by Danielle Dames

Created on: May 09, 2009

A Foil is the most common of Fencing weapons and is lightweight and flexible, measuring over 3 feet in length. Foil Fencing bouts are scored by target hits and the winner is the first person of the two competitors to reach five points.

A point is achieved when one competitor touches, or hits the other in the valid scoring area. In Foil Fencing this is only the torso and shoulders, front and back. Non-valid strikes do not count, such as strikes to the arms and legs, head or hands.

*Electrical Fencing

Scoring may occur automatically, as occurs in Electrical Fencing, where the competitors are wired up to an electrical scoring system. Electrical Fencing links the competitors weapons with a score board. Sensors in the end of the foils are activated when depressed against the opponents valid target area. Hits to the target area are recorded by the special vest-like jackets worn by the competitors. Called a lame, it is worn over the standard Fencing attire. Containing hundreds of fine wires within its construction, the lame is an electrical conductor.

A wire runs from the Foil tip all the way up the Fencer's arm, underneath their glove. Continuing to the lame vest, where the opponents hits are recorded, the signal then continues to a box with two lights. One Fencer will have a green light and a white light, the other a red light and a white light.

The colored lights - green and red - light up when a valid hit is recorded. The white light illuminates with non-valid touches and inaccuracy in this way may serve to slow you down. .

In electrical fencing competitions, there is a lock out once an inaccurate non-valid hit has been placed - that is, no further hits from that opponent will register for a set, pre-determined amount of time. Though the amount of time is brief, this can go against them, as the opponent may take advantage and attack immediately.

*Dry Fencing

Scoring may also be done by a judge, which is the usual method in Dry Fencing (non-electrical). The tip of the Foil is slightly blunted, and a cap placed on. No signal is registered. The judge determines whether the hits are on target, keeping the score.

This is easier than might be expected, as Fencers in general abide by an honesty policy, where they acknowledge when they have been hit. This ties in to fencing history and the high morals expected of duellists, with duels giving combatants the chance to uphold their honor.

In practice bouts, the competitors may keep the score themselves.

In any bout, once one competitor has reached 3 points, the Fencers will swap sides. This is to ensure no advantage for either Fencer.

*Right of Way

On occasion, Fencers may achieve a valid target hit at the same time as each other. As points cannot be awarded to both, the judge or referee needs to determine who had 'right of way'. Right of way is always held by the Fencer in control, or in attack at the time. the point will be awarded to the Fencer in this position. If right of way cannot be determined, no point is given.

*The Winner

The winner is the first Fencer to achieve five valid hits. Almost all Foil Fencing bouts are scored this way, with the winner being the first Fencer to score those five valid touches. In high level competition, the scoring system may go higher, with the first Fencer to 15 points awarded the victory.

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