Judge’s Companion

Tournament Structure:

• Pools: All tournaments will take place over the course of two rounds of pools, followed by finals.
  • We will aim to place 6 fencers per pool, but exact pool size may vary based on participant numbers
  • Finals will consist of the top six fencers following pools.
    • Points will accrue across both rounds of pools, and the top six fencers following pools will proceed to finals. Points will then reset for finalists, and accrue across finals.

• Each match will consist of multiple passes- passes will continue until either fencer has accumulated a total of 3 points for the match. There will be no time limit per pass, and passes will continue until a scoring action is made (including doubles).
• Rings will be 15’ x 20’ rectangles. Fencers will start each pass in a 2’ endzone (included in the overall 20’ length of the ring).
• Ties will be broken through the following methods:
  • Highest number of matches won
  • Tiebreaker match (same format as all other matches)

AN EXCHANGE IS ONLY CONSIDERED A “PASS” IF A SCORE IS MADE.

• Rings will be 15’ x 20’ rectangles. Fencers will start each pass in a 2’ endzone (included in the overall 20’ length of the ring).
• Ties will be broken through the following methods:
  • Highest number of matches won
  • Tiebreaker match (3 passes, doubles will not be counted)
• Staff:
  • Director/ Lead Judge
    • Officiates matches
    • Looks for scoring actions and halts passes
    • Determines score
  • Assistant Judge
    • Looks for scoring actions and halts passes
    • May help determine score

JUDGE NOTE: BOTH JUDGES SHOULD CALL HOLDS IF NEEDED. THE DIRECTOR WILL BE THE ONE TO ANNOUNCE SCORES, BUT YOU ARE BOTH JUDGES AND ARE BOTH EMPOWERED TO STOP MATCHES, MAKE CALLS, AND GIVE WARNINGS TO FENCERS

• Table
  • Keeps track of score
  • Announces fencers currently fencing and fencers that are on deck
• First Aid
  • Will be on hand to tend to any injuries or illnesses during event
  • If severe injury (such as concussion) is suspected by first aid or other staff, judges may elect to remove a fencer from the tournament, regardless of the injured fencer’s wishes.

JUDGE NOTE: FIRST AID IS NOT ALLOWED TO DIAGNOSE CERTAIN CONDITIONS, SUCH AS CONCUSSIONS. IF FIRST AID TELLS YOU THAT A CONCUSSION OR OTHER CONDITION/ INJURY IS POSSIBLE, YOU SHOULD REMOVE THE INJURED FENCER FROM THE TOURNAMENT. THE FENCER CANNOT FIGHT YOU ON THIS- IT IS YOUR DECISION WHETHER THEY CAN STAY IN THE TOURNAMENT. IF THE FENCER HAS BEEN CLEARED BY FIRST AID, BUT YOU STILL SUSPECT THAT THE FENCER IS NOT SAFE TO CONTINUE, YOU MAY STILL REMOVE THEM FROM THE TOURNAMENT.

Judging Style Guidelines

There will be two judges per ring. Each judge will be equipped with a wooden pole to make visual indications of instructions.

• Judging Language:
  • Judges should refer to competitors as “fencer,” and may differentiate the fencers by the color of their side of the ring (Ex. “blue fencer” and “red fencer”).
  • If pronouns are necessary, judges should use gender neutral pronouns when referring to fencers.

JUDGE NOTE: JUST TRY NOT TO USE PRONOUNS IF POSSIBLE. BUT IF IT’S REALLY NECESSARY, “THEY/THEM” PRONOUNS ARE BEST TO USE FOR EVERYONE, SO THAT WE ARE NOT TRYING TO GUESS THE PRONOUNS OF FENCERS WHOSE SEX MAY NOT MATCH THEIR PRONOUNS.

• Judges will use the phrase “Ready, fence!” to begin a pass.

JUDGE NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT SAY “FIGHT,” “START,” “BEGIN,” OR ANYTHING ELSE OTHER THAN “FENCE” TO BEGIN A PASS.

• “Ready,” is a command, not a question. It is the responsibility of the fencers to alert the judge if they are not ready to begin the pass.

JUDGE NOTE: YOU DO NOT NEED TO WAIT FOR CONFIRMATION FROM FENCERS THAT THEY ARE READY. THEY SHOULD SPEAK UP IF THEY ARE NOT.

• Judges will use the word “Hold!” to end a pass.

