweapon, is forbidden (cf t.44.3).
d) An external screw or similar fixing device is only allowed if it isactually part of the assembling of the point.
e) The head of the screw or fixing device must never project beyond theflat top surface of the point and its housing in the flat surface may notexceed 2 mm in diameter.
5. The pointe d’arrêt must be retained in the button at at least two points
equally spaced, or by any other system approved by the SEMI Committeeof the FIE.
6. When there is a hit, the electrical contact must be established.
Method of affixing the button
m.20. If the base of the button is not made in one piece with the blade, or if it does
not permit the flattened inset piece at the tip of the blade to be retained, the
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button must be screwed onto the end of the blade, which must be cut andthreaded for this purpose respecting the following conditions.
1. Normally, only fixing by metal to metal is allowed. However, fixing by
any material of great mechanical strength may be authorised after approvalby the SEMI Committee of the FIE.
2. The end of the blade, before cutting the thread, must not have a diameterat any point which is less than 4 mm and this without anything being
wrapped round it, a process which is strictly forbidden.
3. a) The diameter of the core of thread at the end of the blade must not beless than 3.05 mm (thread SI 4.0 x 0.70).
b) The part of the blade on which the button is fixed should be of alength of 7–8 mm entirely covered by the button. It is recommended
that only the half of this length, at the extremity of the blade, be
threaded. For the other half the button will have a smooth surface of 4.0
mm diameter into which it should take some force for thecorresponding part of the blade to be introduced.
4. The groove necessary to enable the wires to enter the button must be cut insuch a way that it weakens as little as possible the section of the blade.
5. Only the members of the SEMI Committee of the FIE or the Directoire
Technique can require the verification of the above points.

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SABRE
Lengthm.21. The total maximum length of the sabre is 105 cm (cf m.3).
Weightm.22. The total weight of the sabre ready for use is less than 500 g.
The blade (see Figure 13)
m.23. 1. The blade, which must be of steel, is approximately rectangular in section.
The maximum length of the blade is 88 cm. The minimum width of theblade, which must be at the button, is 4 mm; its minimum thickness, alsomeasured immediately below the button, must be at least 1.2 mm.
2. The end of the blade must be folded over onto itself or be fashioned in one
piece to form a button which, viewed end on, must have a square orrectangular section of 4 mm minimum and 6 mm maximum. The maximum
dimension must be not more than 3 mm from the end of the blade.
3. The end of the blade may also be formed by a solid button which musthave the same section as the button which is folded over (Figure 12).
4. If the blade has a curve, it must be a distinct curve which must becontinuous, and the deflection must be less than 4 cm. Blades with sharply
bent extremities or which curve in the direction of the cutting edge areforbidden.
The curve of the blade must be measured as follows:i) the blade is placed on a flat surface so that the curve is uppermost;ii) the maximum distance between the flat surface and the blade ismeasured: this distance is deemed to be the curve of the blade (cf Fig
13).
5. The sabre blade must have a flexibility equivalent to a bend of minimum 4
cm and maximum 7 cm measured in the following way.
a) The blade is fixed horizontally at a point 70 cm from the tip of theblade.
b) A 200 g weight (tolerance +/- 1 g) is hung 1 cm from the tip.
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c) The curve is measured at the tip of the blade between the weighted andunweighted positions (see Figures 12 and 13).

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Figure 12. Sabre dimensions and flexibility
This diagram is for guidance purposes only. In case of any doubt the wording of the appropriate text takes precedence

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The guard (cf. m.5)
m.24. 1. The guard must be full in shape, made in one piece and externally smooth. It
must have a convex form which is continuous, without rim or holes.
2. It must be able to pass through a rectangular gauge measuring 15 cm by 14
cm in section, with a length of 15 cm, the blade being parallel with thelongitudinal axis of the gauge.
3. Inside the guard there must be a socket into which the bodywire is plugged,
whatever system is used.
4. The two sockets of the bodywire plug must be in direct contact with the
body of the guard, making a closed electrical circuit through the bodywire,
the spool and the cable connecting the spool to the scoring apparatus.
5. The resistance in the weapon must not exceed 1 ohm.
6. The interior of the guard must be completely insulated by means of
insulating paint or a pad.
7. The exterior of the guard must be insulated for 7–8 cm from the pommel.
8. The handle and the pommel must be completely insulated.

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Figure 13. Sabre dimensions (contd.)
This diagram is for guidance purposes only. In case of any doubt the wording of the appropriate text takes precedence

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CHAPTER 2. EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING
GENERAL CONDITIONS
m.25. The national uniform includes the socks, the breeches and the jacket.
1. Protection: The equipment and clothing must provide the competitor with the
maximum protection compatible with the freedom of movement necessary for
fencing.
2. Safety: It must not be possible for the opponent to be obstructed or injured by
the equipment, nor for it to have either buckles or openings in which the
opponent’s point may be caught up — except accidentally — and thus held or
deflected. The jacket and its collar must be completely buttoned or done up.
3. Characteristics of the clothinga) Fencers’ clothing must be made of sufficiently robust material and be clean
and in good condition.
b) The material from which the equipment is made must not have a surface
which is smooth enough to cause the pointe d’arrêt, the button or the
opponent’s hit to glance off (cf. m.30).
c) Jackets, under-plastrons, breeches and trousers must be made entirely in clothable to resist a pressure of 800 Newtons. Very particular attention must be
paid to the way the seams under the armpits, if there are any, are made. The
fastenings of the uniform, jacket and breeches, (typically zips), must be
protected by a flap sewn to cover the fastenings in the direction of the fencer's
armed arm (right handed from right to left – left handed from left to right). An
under-garment consisting of a protective under-plastron covering the vital
upper areas of the body (following the design given in Annexe A to theseRules, ‘Safety norms for manufacturers’) resistant to 800 Newtons is also
obligatory.
d) Fencers’ clothing may be of different colours, apart from black.
e) There shall be only one national uniform per country with the exception thatthe manufacturers' marks and sponsors' logos may be different.
f) Logos (national strips) worn on the national clothing must be approved by the
FIE Executive Committee; they are then published on the FIE website andmay thereafter be used in official FIE competitions.

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g) For all official FIE competitions, the wearing of national strips (logos) is
compulsory on both legs, optional on the arm(s) (cf. t.74), and the logos must be
identical.
The logos must be identical for all fencers of the same federation.

h) The family name of the fencer must be displayed on the back of the jacket,
with the abbreviation of the national federation below it, at the level of theshoulder blades. They must be printed directly onto the jacket or onto a cloth
entirely sewn onto the jacket. The letters must be in dark blue, in Roman
capitals, between 8 cm and 10 cm high, and each stroke must be a maximum of
1.5 cm wide.

A World Champion has the right to have his/her name and the abbreviation of
his/her national federation printed in red for the following season.
An Olympic Champion has the right to have his/her name and the abbreviation of
his/her national federation printed in gold until the end of the next Olympic
Games.
4. Jacketa) At all weapons, for men and ladies, the lower edge of the jacket must overlap
the breeches by at least 10 cm when the fencer is in the on-guard position (cf.
m.28, m.34).
b) The jacket must include a lining making a double thickness of material for thesleeve down to the elbow of the sword arm and covering the flank up to theregion of the armpit. At épée the fencer is required to wear a regulation jacket,
which covers the whole of the surface of the trunk.

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At all weapons, the use of a breast/chest protector (made of metal or somerigid material) is compulsory for women and optional for men. At foil,
this breast/chest protector must be worn below the protective plastron.
At foil, the protector will have the following characteristics: The entire
outside of the chest protector (the side facing the opponent) must be covered
with a soft material such as E.V.A. (Ethylene-vinyl acetate) of four mm
thickness and density of 22kg/m3. (The material can be attached to thecurrent plastic models or incorporated into the manufacture of new chest
protectors). The material must have the SEMI technical mark at the center ofthe upper edge.

5. Breechesa) The breeches must be fastened below the knees.

b) With breeches, the fencer must wear socks which cover the legs right up to thebreeches. These socks must be held up in such a way that they cannot fall
down.
c) The fencer is permitted to wear socks with a 10cm turn-over showing thecolours of his national team.
6. Glove
At all weapons, the gauntlet of the glove must, in all circumstances, fully
cover approximately half the forearm of the competitor’s sword arm to preventthe opponent’s blade entering the sleeve of the jacket.
Under no circumstances should there be any hole in the hand of the glove,even to allow the passage of the body wire.
The closure of the glove should be from the middle of the wrist upwards
towards the thumb.
7. Maska) The mask must be made with meshes (space between the wires) of maximum
2.1 mm and from wires with a minimum gauge of 1 mm diameter. The mask
must include two different safety systems at the rear.
b) Masks, at all weapons, must be made in accordance with the safety standards
described in Annexe A to these Rules and must carry the quality label
specified in those standards.
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c) When the checks are carried out the person responsible for them may, if in
doubt, ensure that the mesh of the mask, both at the front and at the sides, isable to withstand, without permanent deformation, the introduction of a conicalinstrument, the angle of the surface of the cone being at 4° to the axis and at apressure of 12 kg.
d) A mask which does not comply with the safety requirements laid down in thisarticle will be rendered visibly unusable by the weapon checking personnel orthe Referee in the presence of the person who presented the mask to theweapon check or the team captain of the fencer concerned.
e) The bib of the mask must be made with cloth resistant to 1600 Newtons.
f) The mask must contain two different safety systems at the rear of the mask,with the two ends of the straps of the systems firmly affixed to the two sides ofthe mask. These straps must meet the following requirements approved by the
SEMI Commission and any retro-fitting to existing masks must be carried out
by the original manufacturer.

•
•

•

•

•
•

•

•
•

Mask with metallic tongue
The central band (strap) should not be less than 45 mm wide.
The strap must be positioned low enough across the rear of the cervical region
that the position of the strap on the head ensures that the mask cannot slideoff.
The band must be in solid material : when stretched the material should notsustain permanent plastic deformation and should quickly return to its original
shape and size
The fastening system must be doubled: it must be closed with a double
security system (this means that the Velcro™ has to be attached at least
twice).
The Velcro™ must have a minimum breaking strain of 750 N/cm
The tags to which the strap is attached by Velcro must be secured to each sideof the mask with the same breaking strain.
.
Mask without metallic tongue
The position of the main strap must be low enough to ensure that the mask
cannot slide off; the correct distance should be decided by the manufacturer(typically 25/30 mm).
The strap must incorporate 3 fixing points.
The use of a magnetic strap, already existing, remains mandatory.
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Please refer to the examples in the drawings below:

These images are only provided for information. When in doubt, the wording of therelevant text prevails.

