HAND SIGNALS:

The referee uses hand signals to help fencers understand the phrasing. This is particularly important in international competitions when language can be a barrier.

'On Guard'

The referee will make this signal to call you into your on guard position. Remember this is an order from the ref not a suggestion - failure to come on guard is an offence.

'Ready'

The referee makes this signal to check both fencers are ready to begin. If you are not ready lift your hand and call 'halt'.

'Play/Fence'

The referee bring his hands together signalling you to start fencing.

'Halt!'

Immediately stop fencing, failure to obey is an offence. The referee will usually hold up his right hand for this signal unless the halt has been caused by something specifically to do with the left hand fencer e.g. unsafe weapon.

'Attack from my left/right'

This signal demonstrates which fencer initially attacks. If the left hand is raised the fencer to the referee's left is considered the attacker if the right hand is raised the right fencer is considered the attacker.

'Hits'

Used to show which fencer hits. If the left hand is raised it shows the left fencer has been hit by the right and the opposite if the right is raised.

'Point awarded to my left/right'

The referee signals to whom he is awarding the point if the left hand is raised the point goes to the fencer on his left and vice-versa. In Epée if both hands are raised it means both fencers receive a point.

'Together'

This signal shows that both attacks started simultaneously.

'Off target/non-valid'

This signal indicates that the touch from the fencers has hit non-valid target and so doesn't score a point.

'Parried'

This hand signal is used when a fencer successfully parries an attack. If the left hand is up the left hand fencer has performed the parry and vice-versa.

'Point in-line'

The referee here indicates that one of the fencers established point in-line against his/her opponent. If the left arm is raised it shows that the fencer to the referee's right took point in-line and vice-versa.

'Fails/Miss'

This signal shows that the action of one of the fencers has failed to hit either on or off target. If the left hand is raised it shows that the fencer on the right has missed and vice-versa.

EXAMPLES:

The phrases below can be express as:

'Halt! Attack from my left is parried. The riposte misses. The redouble from my left, hits. Point left.'

'Halt! The attack from my right misses. Counter attack from my left is parried, ripostes is good. Point right.'

The two examples above are about as complicated as phrasing gets. The majority of hits will be scored either with a direct attack or riposte.

It's useful to practise refereeing in club even if you don't intend to referee at a competition, as it will help you to understand the decisions made during your own fights.