According to the historical notes in the FIE Rules, in which year were the regulations governing épée competitions judged with electrical apparatus first adopted?
Consider the chronological order in which electrical scoring was introduced for the three weapons.
The rules for electrical épée were officially adopted in 1936, following the coordination of various earlier international regulations.
This date refers to the adoption of electrical judging for foil competitions, not épée.
While the technical rules for all weapons were adopted in 1914, electrical judging was implemented later.
Electrical apparatus for sabre events was not adopted until 1988.
Question 2/ 30
A fencer is found to be turning their back on the opponent during a bout to avoid a hit. If this is their first offence in the competition, what is the correct penalty according to Article t.170?
Identify which group of offences this action belongs to and check the specific notes regarding scored hits.
The rules specifically state that for certain First Group offences, including turning one's back, any hit scored by the offender must be annulled.
Turning the back is not considered a Fourth Group offence, which would warrant a Black Card.
Turning one's back on the opponent is a First Group offence, which carries a warning and hit annulment for the fencer at fault.
A Red Card is only awarded for a First Group offence if the fencer has already received a Yellow Card in the same bout.
Question 3/ 30
During a check on the piste, the Referee notices that a fencer’s weapon is missing the official control marks. What action should the Referee take for this first occurrence?
Look for the penalty group associated with Article t.73.1.a.
Absence of marks is more severe than a simple equipment failure like a broken wire and is categorised in the Second Group, not the First.
While serious, missing control marks are not a Fourth Group offence unless they are proven to be fraudulent or imitated.
Absence of control marks is a Second Group offence (t.73.1.a), which results in a penalty hit and the annulment of the offender's last hit.
Control marks are mandatory indicators of safety testing; their absence is a penalised offence, not an 'accidental' equipment failure.
Question 4/ 30
In an individual direct elimination bout, the score is 14-14. The fencers engage in one minute of fencing without scoring a hit. What is the Referee's correct course of action regarding non-combativity cards?
Check the specific restrictions for awarding P-cards during the final point of a bout.
Non-combativity rules do not end a bout at 14-14 via seeding; the fencers must continue to fence.
According to Article t.124.3.a, no P-cards (yellow, red, or black) may be awarded in individual competitions when the score is 14-14.
While P-Yellow is the standard first penalty for non-combativity, the rules provide a specific score-based exception.
P-cards are generally awarded to both fencers simultaneously unless it is a P-Black situation, and the score exception still applies.
Question 5/ 30
According to the Material Rules (m.25.3.c), the protective under-plastron must be resistant to what minimum pressure?
This value is a standard safety threshold for FIE-homologated fencing uniforms.
There is no standard 500 N requirement mentioned in the provided FIE safety documents.
The rules specify that jackets, breeches, and under-plastrons must all be made of cloth capable of resisting 800text N for safety.
While some components like the bib of the mask have higher requirements, the standard for clothing is 800text N.
This value is often associated with lower-level safety standards, but FIE official regulations require a higher resistance.
Question 6/ 30
When fencers are placed 'on guard' during a bout (not at the start of a period), what is the regulation regarding the distance between them?
Consider the safety and tactical space required when a fencer extends their arm fully.
The Referee is responsible for placing the fencers at the correct regulation distance.
The 4text metre distance applies only to the initial start of the bout at the on-guard lines, not restarts during the bout.
Article t.22.5 establishes this specific distance to ensure a fair restart and avoid immediate blade engagement.
This distance rule applies to all three weapons to ensure a standardised restart.
Question 7/ 30
Fencer X makes a flèche attack and completely passes their opponent, Fencer Y. Fencer X then turns around and hits Fencer Y. Fencer Y hits Fencer X immediately after the pass occurs. What is the Referee's decision?
Think about which fencer 'lost' their right to hit by moving beyond the opponent's position.
The rules explicitly forbid hits made by the passing fencer after the moment of passing.
The fencer who was subjected to the pass retains the right to score an immediate riposte or counter-action.
Hits made by a fencer after they have passed their opponent are strictly annulled, even if they land.
Article t.28.2 states that a hit made by the fencer who passed is annulled, but a hit made immediately by the fencer who was passed is valid.
Question 8/ 30
A fencer arrives on the piste with hair that is not fastened and is covering part of their conductive jacket. According to Article t.115, what is the consequence?