RULES SPECIFIC TO FOIL
Glove (cf. m.25)
m.26 The glove may be slightly padded.
Mask (cf. m.25)
m.27.1. The mesh of the mask must not extend below the chin. It must be insulated
internally and externally by a plastic material resistant to impact.
2. The part of the bib that is beneath a horizontal line 1.5 - 2 cm below the chin, must
be entirely covered with a material that has the same conductive characteristics as
the conductive jacket.
3. Means of connection: the electrical contact between the conductive jacket and thebib of the mask must be ensured by means of a white coloured or clear covered
wire with two crocodile clips. The wire must be attached to the bib of the maskwith one crocodile clip and to the jacket with the other. This wire must be between
30cm and 40cm long.
A coiled mask wire is not allowed.
The crocodile clips, the design and size of which must conform to the conditions
laid down in Article m.29.2(c), must be soldered to the ends of the wire. In
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addition, the electrical resistance in this wire (between the two crocodile clips)
must not exceed 1 ohm.

Conductive jacket
m.28. 1. The conductive surface of the conductive over-jacket which is worn over theprotective jacket must cover the valid target of the fencer (cf. t.47) entirely andwithout omission when in the on-guard position. The jacket must have aconductive flap, minimum 2 cm by 3 cm, near the middle of the back, just below
the collar, to which the crocodile clip from the mask can be attached2. Whatever the means of fastening used, the conductive material must cover a
sufficient area to ensure that it covers the valid target in all positions of the fencer.
The overlap must always be on the sword-arm side.
3. The interior of conductive jackets must be electrically insulated by a lining or byan adequate treatment of the conductive lamé material.
4. The conductive collar must have a minimum height of 3 cm and the foil
conductive jacket must have a conductive flap, minimum 2cm by 3 cm, near the
middle of the back, just below the collar, to which the crocodile clip from the mask
can be attached.
5. The lamé material used must be of conductive thread in both warp and weft. As
regards electrical conductibility it must conform to the following requirements.
a) The electrical resistance measured between any two points of the lamématerial must not be greater than 5 ohms. The resistance will be measured byusing a 500g conductive metal weight which has a hemispherical end with aradius of 4 mm. This weight, placed on this end and moved about on the lamé,must maintain continuous contact with a maximum resistance of 5 ohms.
b) In no circumstances must the use of a conductive jacket be allowed if it has
holes in it, or patches of oxidation or other defects which may prevent theregistration of a valid hit.
c) A conductive jacket which is considered to be unusable will be so marked
with a very visible coloured paint by a member of the SEMI Committee of theFIE.
6. The conductive jacket must be so made that when it is laid flat there is a straightline between the point of junction of the lines of the groin and the two points
corresponding to the tops of the hip bones (ilium).
7. The band of non-conductive material passing between the legs must be at least 3
cm wide (see Figure 14).
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Figure 14. Foil: conductive jacket
This diagram is for guidance purposes only. In case of any doubt the wording of the appropriate text takes precedence

m.29. Bodywire and attachment plugs

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1. a) The conductive wires of the bodywire (the fencers’ personal equipment) must
be well insulated electrically from each other, twisted or joined together, andnot be affected by humidity.

b) This bodywire has a connecting plug which must be made of a transparent
material at each end. In the absence of a security device being fitted to theweapon, a security device must be fitted to the plug of the bodywire.
c) The electrical resistance of each of these conductive wires (plug to plug andplug to crocodile clip) must not exceed 1 ohm.
2. a) At the spool end the three-pin male plug, which must comply with theconditions of manufacture and assembly laid down in Article m.55, will be
attached to the wires in the following manner:— the pin at 15 mm from the centre pin to the conductive jacket;— the central pin to the wire in the weapon;— the pin at 20 mm from the centre pin to the foil earth circuit or the
conductive piste.
b) The wire which joins the rear connection of the bodywire to the conductive
jacket by a crocodile clip must be separate for at least 40 cm. This wire must
be soldered to the crocodile clip and this soldering must not be covered by any
insulation or any material whatsoever. However, any method of fixing which
presents the same guarantees as soldering may be used, provided it has been
accepted by the SEMI Committee.
c) The crocodile clip must be robust and ensure perfect contact with theconductive jacket. Its width at the point of contact must be at least 10 mm; theinside of the clip must leave a free space at least 8 mm long by 3 mm high. It
must be clipped onto the back of the conductive jacket on the sword-arm side.
3. a) At the end nearest the foil, inside the guard, any method of attachment isallowed but the method adopted must always conform to the specification laid
down in Article m.5.
b) In addition, the pins of the plug must in no circumstances be able to touch themetal part of the guard.
c) The wire from the point will be protected by an insulated sheath from theplace where it enters the guard right up to the insulated connection on the plug
socket. Under no circumstances may the non-insulated wire extend beyond thisinsulated plug connection (cf. m.5, m.9).

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RULES SPECIFIC TO EPEE
Mask
m.30. 1. The mask must not be covered, in whole or in part, by conductive material ormaterial which can cause the point to glance off (cf. m.25).
2. The mask must be so shaped that the bib reaches below the prominences of thecollar bones (clavicles).
Bodywirem.31. 1. a)

The conductive wires of the bodywire (the fencers’ personal equipment) must
be well insulated from each other, insensitive to humidity, and either joined or
twisted together.

b) The maximum electrical resistance allowed for each of these conductive
wires from plug to plug is 1 ohm.
2. The bodywire has a connecting plug which must be made of a transparent
material at each end. In the absence of a security device being fitted to theweapon, a security device must be fitted to the plug of the bodywire.
3. At the spool end, a three-pin male plug is connected to the wire as follows:a) the pin 15 mm from the centre pin to whichever wire is most directly
connected to the pointe d’arrêt;b) the centre pin to the other wire on the épée;c) the pin 20 mm from the centre pin to the épée’s earth circuit and to the
conductive piste.
4. This plug must conform to the conditions of manufacture and mounting specified
in Article m.55.
5. Inside the guard the choice of system is free but the system chosen must comply
with the conditions of Article m.5.
6. In addition, the pins of the plug must not on any account permit contact with themetal of the guard.
7. The two wires coming from the tip must be protected by two insulating sheaths,
one for each wire, from the point where they enter the guard right up to the two
insulated connections on the plug socket. In no case may uninsulated wires extend
beyond the plug connections (cf. m.5, m.9).
RULES SPECIFIC TO SABRE
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Mask
m.32. 1. The metal mesh of the mask must not be insulated and must ensure electricalconductivity.
2. The bib and any trim must be entirely covered with conductive material with thesame electrical characteristics as the conductive jacket.
3. The trim may also be made of conductive material.
4. The electrical contact between the conductive jacket and the mask must be
ensured by means of a white coloured or clear covered wire with two crocodile
clips. The wire must be attached to the mask with one crocodile clip and to thejacket with another crocodile clip. This wire must be between 30cm and 40cm
long. A coiled mask wire is not allowed.
5. The electrical resistance between the crocodile clip and any point on the mask
must be less than 5 ohms. The crocodile clips, the design and size of which must
conform to the conditions laid down in Article m.29.2(c), must be soldered to theends of the wire. In addition, the electrical resistance in this wire (between the two
crocodile clips) must not exceed 1 ohm.
Glovem.33. 1. The material of the fencing glove must have a level of protection of 800N on theareas shown in the diagram below, the seams a minimum strength of 200N andcuff a level of protection of 350N. The conductive material, which can beremovable or fixed, must cover all of the gauntlet of the glove down to below theexternal cubital styloid (small prominent bone of the wrist), both when the fencer isin the ‘on-guard’ position and when the sword arm is straight. Inside the glove
there must be fixed the FIE quality label, granted after the homologation
procedure, with the year of manufacture and stating 800N.

This diagram is for guidance purposes only. In case of any doubt the wording of the appropriate text takes precedence

2. The conductive material must be turned over into the inside of the gauntlet to adepth of at least 5 cm.
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3. In order to guarantee a good contact with the sleeve of the conductive jacket, it isnecessary to use an elastic band, a popper button or any system which will
guarantee conductivity and which has been approved by the SEMI Committee.
When a conductive overlay is worn, the overlay must contain a device which fixes
the position of the overlay on the arm so that its position on the arm cannot bechanged during the bout.
4. The conductive tissue (lamé) must satisfy the specified control conditions (cfm.28.5)

Conductive jacket
m.34. 1. The fencer must wear, over his jacket, a conductive over-jacket, the conductive
surface of which must cover entirely and without omission the valid surface of the
body above a horizontal line which, when the fencer is on guard, joins, round thefencer’s trunk, the tops of the two hip bones.
2. The conductive surface must cover the arms as far as the wrists. The jacket musthave a collar which is at least 3 cm high. The jacket must have a conductive flap,
minimum 2 cm x 3 cm in the middle of the back, just below the collar, to which thecrocodile clip from the mask can be attached.
3. Whatever means of fastening is used, the conductive material must be ample
enough to guarantee covering the valid target area in any position.
4. The conductive material (lamé) must satisfy the conditions laid down for testing(cf. m.28).
5. The sleeves of the conductive jacket must be fixed at the wrist by means of anelastic band. There must be a strap passing between the fencer’s legs to keep thejacket in place (see Figure 15).

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Figure 15. Sabre: conductive jacket
This diagram is for guidance purposes only. In case of any doubt the wording of the appropriate text takes precedence

Bodywire and plugs
m.35. The fencer must use the bodywire specified for foil, plugged into the guard plug
socket by means of any system which conforms with the conditions for
manufacture and assembly laid down in Articles m.5, m.29 and m.55.
CHAPTER 3. CHECKING OF MATERIAL COMPETENCE
m.36. 1. The checking of the electrical material used by the organisers for the WorldChampionships (Open, Junior and Cadet) and the fencing competitions of the
Olympic Games, as well as the checking of the fencers’ equipment, must be
supervised by the SEMI Committee.
2. To carry out this supervision, three members of the above-mentioned
Committee must be appointed and put in charge of this work. However, when
the organising country possesses somebody competent, recognised as such by
the SEMI, two members of the above Committee will be appointed.
3. The delegates of the SEMI Committee of the FIE have the right at any time toseize a weapon, a bodywire, a conductive jacket or any item of equipment or
clothing for examination.
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CHECKING OF FENCERS’ EQUIPMENT
m.37. 1. In all official FIE competitions the fencers are responsible for their equipment(including weapons and clothes) at the moment they present themselves on thepiste.
2. In particular blades, masks and clothing must all carry the label of guarantee
specified in the safety standards annexed to these Rules.
3. The forms of checking laid down by these Rules are only intended to helporganisers who must apply the Rules and fencers who must always respect theseRules. These checks can, therefore, in no way absolve any fencers who breakthe Rules from responsibility.
Presentation of equipment to the Weapon Checking Centre
m.38. 1. Fencers are obliged to present themselves at the Weapon Checking Centre, atthe time advised in the timetable of each official competition of the FIE, withthe equipment they intend to use during the event in question. The number ofarticles handed to the Checking Centre is limited to four weapons, threebodywires, two conductive jackets, two masks and three mask-to-jacket leads
per fencer.
2. Each competitor must submit his weapons in a fencing bag at the Weapon
Checking Centre reception. An inventory of the equipment is made by anorganising official and a label is put on the bag, indicating the name of thecountry of the competitor. The bags are stored in the order in which they arrive,and are checked in the same order.
3. Provision should be made for weapons and clothing to be submitted on themorning of the day before the competition. Having been checked, thematerial will be returned to the delegations at the end of the day.
Weapons, equipment and clothing presented to the Checking Centre after 5 p.m.
on the day before each event may be refused.
4. Each head of delegation must indicate where he can be contacted should aserious fault be detected while the equipment belonging to his fencers is being
checked.
5. If a weapon is found to be defective at the first check a form is attached indicating
the fault: e.g. the length of the blade, the insulation, the spring of the point, cutting
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edges, etc. This form is completed at the second check. However, when a weapon
is rejected, it must go through the entire cycle again.
m.39. 1. If material or equipment presented to the Checking Centre appears to have beenassembled in such a way that the fencer can control at will the registering of hits or
the malfunctioning of the judging apparatus, the representative of the SEMI
Committee may, after the examination of the irregular items, require a penalty
against the person who submitted them.
2. The fencers or the team captain can only insist on the return of the equipment
which has been checked one hour before the start of the event.
3. Any repairs to equipment rejected during the checking can be carried out in the
repair workshop. Repaired equipment will, however, only be tested again after the
first set of checks of the other fencers’ equipment has been completed.
Body responsible for checks
m.40. 1. The Executive Committee of the FIE will appoint the member(s) of the SEMI
Committee to be responsible for the checking of weapons, clothing and equipmentof the fencers at the fencing competitions of the Olympic Games and for the WorldChampionships.
2. For other official FIE competitions the Organising Committee will appoint one ormore persons to be responsible for this checking.
m.41. The items of equipment which have been thus checked will be distinctively marked.
A fencer must not, on pain of penalties (cf. t.120), use any equipment which does notbear this check mark.

