Olympic Story

Fencing World Championships

Olympic fencing is a specific type of competitive fencing governed by rules that have been developed by the FIE (Federation Internationale d’Escrime).  These rules are by necessity more strict than those used in conventional fencing, but they are similar — in foil fencing utilizing what are called the rules of “right of way”.

In Olympic fencing, the epee, saber, or foil may be used.  The foil is an extremely long, flexible sword which evolved from the blunt swords used by people who were learning the art of using the short sword.  It was blunt in order to protect the novice sword user.  The epee blade comes from similar origins; however, its blade is stiffer, heavier, and less flexible.  The saber is also stiffer than a foil, but not as stiff as an epee.

As in many formal competitions, Olympic fencing utilizes electric weapons.  These special blades have a “button” on the end that registers whether or not a score has been made (i.e., whether or not pressure has been applied).  These electric blades are necessary in Olympic fencing because they make scoring simple and non-subjective.

In foil, you can have hits that register as “on” or “off” target.  Therefore, fencing gear includes special conductive jackets.  Sabre fencers also wear special conductive masks and cuffs (with sabre, head and arm areas are acceptable hits).  Fencers are also attached by a cord to their weapon and to the scoring box.  The cords are necessary to create conduction.  These cords are retractable so as to minimize annoyance to competitors.

Men and women have separate competitions at the Olympics.Along with individual competitions, there are also team competitions.Fencing has been featured in every Olympic Games in the modern era.

In team competition, twelve countries each enter three competitors.  The winning team is the first to achieve 45 hits.  As in individual competition, fencing in the Olympics takes place on a surface called a Piste.  This is an area made of a metal mesh.  Lines are drawn on the mesh to indicate legal play areas and “en Garde” lines.

2009 Foil Fencing Match

If you ask a group of non-fencers how safe fencing is, conjecture would probably center on the safety of the blade.  The non fencers would be reassured to know that deaths in fencing are few and far between.  In fact, more people die playing football each year than in fencing.

Ask a group of veteran fencers what the dangers of fencing are, and you are more likely to hear about pulled muscles, tendon injuries, and trauma to the ligaments of the knees and ankles.  Some fencers experience overuse issues with the elbow joint (lateral epicondylitis) not unlike those faced by tennis players.

Fencers are taught to suspend activity immediately if a blade breaks.  However, if they are properly attired in their mask and protective clothing, they have little to fear.  While today’s fencing gear is designed to reduce encumbrance to the fencer, the fabrics used, such as ballistic nylon, effortlessly repel the impact of a broken blade.  One fencing enthusiast mused that there is more danger of getting injured in a car accident on the way to fencing school than an injury on the strip.

Although the dangers of modern fencing in a well-run and conscientiously managed fencing program are few, failure to follow appropriate procedures and rules will jeopardize the safety of the individual fencer, teammates, and observers.  Several safety precautions (credit to Benjamin Jacobs, Fencing: A Parent Orientation and www.fencing.franklurz.com) in the fencing environment include:

1)     Never point a weapon at an unmasked person

2)     Never engage another person when you are not wearing a mask

3)     Always wear safety equipment

4)     Stop fencing as soon as you are aware of any unsafe factors (factors include broken blades, unsafe floor conditions, or an opponent who is not under control)

5)     Do not participate in unsupervised practices.

6)     Always warm up before fencing to prevent the likelihood of muscle, ligament and tendon trauma.

7)     Check your clothing for holes.  A trapped blade in your clothing could cause a serious accident.

8)     Unless you are a novice fencer, make sure you wear underarm protection.

9)     If you are a male fencer, wear an athletic supporter with a protective shield.  If you are a female fencer, wear breast protectors.

10) Protect your legs with appropriate pants.

11) Be aware of your surroundings.  Before stepping out onto an active floor, check to be sure it is safe (no loose equipment, no fencers engaged in a bout or practice).

12) When you are fencing, do not drive your opponent into a wall or other hazard because you are so eager to win a touch.

13) Don’t fence too close.

14) If you are repeatedly colliding with your opponent, stop fencing until you can correct the error.

15) Aggressive fencing is ok; violent, uncontrolled fencing is not.  Nothing you do should cause pain or harm.

16) When hit, don’t point at the area with your finger.  Instead, immediately acknowledge the touch in a clear, audible voice.

This is a lengthy list, much of which boils down to common sense.  With attention to these types of safety considerations, fencing can uphold its outstanding safety record.