Identify the severity group for hair-related violations in the summary table of penalties.
The penalty applies as soon as the fencer presents themselves on the piste in violation of the rule.
The rules require a formal penalty (Yellow Card) for this infringement to ensure safety and target visibility.
Improperly fastened hair is a minor procedural offence, not a grounds for immediate disqualification.
Violations of rule t.115.2 regarding hair placement are specifically listed as First Group offences in the penalty table (t.170).
Question 9/ 30
In a team match, a fencer from Team A is penalized with a Red Card for a First Group offence. Later in the same match, a different fencer from Team A commits a different First Group offence. What penalty is applied to the second fencer?
Consider the 'cumulative' nature of warnings for a team during a single match.
Article t.132.2 and t.170 clarify that First Group warnings apply to the team as a whole during the match.
While it is the second fencer's first offence, the team has already received its one collective warning for that group.
In team matches, a warning (Yellow Card) given to any member of the team is valid for the whole team; subsequent First Group offences by anyone on the team result in a Red Card.
First Group offences do not lead to a Black Card unless they are repeated enough times to exceed the Red Card threshold or involve a separate Third/Fourth group violation.
Question 10/ 30
According to Material Rule m.2.2, what is the required maximum gauge diameter for the wire used in the mesh of a fencing mask?
Distinguish between the diameter of the wire itself and the size of the gaps in the mesh.
This gauge would be too thin to provide the required mechanical resistance against a thrust.
The standards for mask manufacture require wires with a minimum gauge of 1text mm diameter and a maximum mesh space of 2.1text mm.
This value actually refers to the maximum size of the mesh opening (the space between the wires), not the wire diameter.
While safer, 1.5text mm is not the minimum specification defined in the Material Rules.
Question 11/ 30
During a épée bout, Fencer X crosses the lateral boundary of the piste with both feet. Immediately after landing outside, Fencer X is hit by Fencer Y with a simple action. What is the Referee's call?
Review the exceptions to hit annulment when a fencer leaves the lateral boundaries.
The rules allow for the 'immediate' hit to count against the fencer who left the field of play to prevent abuse of the boundary.
Article t.33.2 states that if a fencer goes off the piste, a hit received by them is valid even after crossing the boundary, provided it is the result of an immediate action.
Leaving the piste is a First Group offence, but a hit against the offender is a separate technical ruling based on timing.
Fencers are replaced according to where they left the piste, not necessarily the centre, unless a hit was awarded.
Question 12/ 30
A fencer refuses to salute their opponent and the Referee after the final hit of a bout. Which group of offences does this fall under?
Consider the severity of refusing the most basic ritual of respect in fencing.
The Third Group covers disturbances and anti-sporting behaviour that is less severe than a total refusal of protocol.
Refusal of a fencer to salute is explicitly listed as a Fourth Group offence, which results in immediate exclusion from the competition.
First Group offences are generally technical faults; the salute is a fundamental requirement of fencing sportsmanship.
Second Group offences usually involve more serious technical errors or equipment issues, not a refusal of ritual etiquette.
Question 13/ 30
In épée, the Referee is testing the weapon at the request of a fencer. What is the correct procedure for testing the 'residual travel' of the point?
Identify the specific gauge thickness used for the 'residual' part of the point's movement.
The 1.5text mm gauge is used to test 'total travel', not residual travel.
Article m.19.4.b specifies the 0.5text mm gauge for residual travel and that the hit should not register with the gauge in place.
The 750text g weight tests the pressure of the spring, which is a different part of the weapon check.
While necessary, this is a visual inspection and does not test the internal travel of the point.
Question 14/ 30
A fencer is found to be using a conductive jacket that does not fully cover the valid target when they are in the 'on guard' position. If this is discovered during the bout, what is the penalty?
Distinguish between a fencer having wrong equipment versus equipment that failed during the bout (t.72).
Article t.71 specifies that a non-conforming conductive jacket is a First Group offence, and the fencer is given a limited time to correct it.
A jacket that is simply too small is a technical non-conformity, not fraud (which would be the Fourth Group).
Unless it is a repeat offence in the same bout, the first penalty for this First Group infringement is a Yellow Card.
Penalties for equipment non-conformity follow the card system and do not result in immediate loss of the bout unless the fencer cannot find a replacement.