Personnel and equipment required for checking
m.42. 1. In order to allow those carrying out the checking to fulfil their task, the organisers
are required to make available the equipment (gauges, weights, scales, electricalmeasuring machines, etc.) and the personnel necessary to carry out the work.
2. The Organising Committee must provide the FIE technical delegates responsible
for checking the weapons and equipment with at least the following apparatus:a) Two gauges allowing the lengths of blades and the depths and diameters of theguards at all weapons to be measured quickly.
b) Devices for measuring the flexibility of blades and the resistance of the meshof masks.
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c) An electrical checking device to check quickly that the electrical resistance ofthe point is not too high, and that the bodywire and the weapon are correctly
assembled. Devices enabling these measurements to be taken easily are, infact, commercially available.
d) Weights of 750 g and 500 g to test the springs of the points in épée and foil, in
the workshop and at each piste.
e) A device allowing the lighting stroke and residual travel of épée points to beaccurately measured, in the workshop and at each piste.
f) Labels to indicate that a weapon has been checked and that it satisfies theregulation, or has been rejected.
g) In the world championships and Olympic Games the control of blades by
Foucault current is mandatory.
h) The organisers must provide a special stamp to be affixed to each conductive
jacket to enable the referees to verify that its resistance in ohms has beenchecked by the technical delegates of the FIE. Nevertheless, this compulsory
checking mark is not sufficient to justify the use of the jacket. In effect, it is thetask of the Referee to check, before each event, that the conductive jacket,
having been checked and marked, entirely covers the valid target area, andaccordingly to make the final decision whether it may be used.
i) A special ink or paint must be provided to mark the guards, blades and points
of weapons which have been checked. Nevertheless, those responsible may use
other methods to mark the weapons and conductive jackets.

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Figure 16. Gauge for checking weapons

m.43. 1. To carry out the checks properly and rapidly, ‘workshop’ teams of three people
should be used. (At least three such workshops should be provided.)
2. The first person checks that all the weapons are normal with respect to theirdimensions by passing them through a gauge.
3. The second does all electrical tests.
4. The third affixes the checking marks and replaces the weapons in the fencing bag.
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PART 2. FITTINGS AND MATERIALPROVIDED BY THE ORGANISERS
Introduction
m.44. 1. All electrical judging equipment includes, in addition to the equipment provided
by the fencers themselves, the material provided by the organisers of acompetition, which is:
2. The central judging apparatus, with extension lamps (cf. m.51, m.59, Annexe
B);
3. The spools, with cables and connections, or cables suspended overhead (cf. m.55);
4. The conductive piste which neutralises hits made on the ground (cf. m.57);
5. The source of electrical current should be 12 V DC via AC/DC converter or
through VRLA (valve-regulated lead-acid) batteries (cf. m.58).
6. For finals of official competitions of the FIE, a clock which counts down the time
and which can be linked to the apparatus which controls the audible signal and theelectrical registering of hits (cf. m.51, Annexe B).
7. The wireless apparatus is optional at the Veteran World Championships.

CHAPTER 1. SCORINGAPPARATUS Authorised designs
m.45. Only electrical apparatus designed with wires connecting the fencers to the central
apparatus and registering hits by light signals with auxiliary sound signals areauthorised, except for apparatus without wires using encoded waves authorised by the
SEMI. This excludes other apparatus based on wireless waves and those which
register sound signals only.
Approval of designs of apparatus
m.46. 1. Judging apparatus for use in a World Championship or the Olympic Games musthave been approved by the SEMI Committee of the FIE.
2. In order to obtain this approval, the apparatus which it is proposed to use must be
submitted complete, with spools, connections, etc., for an examination by the said

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Committee, at a place and on a date to be agreed with the Committee, at least six
months before the date of the competition.
3. The apparatus must be accompanied by a detailed drawing showing its
construction.
m.47. Approval is given for the use of the apparatus in one specific official competition
only. The SEMI Committee is willing, as far as it is able, and without charge, toexamine prototypes of apparatus submitted by constructors even if the use of suchapparatus is not envisaged for an imminent official competition.
m.48. 1. Approval is given for only one established design of apparatus which conforms to
the drawing submitted, and is not given as a general approval for all the products
made by any manufacturer. The latter may state in their publicity only the fact thatthe design of apparatus which they offer for sale has been used at a specific official
competition (if this in fact is the case); but they themselves must guarantee that theapparatus conforms to the design for which approval was given.
2. Every approved apparatus must carry, on its base, a metallic plate identifying its
specific characteristics: manufacturer, year of manufacture, model, technicalinformation, etc.
m.49. The approval of an apparatus by the SEMI Committee as well as its acceptance
implies no guarantee against possible faults of construction, or against its use with asource of electrical current other than accumulators (cf. m.58).
m.50. All expenses incurred by the SEMI Committee for the examination of apparatus are
the responsibility of the persons submitting the apparatus.
Requirements for all electrical equipment (cf. Annexe B)
m.51. 1. A hit made on the conductive piste or on the metallic parts of the weapon mustnot be registered by the apparatus, nor may it prevent the registering of a hit madesimultaneously by the opponent. At foil a hit made on a part of the foil may
register if an uninsulated part of the weapon of the fencer is in contact with his
conductive jacket.
2. The apparatus must not have any device whereby anyone other than the person
detailed to supervise it can interrupt its working during a bout.
3. Hits are registered by light signals. The signal lamps must be placed on the top of
the apparatus, in order that they may be visible to the Referee, the competitors andthe superintendent of the apparatus. They must be so positioned that they show
clearly from which side the hit was made. It must be possible to attach extension
lamps to the exterior of the apparatus, in order to increase the visibility of thesignals.
At foil, when using the apparatus it should be noted that:
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November 2023a)
If a non-valid hit has been scored the apparatus will not register apossible valid hit scored on the same side of the apparatus.
b)
The apparatus does not indicate whether there is any priority in time
between two or more hits which it registers simultaneously.

4. Once the signal lamps are alight, they must so remain until the apparatus is reset,
without having any tendency to go out or flicker either when subsequent hits are
made or if the apparatus is subjected to vibrations.
5. The visual signals must be accompanied by audible signals (cf. Annexe B).
6. The resetting switches must be placed either on top of or on the front part of theapparatus.

7.a) For official competitions of the FIE (cf. t.1) the source of power must always be
secured through external batteries or UPS (Uninterruptible power supply) in order
not to interrupt the load during the match if any interruption occurs in the normal
electricity supply. The wiring of the apparatus to be powered in this way must be
designed so that it is impossible for the apparatus to become connected by mistakedirectly to the mains supply.
b) All fencing salles, clubs, etc., and the organisers of training sessions orcompetitions involving weapons using electrical equipment, may use thecurrent supplied by the mains on condition that they adhere strictly to thetechnical standards laid down on the subject by their countries andinternational communities.
8. During the last 10 seconds of each period in an individual bout and of each bout ina team match, the clock must show: the time to a tenth of second when the scoringapparatus is running and to a hundredth of second when the scoring apparatus isstopped. The timer should be provided with a remote start/stop device (see Annex
B for technical specifications).
9. For the finals of official competitions of the FIE, the clock must be equipped witha system which connects it to some external extension clocks displaying large
luminous numbers, and with another system for the connection of the audible
signal. These two connection systems must be separated from the circuits situatedinside the central judging apparatus by means of opto-couplers (cf. t.32, m.44).
10. When the cable connecting the audible-signal apparatus to the clock is
disconnected, the audible-signal apparatus must emit a sound of between 80 and
100 decibels (measured at the centre line of the piste) lasting between 2 and 3
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seconds, but the central judging apparatus must not be blocked and the clock mustnot be stopped (cf. t.32, m.44, m.51/9).
Number and quality of judging apparatuses
m.52. 1. For official FIE competitions, the organising committee must provide a minimum
number of electrical judging apparatuses equal to the number of pistes plus atleast two spares. All the apparatuses must be in perfect working order, and of a
type approved for the World Championships.
2. As soon as a member federation is selected to organise an official FIE
competition, it would do well to contact the President of the SEMI Committee
immediately in order to obtain the names of manufacturers whose electricalapparatus is accepted by the Committee.
3. The Organising Committee usually prefers combined apparatus, which can be used
for all three weapons. The Organising Committee must choose a manufacturer who
will provide good quality equipment for the smooth technical running ofcompetitions; this equipment must be approved by the SEMI Committee.
4. For official FIE competitions (cf. t.1) the apparatus must obligatorily be powered
through external batteries or UPS (Uninterruptible power supply) with minimum 5
minutes backup time.

Checking of apparatuses
m.53. 1. Having chosen the manufacturer with which it wants to deal, the Organising
Committee of a World Championship immediately advises the President of the
SEMI Committee of the FIE who in turn contacts this firm to obtain, as soon as
possible, a prototype of the desired model.
The control of the fencing apparatuses must be done before the competition using achecking device that is able to verify that the fencing apparatuses fulfil all
requirements related to reaction times and electrical resistances.
2. The report on the checking of the apparatus is always presented to the
manufacturer by the President of the Committee within one month of the apparatus
being received.
3. There are then two possibilities:a) The proposed apparatus is accepted by the Committee, in which case the otherapparatuses can be manufactured like the prototype.
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b) The apparatus does not conform to the requirements, in which case it must be
modified and re-submitted to the Committee for a new examination.
4. When all the apparatuses are ready and before they are sent out, the President of
the SEMI Committee must be notified, so that he can document the checking of
the apparatuses before they leave the factory. Each apparatus comes with a test
report giving the different specifications concerning the registering time inmilliseconds and the resistance in ohms of the external circuits before registering a
non-valid hit.
The person in charge of verification ticks off every apparatus and makes a note ofits number.
m.54. 1. Before every World Championship or Olympic Games, a delegate of the Organising
Committee must check the proper working of the apparatuses to be used andthat they conform to the type registered. This is independent of the registration of
the type of apparatus mentioned above (cf. m.52).
2. The apparatuses must be made available to this delegate at least 48 hours before
the beginning of the competition.

