Official FIE Rules
Rules of
the Sport
Technical Rules
November 2022
Governs the conduct of bouts, scoring, right-of-way, and director decisions on the piste. Essential reading for all competitors and referees.
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Material Rules
November 2022
Specifications for weapons, protective clothing, electrical equipment, and homologation standards for approved gear.
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Organisation Rules
November 2022
Competition formats, ranking systems, championship organisation, eligibility criteria and officials' responsibilities.
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The Weapons
Three Weapons
Explained
🤺
Foil
Thrusting weapon
Valid target area is the torso only. Points scored only with tip of blade. Right-of-way (priority) rules apply — the fencer who initiates the attack has priority to score.
135cm max blade length · 500g max weight
⚔️
Épée
Thrusting weapon
The entire body is valid target area. No right-of-way — simultaneous touches both score. Rewards patience, distance management, and precision.
90cm max blade length · 775g max weight
🗡️
Sabre
Cutting & thrusting weapon
Valid target area is everything above the waist including arms and head. Right-of-way applies. The fastest and most dynamic discipline in fencing.
88cm max blade length · 500g max weight