Question 15/ 30
What is the consequence for a person 'not on the piste' who disturbs the good order of the competition (e.g., a coach smoking in the hall)?
Look for the specific penalty progression for non-combatants in the Third Group of offences.
The FIE rules use the card system (Yellow/Black) for these disturbances rather than financial fines.
Penalties for non-fencers are applied directly to the person at fault, though they may be excluded from the venue.
According to the table in t.170 (item 3.4), disturbances by persons not on the piste are penalised with a Yellow Card, then a Black Card.
A Black Card is only immediate for the 'most serious' cases; otherwise, the Yellow/Black sequence is followed.
Question 16/ 30
In a sabre bout, the maximum allowed length of the blade is:
The sabre blade is shorter than the foil or épée blade.
Material rule m.23.1 states the maximum blade length for sabre is 88text cm.
This is close to the total length of the weapon, including the handle, but not the blade itself.
90text cm is the maximum blade length for foil and épée.
This value is shorter than the maximum allowed by FIE regulations.
Question 17/ 30
What happens if a fencer stops before the Referee calls 'Halt!' because they believe they have been hit, but the apparatus does not register a hit?
Determine the fencer's responsibility to continue until the official command.
The Referee only annuls hits made *after* the command 'Halt!' is given, not before.
Stopping prematurely is a tactical error rather than a penalised offence, unless it is considered 'disturbing order'.
Article t.23.4 clearly states that if a competitor stops before the word 'Halt!' and is hit, the hit is valid.
The rules do not require the action to be 'in progress'; the fencer remains 'fair game' until the Referee halts the bout.
Question 18/ 30
In a team match, a fencer is awarded a P-Black card for non-combativity. How is this reflected in the final results of the competition?
Identify the special ranking provision for P-Black cards that differs from disciplinary Black cards.
The P-Black card does not carry the 60-day suspension associated with Fourth Group or repeated Third Group offences.
A P-Black card for non-combativity is different from a standard Fourth Group Black Card; it only ends that specific match.
The results remain, but the match is terminated and awarded to the other side.
Article t.124.3.b clarifies that teams losing via P-Black are ranked as having lost but still receive their earned points, unlike a standard Black Card which excludes the team.
Question 19/ 30
According to Article t.22.1, if a right-handed fencer is called first for a bout against a left-handed fencer, where should the right-handed fencer be placed?
Follow the primary rule for the fencer whose number appears first on the bout list.
The 'called first' rule takes precedence over handedness unless it is a mixed-hand bout where the lefty is called first.
Placing fencers is a prescribed duty of the Referee based on the score-sheet or handedness.
The left side is for the second fencer, unless the specific exception for a first-called left-hander applies.
The rules state the fencer called first is placed on the right, except if a bout is between a right- and left-hander and the left-hander is called first.
Question 20/ 30
During a épée pool bout, the score is 3-3 and the 3 minutes of effective time expire. The Referee draws lots for priority and starts an additional minute. After 10 seconds, a double hit occurs. What is the outcome?
Recall how double hits are treated during the 'sudden death' priority minute in épée.
In the deciding minute of an épée bout, double hits are annulled; the fencers must continue until a single hit is scored or time runs out.
Fencing bouts cannot end in a draw; a winner must be determined using the priority minute.
The priority only applies if the score is still equal when time expires; it does not trigger on a double hit.
The final hit of a tie-break minute must be a single hit to decide a winner.
Question 21/ 30
What is the maximum allowed bend (deflection) of a sabre blade, according to Material Rule m.23.5?
This value is specifically for sabre and is larger than the limit for épée.
The rules specify that the maximum deflection allowed in a sabre blade is 4text cm.
This value is less than the 4text cm allowed for sabre.
A 7text cm bend is significantly more than the regulation maximum for sabre.
1text cm is the maximum bend for an épée blade.
Question 22/ 30
If a fencer is found to have 'dishonest fencing' (Article t.121) for the first time, what is the penalty?
Determine the first-offence penalty for the Third Group of infractions.
While the hit is annulled (if any), a formal Red Card penalty hit is also mandatory.
Third Group offences bypass the Yellow Card warning and go straight to a Red Card.