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CHAPTER 2.
SPOOLS, CABLES AND THEIR CONNECTIONS
m.55. 1. The maximum electrical resistance of each wire of the spool, measured fromsocket to socket, must be 3 ohms.
2. There must be no interruption of electrical contact even when the spool is being
rotated at full speed. To ensure this the contact rings must have double brushes.
The wire connected to the earth circuit of the weapon will be connected to theframe of the spool.
3. The spools must allow 20 m of cable to be unwound without straining the springs.
4. The socket which terminates the spool cable, and is designed to receive the plug ofthe bodywire at the fencer’s back, must include a safety device which fulfils thefollowing requirements:— that it is impossible to use it unless the plug is correctly put in;— that it is impossible for it to become separated during the bout;— that it is possible for the competitor to verify that the two foregoing
requirements are satisfied.
5. The resistance of each of the three wires in the connecting cables must not exceed
2.5 ohms.
6. The plugs used to connect the bodywire to the spool wire and the connecting
cables to the spools and to the apparatus must have three pins of 4 mm diameterarranged in a straight line. The outer pins must be spaced 15 and 20 mm
respectively from the centre pin. The bodywire and the connecting cables haveplugs, the spool wires and the central electrical apparatus have sockets to them.
7. The use of suspended cables instead of spools is permitted, provided that theconditions already mentioned are satisfied.
m.56. 1. The organisers must ensure that the spools have cables of at least 20 m in length sothat they do not get ripped out in the event of a flèche made at the end of the piste.
2. It is desirable for the spools to be placed close to the pistes, but outside them sothat fencers do not trip over them.
3. The cables connecting the spools to the apparatus should be of the three core typeand be covered with rubber to protect them from humidity and blows.
4. Conductive pistes should be earthed at the centre of the piste.
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5. Those in charge of checking equipment during competitions must have a simple
and practical device at their disposal to allow them to check quickly that there areno breaks or short-circuits in the three wires of the spools.

CHAPTER 3. CONDUCTIVE PISTES
m.57. 1. The conductive piste must be made from metal, metallic mesh or some substancethat is conductive. The resistance of the piste, from one end to the other, must notexceed 5 ohms.
2. The conductive piste must cover the whole of the length and breadth of the piste
including its extensions, in order to neutralise floor hits.
3. a) When the piste is mounted on a platform the conductive piste must cover thewhole width of the platform.
b) The platform must not exceed 50 cm in height, and must be wider than the
fencing piste itself by at least 25 cm on each side. Each end of the podium
must be equipped with a gentle slope right down to ground level.
4. Because the amount of wire which the spools can carry is limited, the conductive
piste is designed for use on a piste 14 m long; an extension of 1.50–2 m is added ateach end of the piste to allow the fencer crossing the rear limits of the piste to retireon an even and unvarying surface. The conductive piste must therefore have alength of 17–18 m.
5. a) It is preferable to lay the conductive piste on a wooden base with some flexible
material between. It must be provided with some device which enables it to be
kept well stretched.
b) The wooden bases are 12–15 cm above ground level. Their sides must not be
sloping.
c) It is preferable to have a metal strip, screwed down if possible, which willkeep down the edges of the conductive piste along the entire length of the baseon both sides.
d) Pistes made of metallic mesh must never be placed directly on a floor ofreinforced concrete or tiles.
6. The paint used to draw the lines on the conductive piste must not prevent its
electrical conductibility, so that a hit made on it at a point where a line occurs is
also neutralised.

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7. The organisers must have equipment for the immediate repair of the piste
available on the spot.
8. There must be no roller or any sort of obstacle at the ends of the conductive pistes
which could prevent the fencers from retreating normally.
9. Pistes used in the World Championships and in the Olympic Games must be tested
before competition by the organisers using the Slip-Meter.

CHAPTER 4. SOURCE OF ELECTRICAL CURRENT
m.58. 1. The apparatus must be based on a 12 volt supply (± 5%) or, if the sources of current
for each side of the apparatus are separate, on 2 x 12 volts or 2 x 6 volts. (Theseparation of the supply for each side of the apparatus is recommended because it
can simplify a number of problems met in the construction of apparatus for foil.)
2. The apparatus may include warning lights to indicate that it is switched on. Suchlights should be colourless.
3. If the apparatus is constructed to operate with dry batteries, it must be equippedwith a voltmeter or some other device enabling the power in the batteries to bechecked at any moment. However, the apparatus must always be equipped with asocket, to allow it to be powered either by 12 V DC via AC/DC converter or through
VRLA batteries.
4. Generally, if the apparatus is powered by batteries or UPS (Uninterruptible power
supply), the minimum backup time for the external batteries or UPS is 5 minutes.
CHAPTER 5. EXTENSION LAMPS
m.59. 1. a)

Extension lamps outside the apparatus are obligatory for the official
competitions of the FIE.

b) The lamps should be placed at a minimum of 1.80 m above the piste. (Whenthe fencers fence on a 0.50 m high podium, the extension lamps must be 2.30
m above ground.)c) The extension lamps signalling valid hits are coloured, one red, the othergreen, and they must be of 2600 lumens minimum.
2. a) The white lights indicating non-valid hits need be of only 1100 lumens.
b) The two lamps of the same group must not be further apart than 15 cm.
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3. The white and coloured extension lamps must be arranged on either side of theapparatus, either horizontally or vertically, and must be visible from all directions(cf. Annexe B, paragraph A.1.(a).2).
m.60. 1. The exterior lamps of high intensity may be connected to the main electrical supply,
but in this case the signals of the recording apparatus have to be separated from thecircuits of these lamps by phototransistors or by opto-couplers.
2. For World Championship and Grand Prix finals and Masters, it is obligatory to
make use of a display board of the type shown in the drawing in Annexe C,
providing instantaneous information on the fencers’ names, the score, the time andother matters necessary for a good understanding of the bout.
Starting from the last 64 at World Championships and Grand Prix, it is mandatory
to use a central apparatus with a large display or a couple scoreboard that provides
instant information on the fencers’ names, country, score, time, the period of a boutor the relay of a match and any penalty cards.
This central apparatus is optional at Zonal Championships and World Cups.

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ANNEXE A TO THE MATERIAL RULES
Manufacturers’ Safety Standards for Fencers’
Weapons, Equipment and Clothing
Introduction:
Fencing material used in official FIE competitions and carrying the FIE logo must,without exception, have obtained a certificate of homologation, certifying that a specificitem of fencing material complies with FIE Rules.
The homologation procedure is carried out by the FIE SEMI Commission under thesupervision of an Executive Committee representative.
The homologation certificate is delivered following the successful passing of thehomologation process described hereafter.
The manufacturer must wait for the result of the homologation process to be publishedand for the certificate to be issued prior to beginning production and/orcommercialization.
The FIE SEMI Commission is composed of 10 elected members and the FIE COMEX
representative and, in case of need, the SEMI Commission may consult experts fromdifferent fields to ensure the quality and expertise of the homologation process.

For software homologation, a delegate from the Rules Commission is mandatory.
For video-refereeing, a delegate from the Refereeing Commission is mandatory.
Field of application:
Homologation is compulsory for blades, points, protective clothing (jackets, breeches
and under-plastrons) including masks and gloves, fencing scoring apparatuses (bothwith wires and wireless), pistes, video refereeing systems and competition management
software.
This list is not exhaustive and can be extended at any time by the Executive Committee.
Homologation process:1)

The homologation request must be addressed in written form to the President of the
SEMI Commission. The request must contain all the documents requested in theappropriate technical handbook.

2)

The President of the SEMI checks the request for theoretical conformity(completeness of the file, complying descriptions…) and replies within 14 days tothe person making the request. An application which fails is sent back to the person
making the request with explanations for the rejection. A successful application is
forwarded to the FIE SEMI Commission members with a copy to the person
making the request.
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3)

The Manufacturer and the independent Institute of his choice should both send
the laboratory compliancy test results to the President of the SEMI Commission,
together with the request for homologation. The list of specialized institutes
approved by the SEMI will be updated regularly and communicated to the
Executive Committee.
Equipment failing to pass the tests may be modified following SEMI
instructions and submitted again for the homologation process.

4)

Equipment needing to be tested in a competition will be given a provisional
homologation to be used at a specific competition, agreed with the representativeof the Executive Committee and the organizer of the chosen competition at the
proposal of the SEMI President.

5)

After successfully passing all tests a sample of each piece of equipment should
be sent to the President of the SEMI for analysis and reference; if the results ofthis analysis are satisfactory the specification of the equipment is given FIE
homologation

6)

Every step in the homologation process is documented in conformity with thetechnical handbooks. The person making the request has free access to the
documentation. Every member of the SEMI Commission must receive the fulldocumentation. However, to protect intellectual property these documents are
not available to the public at large.

7)

The final homologation is published on the FIE website.

8)

CE certificates and tests are given by specialized institutes. The SEMI provides
lists of equipment which has received homologation, published on the FIE
website and with the appropriate certificates.

Modification management:
1)

The homologation is valid for the duration specified in the technical handbooks
as long as no modification is made to the equipment or its manufacturing process.
For blades the first homologation process has to be confirmed with a periodical
check done every 2 years (see page 68 item 7)2)

Any change must be immediately reported to the FIE SEMI Commission President.
These changes cover all aspects of the homologated items (appearance,composition, internal content, software and all other material changes).

3)

The modified equipment must pass the whole homologation process again.

In particular, if a manufacturer intends to change the material or the manufacturing of
his FIE certified equipment, the manufacturer must submit it for a new homologation
process and wait for the result.
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Technical handbooks:
1)

Technical handbooks are elaborated by the SEMI and submitted to the
Executive Committee.

2)Technical handbooks are specific to each item of equipment.

Marks:The FIE emblem is a registered trademark.
It can only be used on equipment that has successfully undergone the FIE homologation
process.
By affixing the FIE label of quality to their equipment manufacturers guarantee thatsuch marked equipment fulfils FIE technical and security requirements.
Expenses:
All the expenses and costs related to the homologation of the equipment (e.g. masks,
blades, breeches, jackets, under-plastron, pistes and apparatus, software and video
systems) are chargeable to the requester.
Withdrawal or suspension of a homologation:- Homologation can be withdrawn or suspended when the SEMI Commission becomesaware that:a)the homologated material no longer conforms with the Rules; orb)after the homologation has been granted, the material has been modified
significantly and the modifications have not been submitted for a newhomologation.

