This section is designed to give an idea of the resources required to run a school fencing competition.

 

Space

A fencing bout takes place on a piste measuring 14m x 1.5m. It is marked out as shown in this diagram

For children younger than 12, or where space is limited, the length can be shortened to 12m. For safety, and to allow passing by it is usual to allow 1.5m - 2m "run off" space at each end of the piste.

Space between adjacent pistes should allow for a referee to stand safe from the weapons of the fencers (s)he is refereeing, and from those behind.

As a rule of thumb, 1 badminton court will accommodate 2 pistes.

Fencing should be held indoors, on a flat surface which is not unduly slippery. The ceiling height needs to allow for the tallest competitor to wield a sword freely without fouling the ceiling. Lighting levels should be sufficient for the fencers to see what they are doing. (>250 lux, ideally 300 lux+)

Time

Time required for a competition depends on the format of the event, the number of participants and the number of pistes and referees available. A simple match between two teams of 3 fencers with each fencer fighting just one bout (ie best of 3 wins) held on a single piste can be completed in between 15 and 20 minutes. Using "all fight all", where each fencer on the team fights each of the opposing team (9 fights) may take up to an hour. There are a variety of formats available discussed here

People

A fencing competition usually requires one person in charge to keep track of who is fighting whom. Additionally it requires one referee per piste. When older fencers are involved, it may be possible to use non-fencing members of the each team on an alternating basis as referees.

Larger competitions may require a floor manager to direct teams to the relevant piste, and to oversee safety.

Minifence equipment for younger children

Minifence is a fencing system using plastic swords and masks aimed at children aged 11yrs and younger. It is manufactured and supplied by The Leon Paul Equipment Co.

Protective equipment

Between 9 and 11, children may use either Minifence or metal weapons that are scaled down versions of adult fencing weapons. From 14+ adult size weapons are used. Any fencing with weapons other than Minifence requires full protective equipment, namely: Mask, Jacket, Plastron (under-jacket) and glove. Fencers over 14 also require breeches and socks. Where both fencers in a bout are younger than 14 , they may wear tracksuit trousers in place of breeches, but it is recommended that any pockets are sewn or taped shut in order to minimise the risk of a blade getting caught.

Full protective equipment and other safety regulations can be found here

A list of suppliers of fencing clothing and equipment can be found here

Scoring Equipment

The scoring of hits in fencing at competition level is achieved using a low-voltage electrical scoring system. A central unit is placed at the side of the piste. This is connected to two spring loaded wire spools - one at each end. Each fencer is connected to the spool wire, and the spring in the spool keeps a degree of tension on the wire which prevents tripping. Each fencer also has a short "bodywire" threaded up the back of their jacket, and down the sleeve, which is connects the spool wire to a socket in the guard of the weapon.

In the case of epee, if the tip of the weapon contacts any surface with sufficient force, a light on the central unit indicates a hit. In the case of foil and sabre, each fencer wears a conductive jacket (called a lame) over their protective clothing. If a fencer scores a correct hit on their opponents lame, then a light on the central unit indicates the hit.

The central unit (box) and the spools remain on the piste at all times, so a competition organiser needs one set per piste. Since the bodywire is threaded through the fencer's jacket, it avoids delay if they have one each. Lames and weapons can be shared, although sharing lames does slightly delay a competition as they are removed and re-donned.

For the technically minded, and for help maintaining and repairing electric scoring equipment, see this website