How is Fencing Scored and Understanding Referee Calls

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Fencing blends speed, strategy, and precision. However, for parents and beginners, understanding fencing scoring and referee signals can feel overwhelming. If you’ve ever watched a bout and thought, What just happened? or Why did the referee award that point?, this guide will help. We’ll explain how fencing scoring works, how to read a fencing scoresheet, and how to interpret fencing referee signals so you can confidently follow every match.

How Fencing is Scored: The Basics

Each fencing bout ends when a fencer reaches the target number of points or has the highest score when time expires. The target score depends on the competition format.

Scoring Rules by Competition Format

• Pool Rounds – The first fencer to 5 points wins, with a time limit of 3 minutes.
• Direct Elimination (DE) Rounds – The first fencer to 15 points wins, with three 3-minute periods.
• Team Matches – Teams rotate fencers in a relay format until one team reaches 45 points.

Key Factors in Scoring:

• Touches must land on valid target areas, which vary by weapon.
• Foil and saber use “right of way” rules, meaning priority determines who scores when both fencers land a touch.
• Épée does not use right of way, so the first fencer to land a touch scores.
• Simultaneous touches in épée result in both fencers receiving a point.

Tip: When the score is tied at the end of regulation, a one-minute sudden-death overtime period takes place. Priority is assigned randomly, and the first fencer to score wins.

Learn more about fencing scoring rules from USA Fencing.

How to Read a Fencing Scoresheet

At tournaments, referees track match results on a fencing scoresheet, which includes:

• Fencers’ names
• Bouts and touch sequences
• Penalties (Yellow, Red, Black Cards)
• Final scores and rankings

How to Read a Scoresheet

• Each row represents a match
• Scores indicate touches landed
• The winner’s name is bolded or circled
• Penalties are marked with Y (Yellow), R (Red), or B (Black)

Tip: If you’re unsure about a scoresheet, ask the tournament official for clarification.

Understanding Fencing Referee Signals and Calls

Referees use fencing referee signals and verbal commands to communicate decisions. Recognizing these signals makes it easier to follow matches.

Key Referee Commands and Their Meanings

• “En Garde!” – Fencers take their starting positions.
• “Prêt?” – The referee asks if fencers are ready.
• “Allez!” – The referee starts the action.
• “Halt!” – The referee stops the action immediately.

Hand Signals for Scoring

• Point Awarded (One Arm Extended) – The referee extends an arm toward the fencer who scored.
• No Touch (Arms Crossed in X) – No valid touch occurred.
• Simultaneous Touch (Both Arms Extended) – Used in épée when both fencers land a touch at the same time.
• Right of Way (Circular Motion) – Indicates priority in foil and saber.
• Penalty (Card Raised) – The referee holds up a Yellow (Warning), Red (Point Given to Opponent), or Black (Disqualification) card.

Tip: Watching matches while focusing on fencing referee signals helps you learn how referees award points.

For a visual guide to referee signals, check out FIE’s official rulebook.

Understanding Right of Way in Foil and Saber

In foil and saber, fencers must establish “right of way” to earn a point when both land a hit simultaneously.

How Right of Way Works:

1. Initiative Matters – The fencer who attacks first has priority.
2. Parry and Riposte – A fencer who blocks (parries) and immediately counterattacks (riposte) gains right of way.
3. Disengage – If the initial attacker hesitates, the opponent can take right of way.
4. Referee’s Decision – If both fencers hit, the referee determines who had right of way and awards the point accordingly.

Tip: Right of way decisions are often debated. Learning common referee calls helps anticipate rulings.

Common Scoring Scenarios and How to Interpret Them

Foil Example

• Scenario: Fencer A lunges, but Fencer B parries and ripostes.
• Call: The referee awards the point to Fencer B because they controlled the action with a parry.

Épée Example

• Scenario: Both fencers hit at the same time.
• Call: Both fencers receive a point (unless it’s sudden death, in which case only one can score).

Saber Example

• Scenario: Fencer A and Fencer B both attack at the same time.
• Call: The referee determines which fencer had priority and awards the point accordingly.

Tip: Watching video breakdowns of fencing bouts helps reinforce these concepts.

How to Keep Track of Scores During a Match

To follow a match effectively:

• Watch the electronic scoring system to see registered touches.
• Listen to the referee’s verbal calls and observe fencing referee signals.
• Note penalty cards, as they can change the match outcome.

If the score is close, knowing the current tally helps you understand whether a fencer should attack aggressively or defend a lead.

Final Thoughts

Understanding fencing scoring, fencing referee signals, and how fencing is scored makes matches more engaging and insightful. Whether you’re supporting your child, coaching a fencer, or just enjoying the sport, learning the rules helps you appreciate the strategy behind every touch.