Random quality control of Fencing Equipment
The FIE SEMI Commission may obtain a random sample of any specific item of fencing
equipment available on the market. Having obtained the equipment, the SEMI will submit it
to technical analysis for quality control purposes.

Should there be any doubt as to the quality of the item, the SEMI may send it directly toa certified independent institute for testing; tests will be carried out in accordance withthe existing FIE material rules and with CE/EC standards. Should the tests reveal any
non-conformity or any lowering of quality level, the SEMI will take appropriate action,
which may involve the application of a penalty. In extreme cases, the manufacturer may
lose a previously awarded FIE homologation.

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Occasional check
The SEMI alone may:- carry out occasional checks on blades (three blades);- at World Championships, obtain a selection of blades bearing the official FIE
guarantee stamp;- have the blades tested at the approved laboratories, distributing the work evenly
between them;Should the blades fail the tests, the manufacturers will pay for the blades and the costsof the tests, their homologation will be annulled and the manufacturer will have tosubmit ten further blades for a new homologation process. There will be no certificate
issued for the occasional check.

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1. WEAPONSBLADES
SPECIFICATION FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF FENCING
BLADES 1. Purpose
This specification refers to the steel that may be used for the construction of blades
for fencing, its quality, its manufacturing process, the controls and tests to be
conducted.
2. General conditions
The steel used for the manufacture of fencing blades must have the ability towithstand high levels of exertion, a high degree of resistance to breaking and a low
susceptibility to corrosion. Please refers to the Standard table STM (European
standard ISO) about the quality.
3. Characteristics of the material
The structure of the steel, after treatment and manufacturing processing to obtain thefinished product, must be smooth and homogeneous.
Faults in the interior or on the surface of the finished product itself are not permitted.
Having definitively established the type of steel being used, the appropriate heat
treatments are compulsory.
3.1. Mechanical characteristics
The mechanical characteristics of the steel, after heat treatment, must conform to therequirements in Table I.
Table I. Mechanical characteristics of steel
Rp 0.2
N/mm2

Rm
N/mm2

A
%

Z
%

KV
Joule/cm2

K1C
MPa

HV

>= 1900>= 2000

>= 7

>= 35

≥ 27

≥ 70

>= 50059

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3.2. Chemical analysis
The allowable limits of the composition of the different elements and impurities forthe different types of steel are listed in Table II.
Table II. Chemical composition (in percentage terms)
Element

Type of steel
GMG

C<= 0.03S<= 0.0005

P<= 0.005

Si<= 0.10Mn<= 0.10Cr<= 0.50

Ni
*T
y
Mo
p
eCu
s

18 - 20

Sno
f Al<= 0.005

sB
t
eCo
e
l Ti

*

*

4- 5
<= 0.30<= 0.05<= 0.003
8 - 13
0.5 - 2.0

0.005
*Ca
*
Zr
<= 0.02*still the subject of experiment must be included in this table, as they must conform to the characteristics
detailed in point 3.1 of the specification.

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3.3. Manufacturing process
The products must be subjected to a manufacturing process corresponding to thoseindicated for the different types of steel in Table III.
Table III. Manufacturing process
Type of steel

Process

GMG

1. Forging at temperatures between 1150°C and 950°C
2. Air-cooling with the blades spaced apart
3. Mechanical machining (removal of extra thickness by reworking)
4. Homogenisation at 950°C ± 10°C for 1 hour
5. Immersion heat treatment at 820°C ± 10°C for 1 hour
6. Air-cooling with the blades spaced apart
7. Ageing at 480°C for 9 hours
8. Air-cooling with the blades spaced apart
9. Cold finishing*** Types of steel still the subject of experiment must be included in this table, as they must conform tothe characteristics detailed in point 3.1 of the specification.

4. Tests and examinations (material)
The tests and examinations to which the steel must be subjected are as follows:— Chemical analysis— Traction test
— Ductility tests— Fracture resistance tests
4.1. Chemical analysis
The sample must have a minimum mass of 50 g. The chemical composition inpercentage terms must conform to that laid down in Table II for the corresponding
type of steel.
4.2. Traction test
The test must be conducted on a test sample of circular section whose dimensions areindicated at the end of this annexe (Figure A.8), taken from materials that have been
subjected to the same heat treatment as specified for materials for the manufacture of
the blades.
The tensile strength values must conform to those laid down in Table I.
4.3. Tensile test
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The test must be conducted on a test sample with a groove in the form of a V, whose
dimensions are indicated at the end of this annexe (Figure A.8), taken in thelongitudinal direction from materials that have been subjected to the same heat
treatment as specified for materials for the manufacture of the blades.
The value must conform to that laid down in Table I.
4.4. Test of strength at the fracture point, K1C
The K1C value of the steel must be measured by traction on a CT sample which has
the dimensions indicated at the end of this annexe (Table VIII), made from materials
subjected to the same thermal treatment as required for the blades, notchedmechanically initiating a fatigue crack at the apex of the notch. The test must be
conducted according to the methods indicated by the standard ASTM E 399. The
value must conform to that laid down in Table I.
The results must conform to the reference standards.
5. Characteristics of the finished product5.1. ShapeThe blades, classified according to the type of weapon, must have the shapes
indicated in Annexe A and satisfy the conditions established by the FIE Rules.
5.2. Surface defects
The blades must be free of surface faults which could compromise their use (folds
in lamination, cracks, splinters, decarbonisation).
5.3. Surface roughness
At the conclusion of their manufacturing process the blades must be subjected tofinishing to ensure a surface roughness of <= 0.1 mm. The grinding marks must
only extend in the longitudinal direction of the blade.
6.

Tests and examinations (finished product)
The tests and examinations to which the steel must be subjected are as follows:— Chemical analysis— Traction test
— Ductility test
— Test of fracture toughness, K1C— Hardness test
— Microscopic examination of the structure— Corrosion test
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— Non-destructive control— Fatigue resistance test
6.1. Chemical analysis
The sample must have a minimum mass of 50 g. The chemical composition inpercentage terms must conform to that laid down in Table II for the corresponding
type of steel.
6.2. Traction test
The test must be conducted on a sample of circular section, taken from the blade,whose dimensions are indicated at the end of this annexe (Figure A.8).
The values of the tension characteristics must conform to those laid down in TableI.

6.3. Tensile test
The test must be conducted on a sample taken from the blade, without notches,
whose dimensions are indicated at the end of this annexe (Figure A.8). The value
must conform to that laid down in Table I.
6.4.

Test of strength at the fracture point, K1C

The K1C value must be established by testing on the traction test samples.
The results must conform to the reference standards.
6.5.

Hardness test

The hardness of the material, determined on the exterior surface of the finishedproduct, must conform to that laid down in Table I.
6.6.

Microscopic examination of the structure

The examination must be carried out at 500 magnifications on a sample taken fromthe blade.
The structure submitted must be smooth and homogeneous, conforming to grain
dimensions of 7–8 microns in accordance with the standard of reference andcorresponding to that resulting from the heat treatment specified in Table III for thecorresponding type of steel.
6.7.

Non-destructive control

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Before being put on the market, all blades must be subjected to a non-destructive
control, using an electromagnetic apparatus employing Foucault currents, toexplore for surface and below-surface faults. This control is compulsory, and must
be carried out over the entire surface of the blade.
6.8.

Alternate bending test (optional)

In order to examine the behaviour of blades and the effects induced on the material
when the blades are deformed in a plastic manner by the method of alternate
bending, new blades selected at random and supplied from actual production lotsmust be subjected to test using the special equipment indicated in the annexe.
The test consists of making a section of the blade bend plastically, in one direction
with a radius of inflexion of 60 mm, in the opposite direction with a radius of
inflexion of 100 mm, in order to obtain an approximate straightening.
The section of blade involved in the test must be approximately 155 mm long, of
which 60 mm from the point must not sustain any deformation.
A cycle consists of one bending plus one straightening. The result of the test isrepresented by the number of cycles completed before the blade breaks.
To check safety conditions during the normal use of blades, the samples tested
must be subjected to a series of alternate bendings at a frequency of not more than
1 Hz (1 Hz = 1 cycle per second), verifying that the blade does not break before:— 400 cycles for foil;— 150 cycles for épée,when the cycles have been conducted in accordance with the method describedabove.
Not suitable for saber blades.
6.9. Fatigue resistance test of Blades (by bending, etc)
In order to examine the behaviour of the blades during normal fencing activity, theblades to be tested must undergo a test of their resistance to metal fatigue, with a
special apparatus, either mechanical or pneumatic homologated by the FIE SEMI
Commission.
The test consists of bending the blade without exceeding the limit of elasticity ofthe material, i.e. to the point where a bend of approximately 220 mm is reached,corresponding to a shortening of the blade by approximately 250 mm, and thenallowing it to straighten.
The test machine must be able to allow the bending and straightening of the blade
at a frequency of 1 Hz (1 Hertz = 1 cycle per second).
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The test benches are designed to reproduce the stresses to which a blade issubjected in normal fencing activity. The stresses do not go beyond the limits ofthe elasticity of the blades; a permanent deforming of the blade should not takeplace. The number of bends to which a blade is subjected before breaking defines
its resistance to metal fatigue.
The test benches can be used for bending either without impact (with the end of theblade attached to a revolving support) or with impact (with the end of the blade
unattached).
The test should continue until the blade breaks. For the result to be acceptable, it
must be ascertained that the blade does not break before:— 18,000 cycles for foil blades;— 7,000 cycles for épée blades.
— 20,000 cycles for sabre blades.
For the test to be considered positive it is necessary that at least 8 blades exceed the given
values.
For sabre blades, it’s mandatory that at least 8 blades break at ≥ of 120 mm from the tip.
6.10. Evaluation (in percentage terms) of the surface of the progressive fracture
The surface of the fracture obtained at the moment of breaking in the test in points
6.8 and 6.9 above must be analysed in order to measure the extent of the surface
over which the rupture has developed progressively.
The measure must be expressed as a percentage of the surface of the entire section
subject to the test.
The acceptability of the mechanical characteristics of the blade is confirmed whenthe measured percentage value is not lower than 15% for foil and 6% for épée.
7.

Results of tests and examinations
For each of the tests and examinations detailed in point 6 the results must comply
with the following table.
Table IV. Results of tests and examinations
Point of reference

Examination or test

Results

4.1, 6.1
4.2, 6.2
4.3, 6.3
4.4, 6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7

Chemical analysis
Traction test
Tensile test
Test of fracture resistance
Hardness test
Microscopic examination of structure
Non-destructive test

Must conform to Table II
Must conform to Table I
Must conform to Table I
Must conform to Table I
Must conform to Table I
Must conform to point 6.6
Must conform to point 6.7

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The blades, after the first homologation remain valid, under the condition that the
manufacturers send the blades for a periodical test at least once every two years. Oneof these tests should be made between 9 – 6 months before the Olympic Games.
These periodical tests have to be carried out at least once every two years in
simplified mode. 3 blades will be tested for the following:
Fatigue resistance (by bending) quality of the steel
Chemical test
Traction test
Tensile test
Test of fracture resistance (K1°C)
If the periodical tests are not done for 4 years, the blade will be scratched from theFIE official blades list. The manufacturer can ask for a new complete homologation
process.
8.