A Black Card is only given for the *second* offence in the Third Group, or if the Referee deems it a 'most serious case' under disturbing order.
Dishonest fencing is a Third Group offence. The first infringement in the Third Group results in a Red Card (penalty hit).
Question 23/ 30
According to Article t.120, if a fencer leaves the piste without the Referee's permission, which group of offences are they committing?
Check the very first item in the standard penalty table.
Fourth Group offences involve the most serious violations like fraud or physical violence.
Third Group offences involve disturbances or anti-sporting behavior.
Leaving the piste without permission is listed as offence 1.1 in the First Group (t.170).
Second Group offences usually involve safety-related technical errors or missing control marks.
Question 24/ 30
Fencer X is in the 'point in line' position. Fencer Y starts an attack with a 'prise de fer' (beat) on the foible of Fencer X's blade. Both fencers land a hit. What is the Referee's decision in Foil?
Recall the convention for how an attack gains priority over a stationary extended arm.
Double hits only exist as a valid scoring outcome in épée, not in foil or sabre.
While a line has priority over a simple attack, it loses priority if the attacker successfully deviates the blade with a beat.
A 'prise de fer' (beat/engagement) against a point in line gives the attacker priority; if the beat is successful, the line is considered broken.
In conventional weapons, the Referee must determine priority if both lights are on.
Question 25/ 30
What is the maximum distance from the centre line to the rear limit of the piste?
Calculate the half-length of a standard 14-metre fencing piste.
The technical rules state that the two lines at the rear limits must be drawn 7text m from the centre line (making the piste 14text m long total).
2text m is the distance from the centre line to the on-guard lines, not the rear limit.
While the 'Piste Enclosure' can be up to 40text m long, the actual fencing piste is much shorter.
This distance is shorter than the regulation piste half-length.
Question 26/ 30
During a competition, a fencer is found using electronic communication equipment that allows them to receive advice from off the piste. What is the penalty?
Determine which penalty group is associated with intentional technological fraud.
The rules do not provide for a warning for this type of violation due to its impact on the integrity of the bout.
Equipping oneself with communication devices during a bout is a Fourth Group offence (t.170, item 4.1).
This is considered a form of cheating/fraud, which carries a more severe penalty than a standard technical Red Card.
The penalty for Fourth Group offences is total exclusion, not just hit annulment.
Question 27/ 30
According to the Material Rules (m.25.6), under no circumstances should there be what feature on the hand of a fencer's glove?
Consider the safety risks of an opening in the glove's surface.
Manufacturer marks and logos are allowed as long as they meet sponsor/national uniform rules.
The rules explicitly forbid any holes in the hand of the glove to prevent the opponent's blade from entering.
Leather is a common and permitted material for the palm of fencing gloves.
Padding is often used for protection and is not prohibited.
Question 28/ 30
A fencer in a direct elimination bout wishes to appeal a decision. How many unsuccessful video appeals is a fencer allowed in a single DE bout?
Identify the number of 'strikes' a fencer gets before losing the right to request a video review.
The standard limit for unsuccessful appeals in most FIE formats for DE is two.
Fencers have more than one chance to be wrong; however, successful appeals do not count against the limit.
Appeals are limited if they are unsuccessful to prevent constant interruption of the bout.
The rules (as reflected in FCA theory questions) state a fencer is allowed a maximum of 2 unsuccessful appeals in a DE bout.
Question 29/ 30
What is the specific requirement for the height of the conductive collar on a foil jacket?
This numerical value ensures that the neck target is properly covered.
While 5text cm would meet the minimum, the rule specifically mandates a minimum of 3text cm.
The height is defined numerically, not by its relationship to the mask's position.
This would be an excessively tall collar, exceeding the FIE minimum requirement.
Material Rule m.28.4 states that the conductive collar of a foil jacket must have a minimum height of 3text cm.
Question 30/ 30
When cold-stamping the manufacturer's mark on a blade, what is the maximum depth permitted according to standard m.8?
This value is a half-millimetre limit.
The marking must be applied by cold-stamping to a maximum depth of 0.5text mm to prevent weakening the blade.
FIE rules strictly regulate stamp depth for structural integrity reasons.
This depth might be too shallow for the mark to remain visible over time, though it is within the allowed maximum.
A 1text mm deep stamp could create a stress point that causes the blade to snap.