Marking
The identification mark of the manufacturer and the date of manufacture (year andmonth) must be applied on each blade by cold-stamping near the entry into the guard,
to a maximum depth of 0.5 mm.
Note: All the standards may be modified. It is therefore important that manufacturersof blades are absolutely sure that they are in possession of the latest edition or of thelatest update page.

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EQUIPMENT2. STANDARDS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF FENCING MASKS
2.1. MESH OF FENCING MASKSSTANDARDS FOR THE MATERIALS FOR THE MESH OFFENCING MASKS
1.

Purpose
These specifications concern the technical quality of the round cold-drawn wire ofcarbon stainless steel intended for the manufacture of the mesh of fencing masks, theprocesses of its production, and the controls and tests to carry out in its use.

2.

General conditions of raw material
The steel intended for the manufacture of the mesh of fencing masks must possess
excellent qualities of strength and a high level of elasticity and plastic deformation, as
well as a very good resistance against corrosion.

3.

Materials
3.1. Chemical composition
The composition of the machined wire to be used to manufacture the wirecomplying with the present rules, depending on the type of steel chosen, must
include the following, in percentage terms.
Table V. Chemical composition
Element
C
Mn
Si
P
S
Cr
Ni
Ti

Type of steel
304

304 L

321

0.03–0.06<2<1< 0.04< 0.03
18–20
8–10.5–< 0.03<2<1< 0.04< 0.03
18–20
9–12
–

< 0.08<2<1< 0.04< 0.03
17–19
9–12
5 x Cmin (< 0.8)

For information, some of the most widely used types of steel are shown above; theysatisfy more or less the following defined standards:— EURONORM 88-71— UNI 6901-71— AFNOR NF A 35-572— DIN 17440(EEC)(Italy)(France)(Germany)67

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— BSI PD 6290
— MNC 900 E— JIS G 4306-1972— GOST 5632-61(Great Britain)(Sweden)(Japan)(Russia)3.2. Processing the steel and manufacturing the wire
The method of processing of the steel is entrusted to the supplier. The hot processing
to obtain the machined wire must be such that it can ensure a high level of consistency
in the materials and an absence of discontinuity and of faults in the interior and on thesurface of these same materials.
The process of cold wire drawing, to reduce the section in order to obtain the desired
diameter, must provide for adequate intermediate tempering for the manufacture of thetempered materials. In any case the last step of the wire drawing must be preceded bya chemical solution treatment at 1050–1100°C (stainless steel tempering) for types
304 and 304 L or a stabilisation treatment at 850–900°C for type 321.
The last step of the cold wire drawing must involve a hardening process definedcommercially as approximately 1/4 hard (H4), with a corresponding reduction insection of <= 15% and carried out in such a way as to ensure the materials possess theminimum values of the mechanical characteristics indicated in point 3.4.2 of thisspecification.
3.3. Dimensions of the wire and tolerance
Table VI. Dimensions and tolerance
Diameter (d)
(mm)
1.0
1.1

Tolerance * on d(mm)Section(mm2)

Weight per 1000 m(kg)± 0.02± 0.02

0.725
0.950

6.28
7.50

* The lack of roundness of the wire must not exceed half the tolerance.

Intermediate values of the diameter of the wire are allowed on condition that they
conform to the tolerances indicated.
3.4.

Conditions of supply

3.4.1. State in which supplied
The wire must be supplied bare with a polished surface: the surface must not show
any faults such as scratches, pockmarks or other imperfections.

3.4.2. Mechanical characteristics
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The values of the mechanical characteristics of the wire which are established at an
ambient temperature by the traction test indicated in point 4.1 must be higher thanthe minimum values shown in Table VII.
Table VII. Mechanical characteristics
Combined loadingof breakage

Combined loading of gapping
at a proportionality of < 0.2%

Stretchingat breakage

R (N/mm2)

Rp(0.2) (N/mm2)

A50 (%)

min 700

min 700

min 18

4. Tests and examinations
4.1. Traction test
This test must be conducted on samples obtained directly from the wire and inaccordance with the conditions indicated by the standards of each country.
4.2. 180° bending test
The test consists of bending the wire to 180° on a 2 mm diameter mandrel. Afterthe test the wire must not show any small cracks at the point where the bend
occurs.
4.3. Micrographic examination of the structure
The examination is conducted on a cross-section of the wire (encased in sufficientresin) at a magnification of x 200 – x 500 after polishing and etching with 10%
oxalic acid in accordance with the ASTM 262-70 standard or equivalent.
In practice you should observe a stainless structure with martensite bands; in any
case no chrome carbon precipitates may be present on the grain boundaries (see theacceptable structure, in accordance with the ASTM standard already mentioned:‘steep structure’).
The manufacturers have to send to the Laboratories also a square bar of 25mm byside and with the length of 350 mm.
5.

Documents
For the product corresponding to these rules the following documents must be
delivered by the manufacturer:— certificate of conformity of the chemical composition;— certificate of control of the mechanical characteristics and the results of thebending test and the micrographic examination.

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2.1.2. MASKS THAT ARE COLOURED OR DECORATEDWITH DRAWINGS

Masks may feature coloured designs on condition that they are approved by the FIE
Executive Committee. They are then published on the FIE website and may thereafter
be used in official FIE competitions.

2.2. SHAPE, DIMENSIONS AND METHODS OF PRODUCTION
OF THE ELEMENTS OF FENCING MASKSTECHNICAL SPECIFICATION FOR THE
MANUFACTURE OF FENCING MASKS
1.

Purpose
These technical specifications concern the shape, the dimensions, the methods ofproduction of the essential constituent elements of protective fencing masks, as well as
the technical quality of the materials intended for their manufacture.

2.

General conditions
All the materials of which fencing masks are made and the corresponding
manufacturing processes must ensure an excellent mechanical resistance, a highdegree of visibility and comfort for the fencer and a sufficient resistance to wear andtear and ageing.

3.

Shape and dimensions of masks
The shape of masks is indicated schematically in Figure A.3 (viewed from the front,
from the side and from above). The dimensions of the frontal grille depend on thedimensions of the mask. Those of the side grille must be as follows: the heightcorresponding to 3/4 that of the front grille; the width being between 10 and 12 cm.

4.

Essential constituent elements
The essential elements of the mask, as shown in Figure A.3, are:(a) frontal grille protecting the face;(b) lateral grille protecting the neck and the nape of the neck;(c) strip for reinforcement and to connect the grilles;(d) bibs.
The other parts, such as the interior protecting facings, padding, elastic bands and thesafety retaining devices, whose production is entrusted to the manufacturer, must
entirely conform to the conditions required for their use.
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In particular, the rear fixing devices must ensure that the mask is located in the correct
position on the fencer’s head and that it remains in a perfect position, even after blows
or shocks (see details in M.25.7).

Mechanical systems for this rear device are not allowed at the moment.

Figure A.3. Design of masks

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4.1. Front and side mesh
The mesh must be made of woven material with a square aperture, with an openingof 1.9 mm, made entirely of round stainless steel wire CrNi 18-10 (the technicalquality of the wire for which is addressed in Table V on page 64).
In the curved zone of the grille the presence of mesh with an opening greater insize than that specified is permissible, on condition that it does not exceed 2.1 mm.
The frontal grille must form an interior angle of <= 130°, corresponding to the foldof the centre line.

4.2.

Junction of the frontal and lateral mesh to the reinforcement band

The joining of the frontal mesh to the lateral one, by the reinforcement band, canbe accomplished by a mechanical joining (for example metal wire stitching, use of
rivets), or by solder.
In the case of solder, which in any case must be done using the usual techniques
for stainless steel, the operation must be completed by a careful mechanicalpolishing of the soldered area, to eliminate slag and residues. The mesh must be
entirely covered in paint with a polymer base. Any heat treatments to harden andstabilise the paint must be carried out at a temperature of <= 400°C.
4.3.

Bibs

The bib must be formed from several layers of cloth firmly fixed to each other, of
which at least one on the inside must be made of Kevlar fibre or a similar
substance; in any case the cloth so formed must ensure a high degree of resistanceto penetration equal or greater than 1600 Newtons, to be tested by the methods
described in 3.1, below; it must also hinder the forming of stiff creases or the
rolling up of the bib itself.
The bib must be fixed to the exterior of the grille starting from the reinforcement
band onwards and extending as protection for the neck for a total height of theorder of 10–12 cm.
5.

Test and certificates
For each model and production series of masks, the manufacturer will send three
examples to the SEMI Committee for testing that the mask conforms with the present
specifications, as well as photocopies of the certificates delivered by the manufacturerof the mesh.
In the case of a positive result of this test, the manufacturer can place next to the
manufacturing mark the following information: ‘Conforms with standard … of the
FIE’ (‘conforme à la norme … de la FIE’).

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3. CLOTHING
STANDARDS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF CLOTHING
For the manufacture of fencing clothing it is obligatory to use material which is able to resist
perforation by a force of at least 800 Newtons. This resistance must be verified by the tests
defined in the following paragraphs.
3.1. RESISTANCE OF CLOTH AGAINST PERFORATIONSTANDARDS FOR TESTING THE
RESISTANCE OF CLOTH AGAINSTPERFORATION
1.

Generalities
The method which is the subject of this standard is intended to determine theresistance against perforation of cloth used to make up fencing uniforms.
The perforation load is defined as the maximum value of impact registered before thesample of cloth is perforated by the test probe: the load is ex-pressed in Newtons orelse in kilogrammes of force to one decimal place.

2.

Methods of conducting the test
2.1. The test takes place using a high speed dynamometer (as, for example, theINSTROM 1273 apparatus) fitted with a moving test probe with a squaresection of 3mm, a pyramidal head and an angle at the tip of 120º (see Figure
A.4, section A); this probe must be made of high speed or super high speed
steel, with a length of 70 mm, of which at least 50 mm juts out from theholding device (see Figure A.4, section B).
2.1.1. The travel of the point must be perpendicular to the surface of the cloth
during the course of the test.
2.1.2. The speed of the probe during the test component of its travel must be
more than 6 m/s.

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Figure A.4. High speed dynamometer for test of cloth resistance to perforation
2.2.

The test must be conducted in a place where the temperature is 20–25°C andwith a relative humidity of 50–55%.

2.3.

The samples for the test must be taken from a piece of cloth around 50 cm
high, free of faults and obtained at random at a distance of at least 2 m fromthe ends.
The samples must be square in shape with sides of 14–15 cm and they must be
fixed on a device with a double vice (see Figure A.5) while leaving a section of
50 mm diameter free for the test.
In the case of fabrics made of several separated layers of cloth, a continuous
seam must be sewn along the sides of the square of material which constitutes
the sample.

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Figure A.5. Fixing device for test of cloth resistance to perforation
2.4.

The samples of cloth must be brought to the area where the test will take placeat least two hours before the test.

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2.5.

During the test the force applied by the probe must be registered under theproper conditions of temperature and humidity. The end of the scale formeasuring the forces must not be more than 5000 Newtons (with a tolerance of± 5 Newtons).

2.6.

For each cloth, at least three samples must be tested, taken at random from thepiece of cloth.

3. Results
The following data must be shown on the certificate confirming that the test has been
carried out:(a)

The name of the company applying, type and brand of cloth;(b)

The maximum force at the point of penetration for each sample and theiraverage, and the comparative graphic traces of the test;(c)

The type of dynamometer used, the type and speed of the probe in thetest component of its travel, and the conditions of the test (temperatureand relative humidity).

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3.2. PARTS OF THE FENCER THAT IT IS VITAL TO
PROTECT Extract from the Minutes of the Medical Committee of the
FIE
After discussion the Medical Committee considers that the following ought to beconsidered as ‘parts that it is vital to protect’.
— Above
The plastron, which is included in the jacket, must protect the neck under the bib(overlapping with this latter), the two hollows above and below the collar bone, theregion surrounding the armpit of the sword arm, and that covering the heart.
— Below
Protection included in the trousers must cover the abdomen, the groin and thegenital organs (by means of a protective cup).

Figure A.6. Vital parts

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4. LABEL OF QUALITY
1.

The quality label:- must be indelible,- must be circular in shape with a diameter of 25 mm for the mask and 50 mm forthe uniform,- and must include the following data: the emblem of the manufacturer; the date(year and month) of manufacture; the FIE emblem.
On blades, the label must be 7 mm wide.

Figure A.7. FIE quality labels (not to scale)

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2.

Chip and label installation requirements are suspended.

.

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Figure A.8. Test devices for traction and tensile strength

Table VIII. Recommended thicknesses
Rp0.2 / E
From 0.005
From 0.005
From 0.006
From 0.006
From 0.006
From 0.007
From 0.007
From 0.008
From 0.008

0 to 0.005
7 to 0.006
2 to 0.006
5 to 0.006
8 to 0.007
1 to 0.007
5 to 0.007
0 to 0.008
5 to 0.009
0.010

Thickness recommended
B (mm)
6
1
4
7
0
4
9
4
0
0

75
63
50
44
38
32
25
20
12.5
6.5

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ANNEXE B TO THE MATERIAL RULES
Characteristics of Scoring Apparatus
The installation of a clock and a system for showing the score are bothobligatory for the homologation of scoring apparatuses; they must be visible
to the spectators.
The clock must always be able to measure the time to a hundredth of second
throughout the match and it must transmit the time in hundredths of second tothe video refereeing system.
During the last 10 seconds of each period or bout of the match (bothindividual and teams) it must display the time:
to a tenth of second when the judging apparatus is runningto a hundredth of second when the judging apparatus is stopped
The timer should be equipped with a small remote control, which can be fixed
onto two fingers of one hand. The remote control for the referee should be
provided with a single start/stop control and a LED light to show that thedevice is working.
The connection between the remote control and the clock will operate withencrypted radio frequencies: see the specific handbook concerning the radio
frequencies.

A. FOIL
1. THE CENTRAL JUDGING APPARATUS (cf. m.51)(a) Principles
1. The apparatus registers when a break occurs in the circuit of the foil, that is to saythat the electrical current which is circulating permanently in the foil circuit isbroken when a hit is made.
2. The apparatus will show a red signal on one side and a green signal on the otherwhen a hit is registered on target; white signals on either side will indicate hits off
the target.
3. The audible signals will consist either of a short ring, or of a continuous note
which will be automatically limited to two seconds. Either sort of sound will occur

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whenever a visual signal appears. The sound signal must be identical for both sidesof the apparatus.
4. After registering a hit, whether on target or off target, the apparatus must no longer
be able to register a subsequent hit on the same side of the apparatus.
5. No priority must be indicated between a hit registered against one competitor and a
hit registered against his opponent.
6. After a period of time of 300 ms (± 25 ms tolerance) after the first hit signalled by
the apparatus (this period of time bears no relationship to ‘fencing time’ which isthe basis of judging according to the conventions governing foil fencing), the lattermust ignore all signals for subsequent hits.
(b) Sensitivity and regularity
1. Any hit must cause a signal whatever the resistance of the circuits external to theapparatus. The duration of the break of contact which must always ensure that asignal is registered is 14 ms (± 1 ms).
Depending on the increase in the resistance, the apparatus may register:(1) a valid hit only;(2) a valid hit and a non-valid hit simultaneously;(3) a non-valid hit only.
The resistance must always be less than 500 ohms for (1) and (2).
2. The registering of a valid hit must be guaranteed when there is a break of contact
of 13–15 ms, when the exterior resistance is between 0 and 500 ohms.
3. The contact time is the same for valid and non-valid hits.
A break of contact of duration of 14 ms (± 1 ms) must always ensure that a signal
is registered, when the exterior resistance is between 0 and 200 ohms.
4. The apparatus must be capable of tolerating an increase in the resistance in theclosed circuit of the foils of up to 200 ohms, without causing a ‘non-valid’ signal toregister.
5. Even if the resistance of the foil earth circuit is increased up to 100 ohms, none of
the following irregular phenomena must occur:— that hits are registered on the guard or on the piste;

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— that it is possible to register a hit merely by contact of the blade or the
pointe d’arrêt (without depressing it) on the conductive jacket ofeither competitor.
6. When the blades are in contact, irrespective of the resistance in ohms between
them, the apparatus must be capable of registering normally the hits exchanged,
valid and non-valid.
7. A specific programme of tests of apparatus under different conditions can besupplied on request by the SEMI Committee of the FIE.
8. A specific programme of tests also includes the checking of the functioning of theyellow lamps.
9. The Congress of the FIE has authorised this Committee to modify or add to theabove requirements whenever technical improvements allow the construction of
apparatus which can ensure the better operation of the electrical foil judging
apparatus.
2. ANTI-BLOCKING TYPE CENTRAL JUDGING APPARATUS
This apparatus must conform to the requirements of the rules set out in Articles m.44–
m.51 inclusive, as well as paragraphs (a) ‘Principles’ and (b) ‘Sensitivity andregularity’ above, with the exception of point 6 of paragraph (b).
Even if a fault in the insulation in a fencer’s equipment causes a short between his
conductive jacket and his weapon, the apparatus should still be capable of registeringboth valid and non-valid hits.
Depending on the resistance of the return circuit of the opponent’s foil, the apparatus
must register a valid hit up to 200 ohms and non-valid hits above this value.
The apparatus must be equipped with two yellow lamps regulated as follows. The
yellow lamp on the side of either fencer must automatically light up and remain alight
as soon as the resistance between the conductive jacket of that fencer and his weapon
is less than 450 ohms. When this resistance is in excess of 475 ohms, the yellow lampshould never light up.
These yellow lamps serve only to indicate insulation faults.
If one or both of the yellow lamps remain lit up, the Referee must stop the bout andcall the technical experts on duty to eliminate the fault.
The yellow lamps need not indicate any contact between the fencer’s conductive
jacket and the conductive piste.

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B. EPEE(a) Principle
The apparatus registers when contact is established between the wires forming thecircuit in the épée, thus completing the circuit.
(b) Timing
The apparatus must register only the first hit which is made. If the interval of time
between two hits is less than 40 ms (1/25th of a second), the apparatus must register adouble hit (both signal lamps must light up simultaneously). When the interval isgreater than 50 ms (1/20 of a second) the apparatus must register only one hit (onlyone signal lamp is lit). The tolerance allowed for timing the apparatus is that between
these two limits (1/25th and 1/20th of a second).
(c) Sensitivity
When the external resistance is normal, that is 10 ohms, the apparatus must registerhits when these are made with a duration of contact of 2–10 ms. With an exceptional
external resistance of 100 ohms the apparatus must still register a hit, but without any
specific duration of contact.
The apparatus must not register signals of less than 2 ms duration.
(d) Non-registration
The apparatus must not register hits which are made on the earthed material (on theguard or on the conductive piste), even when there is a resistance of 100 ohms in theearth circuit.
(e) Visual signals
1. Visual signals include at least two signal lamps on each side of the apparatus, so
designed that if one lamp does not function it does not prevent the other fromlighting up nor cause an excessive current through the latter.
2. The signal lamps should give a red signal on one side of the apparatus and a green
signal on the other.
3. The apparatus should have a pilot light to show that it is switched on. This lightshould be dim and not coloured.
4. The apparatus may include lights which indicate short circuits to earth. Theseshould be orange in colour.
5. The light-bulbs which show when hits are registered are usually covered withtranslucent shades. It must, however, be possible to remove these shades and use
naked lights, when the light conditions in the locality make it desirable to do so(strong sunlight or, exceptionally, in the open air).
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(f) Audible signals
The apparatus must have a loud sound signal. The apparatus may include a device
which allows the sound signal to be stopped before the apparatus is reset.

C. SABRE(a)

Principles
1. The apparatus works by contact between any uninsulated part of the sabre and the
conductive surface of the opposing fencer’s jacket, glove and mask.
2. For hits made on these valid conductive surfaces, the apparatus shows a red lighton one side and a green light on the other.
If the guard or blade of a fencer’s sabre is in contact with the conductive surface of
his own equipment (signalled by a yellow light), a valid hit made by that fencer
must still register.
3. The audible signal will consist of either one short ring or a continuous note lasting
1–2 seconds, simultaneous with the light signals. The sound will be the same forboth sides of the apparatus.
4. Hits made on non-conductive surfaces must not be signalled.
5. The apparatus must be equipped with two yellow lamps, one on each side, which
will indicate a contact between the guard or blade of a fencer’s sabre and the
conductive surface of his own equipment.
6. The apparatus must be equipped with two white lamps, identical to those on a foil
apparatus which, if permanently illuminated, accompanied by a sound signal,
indicate any abnormal electrical change in circuits B and C of the fencer at fault.
7. The apparatus must not signal a hit made by the blade whipping over to hit the
opponent while in contact with his blade or guard.
8. After a hit has been registered, a subsequent hit made by the other fencer will only
be registered if it occurs within a maximum of 170 ms (± 10 ms).
9. When the two blades touch, all the other rules should be strictly applied.
10.The SEMI Committee of the FIE reserves the right to change the rules governing
the apparatus, either to simplify or to improve its performance.

(b) Sensitivity and regularity

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1. The duration of contact during which a signal should be ensured should be 0.1–1
ms. These times may be varied in the light of experience and of laboratory tests
carried out by the SEMI Committee.
An apparatus will be rejected if a hit can be registered with a duration of contact ofless than 0.1 ms (time subject to modification).
2. The apparatus should allow an increase in the exterior resistance of the connections
up to 100 ohms without any drawbacks.
3. Should a fault in the insulation, down to 0 ohms, cause a leakage of current
between a fencer’s valid conductive surface and his weapon, the apparatus shouldstill be capable of registering all hits exchanged. The insulation fault will besignalled by the illumination of the yellow lamp on the side of the fencer whose
equipment is at fault when the resistance is between 0 and 450 ohms.
The registering of a valid hit on the guard or blade of the fencer at fault will beallowed provided that the electrical resistance between the guard or the blade andthe valid surface is less than 250 ohms.
4. The apparatus should still function when the blades are in contact, or if there iscontact between the blades and the guards, or between the two guards.
5. If the contact between the blade and the opponent’s target takes place ‘through theblade’, the apparatus:— will register the hit between 0 and 4 ms (+ 1 ms);
— will prevent the hit being registered between 4 and 15 ms (+ 5 ms), on
condition that the contact between the two blades is not interrupted
more than a maximum of 10 times in the interval.
6. Should there be a hit made by the whipping over of the blade which has not been
signalled, whatever method has been used to prevent the signalling, after 15 ms (±5 ms) from the contact of the blade with the valid target (the time for theregistering of the whip) and unless there has been another hit, the apparatus should
allow the normal registering of any subsequent hits.
7. A break in the control circuit (defined as more than 250 ohms) for 3 ms ± 2 ms will
be signalled by the illumination of the white lamp on the side of the fencer at fault.

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INDEX TO ARTICLES
Numbers refer to articles of the Rules.
Accidental cause: m.25
Accumulators: see «Source of current»
Adjusting apparatus: Annexe B
Adjusting épée point: m.19
A Grade competitions (score-board):
m.60
Antiblocking: Annexe B
Apparatus: m.44ss
Apparatus (approval, homologation): see«Approval of apparatus»
Apparatus (audible): see «Audible
signal»Apparatus (characteristics): m.48,
m.51ss, Annexe B
Apparatus (checking): m.42, m.54, m.56
Apparatus (number): m.52
Approval of apparatus: m.46ss, m.54
Assembly (bodywire): m.29, m.31,
m.35, m.55
Assembly (mesh of mask): m.27,
Annexe A
Assembly (weapons): m.2, m.5, m.8,
m.16
Attachment (on handle): m.4s
Audible signal: m.45,
m.51, Annexe B
Back: see «Surface»
Band (non-conductive on conductive
jacket): m.28
Base of button: m.12, m.20
Bend of blade: m.8, m.16, m.23
Bib:m.25, m.27.2, m.30, m.32, Annexe
ABlack, clothing: m.25
Blade: m.1s, m.8, m.16, m.23
Blade (bend): see «Bend of blade»
Blade (button): see «Button (onweapons)»
Blade (flexibility): see «Flexibility of
blade»
Blade (norms of manufacture): An.A

Blocking the scoring apparatus: Annexe B
Bodywire: m.2, m.5, m.24, m.29, m.31, m.35s,
m.38, m.42, m.55
Breaking contact: m.5, m.11
Breast/chest protector: m.25
Breeches: m.25
Buckles on clothing: m.25
Button: m.2, m.12, m.13, m.16, m.19s, m.23
Button (on weapons): m.2ss, m.8, m.10ss,
m.16ss, m.23

Cables (connection): m.44, m.51, m.55s
Cables (suspended): m.44
Characteristics of weapons: see «Weapon»
Checking (equipment): m.25, m.36ss, m.54;
see also«Gauge», «Weapon», «Weight» Checking (ofapparatus): see «Apparatus (checking)»
Check marks: m.41ss
Chemical analysis: Annexe A
Chest protector: m.25
Chin: m.27.2
Clock: m.44, m.51
Clothing: m.25ss, m.37ss, Annexe A
Collar: m.25, m.28, m.34
Coloured masks: Annexe A
Conductive wires (bodywire): m.29, m.31,
m.35
Conductive piste: m.29, m.44, m.51, m.56,
m.57, Annexe B
Conductive jacket: see «Jacket (conductive)»
Conductive t-shirt: t.34
Conical sprung instrument: see «Mesh ofmask»Contact, electrical: m.5, m.11, m.13, m.19,
m.29, m.32s, m.51, Annexe B
Control (fencers’ equipment): see «Checking(equipment)»
Corrosion test: Annexe A

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Crocodile clip: m.29, m.32, m.34
Cross-bar: m.4
Curve in blade: m.8, m.16, m.23
Cushion: see «Padding (guard)»
Cutting off the apparatus: Annexe B
Defective equipment: m.38, Annexe A
Delegates — SEMI: see «SEMI
Committee»
Design of weapons: m.3ss; see also
«Epée», «Foil», «Sabre»
Device (safety): see «Safety device»
Dimensions (weapons): m.3, m.7ss,
m.15ss, m.21ss
Directoire Technique: m.12, m.20
Doing up (jacket and collar): m.25
Drawings (masks decorated with):
Annexe A
Ductility test: Annexe A
Duration of contact: see «Contact»

Eccentric mounting: m.9, m.17
Edges, sharpening: m.1

Electrical current: see «Source of
current»
Electric opposition: Annexe B
Epée: m.4s, m.14ss, m.30ss, Annexe A,
Annexe B
Equipment (of fencers): m.25ss, m.36ss,
Annexe A
Executive Committee: m.40
Extension (lamps): m.59

Field of play: see «Piste»
Filing blade: m.1
Fittings: m.44ss
Flange (collar): m.13, m.19
Flexibility of blade: m.42
Foil: m.1, m.4, m.6ss, m.26ss, m.42,
m.51, Annexe B
Fortuitous circumstances: m.25

November 2023

Fatigue resistance test: Annexe A
Foucault currents: Annexe A
Fracture toughness, KIC, test: Annexe A
Gauge: m.4, m.9, m.17, m.24, m.42s
Gauntlet: m.25, m.33
Glove: m.4, m.25, m.26, m.33, Annexe A
Grinding of blade: m.1
Grip: m.2s
Groove: m.8, m.10, m.12, m.18, m.20
Guard: m.1ss, m.5, m.9, m.17, m.24, m.42,
Annexe B
Handle: m.2ss, m.13, m.24
Hardness test: Annexe A

Insulating sheath: m.5, m.29, m.31
Insulation: m.5, m.13, m.19s, m.24, m.27,
m.28s, m.31, Annexe B
Jacket (conductive): m.13, m.28s, m.32ss,
m.36, m.38, m.42, m.51, Annexe B; see also
«Insulation»
Jacket (fencing): m.25, Annexe A
Jamming the apparatus: Annexe B

Label of safety/guarantee: m.37, Annexe A
Lamé: m.28, m.34
Lamps: m.44, m.51, m.59, Annexe B
Length of weapons: see «Dimensions(weapons)»
Lighting stroke: m.11, m.19
Limits of piste: see «Piste»
Locking nut (blade): m.2, m.3
Logos, national: m.25
Mains electricity: m.51, m.60
Maraging steel: Annexe A
Marking of blades: Annexe A
Mask: m.25, m.27, m.30, m.32, m.37s, m.42,
Annexe A
Material: m.25ss, m.37ss, m.42, m.44, m.57;
see also «Bodywire», «Checking(equipment)», «Guard», «Mask», «Weapon»

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Mesh of mask: m.25, m.27, m.32,
m.42, Annexe A
Microscopic examination:
Annexe A
Names: m.25
National clothing, logos, strip,
uniform: m.25
Neutralise: see «Insulation»
Newtons: m.25
Non-destructive control: AnnexeA
On guard: m.25
Openings in equipment: m.25
Organising Committee: m.11,
m.19, m.40, m.42, m.52s
Orthopaedic (handle): m.4
Overglove: m.33.3
Padding (guard): m.2, m.5, m.24,
Annexe A
Piste: m.29, m.44, m.51, m.57,
Annexe B
Pistol grip: see «Orthopaedic(handle)»Plastron (conductive): see «Jacket(conductive)»
Plastron (protective): see «Underplastron»
Plugging in of bodywire: m.5,
m.24, m.29, m.31, m.35, m.55
Podium (piste): m.57, m.59
Pointe d’arrêt: m.10s, m.13,
m.19, m.38, m.42, Annexe A
Pommel: m.2, m.13, m.24
Pressure on pointe d’arrêt: m.11,
m.19; see also «Weight»
Protection (safety): m.25, Annexe
AProtective plastron: m.25, Annexe
A
Prototypes of apparatus: m.47,
m.53
Registration of hits: m.39,
m.45ss, Annexe B
Regularity of apparatus: Annexe
BRe-setting switches: m.51
Resistance (clothing/bib/mask):
m.25, m.42

November 2023

Sabre: m.1, m.4, m.21ss, m.32ss, Annexe A, Annexe
B
Safety: m.1, m.25, Annexe A
Safety device: m.55
Safety standards: m.8, m.16, m.25
Safety strap: m.25.7
Score-board (for finals): m.60, Annexe C
Section (of blades): m.8, m.16, m.23
SEMI (Committee): m.11s, m.19s, m.28s, m.33,
m.36, m.39s, m.46ss, m.52ss, Annexe A, Annexe B
Sensitivity (apparatus): Annexe B
Sharpening edges of point: m.1
Sheath (insulating): m.5, m.29, m.31
Signals (visual): m.45, m.51, Annexe B
Signals (audible): m.45, m.51, Annexe B
Socket for bodywire: m.2
Socks: m.25
Solder: m.12, m.20, m.29, m.32, Annexe A
Source of current: m.44, m.49, m.51, m.58, Annexe B
Special device (handle): m.4
Spool: m.24, m.29, m.44, m.46, m.55s, m.60
Springs (electric points): see «Weight»
Stretching device for piste: m.57
Strip: see «Piste»
Strip, national: m.25
Surface: m.3, m.5, m.12, m.20, m.25

T-shirt: m.34
Tang of blade: m.2
Tearing out of spool: m.56
Test sample: Annexe A
Tests (equipment): Annexe A, Annexe B

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November 2023

Thread, cutting of: m.12, m.20
Throwing (weapon): m.4
Tolerance: m.11, m.19, Annexe
A, Annexe B
Traction test: Annexe A
Transparent masks: Annexe A
Travel (of the point): m.11,
m.19,m.42
Treating a blade: m.1
Trim (on sabre mask): m.32,
Annexe A
Types of apparatus: m.46ss,
Annexe B
Under-plastron: m.25, Annexe A
Uniform, national: m.25
Unplugging of bodywire: m.55

Vest: see «Jacket (conductive)»,«Jacket(fencing)»
Visual signals: see «Lamps»,«Signals(visual)»
Voltage: see «Source of current»

Weapon: m.1ss, Annexe A; see also
«Dimensions», «Epée», «Foil», «Sabre»,«Weight»
Weapon (checking): m.25, m.38, m.42s
Weapon (throwing): m.4
Weight: m.6, m.8, m.11, m.14, m.16,
m.19, m.22s, m.28, m.42
Width of piste: see «Piste»
Wire (connecting to mask):, m.27.3, m.32.5
Wireless fencing: m.44
Yellow lamps: Annexe B

90