JUDGE NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT SAY “HALT,” “POINT,” “FREEZE,” OR ANYTHING ELSE OTHER THAN “HOLD” TO END A PASS.

• “Hold!” should be called loudly and firmly. The call should last approximately one second. Both the lead and assistant judges may call a Hold
  • A judge should only call “Hold!” once, unless the fencers do not respond to the initial call.
  • A Hold should be called as soon as a potential scoring action is seen.
  • Fencers must immediately cease all action upon hearing “Hold!” Actions taken after a Hold is called may be penalized. Fencers should continue fencing until they hear “Hold!”, even if they believe they have landed a touch.

JUDGE NOTE: YOU WILL HAVE WOODEN POLES ON HAND. YOU SHOULD PLACE THE POLES IN BETWEEN THE FENCERS WHEN YOU END A PASS. HOPEFULLY, WE WILL NOT HAVE TO PENALIZE ANYONE FOR HITTING AFTER A HOLD. IF SOMEONE DOES HIT AFTER A HOLD, IT IS VERY LIKELY THAT IT WAS AN INTENTIONAL REVENGE BLOW, SINCE THEY SHOULD HAVE A POLE BETWEEN THEM AND THEIR OPPONENT.

• If a Hold is called by mistake or no scoring action can be identified, the judge should say “No exchange.” The pass will then be reset and refought.

• When a judge opts not to award a point for an action, they must provide the reason why that decision was made. (Ex. “The blade was flat,” “The touch was late,” “The thrust was passe,” “The action incurred a penalty,” etc.)
• When a judge gives a penalty, they must provide one of the reasons detailed in the “Penalties” section below.
• When a judge assigns points, they should use the following format for announcing points:
  • “Red Fencer landed a thrust to Blue Fencer’s head. One point against Blue Fencer.”

JUDGE NOTE: PLEASE BE CAREFUL NOT TO MIX UP WHO POINTS ARE ASSIGNED TO- POINTS ARE ASSIGNED TO THE FENCER WHO GOT HIT– NOT THE FENCER WHO LANDED THE HIT.

Scoring

Points will accrue against fencers (more points= bad!). Fencers will be ranked by fewest number of points. (Ex. A fencer with 0 points is ranked ABOVE a fencer with 3 points.)

Each time a fencer is struck or a scoring action is made against them, they will be assessed one point. Placement is dictated by the least number of points. This means that priority should be placed on defense, not offense. Doubling impacts final standings, not just the individual match.

JUDGE NOTE: YOU GIVE POINTS TO THE FENCER WHO WAS HIT, NOT THE PERSON WHO LANDED THE HIT. IF BLUE FENCER HITS RED FENCER IN THE HEAD, YOU MUST ANNOUNCE THAT RED FENCER RECEIVES ONE POINT. PLEASE BE CAREFUL WITH THIS- IF YOU ANNOUNCE POINTS FOR THE WRONG FENCER IT WILL DRASTICALLY MESS UP OUR RANKINGS.

All methods of scoring, regardless of target area or action type, are worth 1 point against the fencer who received the action.

• Target Areas

• Target area includes the entire body from the head to 2” above the knees, excluding:
  • Back of head
  • Spine
  • Groin
  • Knees
  • Shins
  • Feet
• Any hits made to off-target areas may be subject to penalty.
• Scoring Actions
  • NOTE: Half-swording is permitted. Any actions made  while half-swording must still comply with all other criteria for scoring actions

JUDGE NOTE: YOU ARE ALWAYS EMPOWERED TO THROW OUT A PASS. IF YOU ARE NOT CERTAIN THAT AN ACTION WAS SUFFICIENT QUALITY TO SCORE, JUST THROW IT OUT. IF YOU HAVE TO DELIBERATE WITH YOUR JUDGING PARTNER FOR MORE THAN 15 SECONDS, IT IS BETTER TO JUST RESET THE PASS. PLEASE BE ESPECIALLY STRICT WITH JUDGING QUALITY WHEN IT COMES TO HAND HITS- IF THERE IS NOT GOOD EDGE-ALIGNMENT AND CLEAR INTENTION, IT’S PROBABLY NOT A GOOD HIT

• Cuts
  • Cuts should make obvious, intentional contact with the opponent. Incidental contact will not be considered a scoring cut.
  • Cuts must land with the edge of the blade. Touches made with the flat of the blade will not be considered quality.
  • Cuts should be initiated with a chambering action in order to make cuts discernible and clear to judges. A cut made without a chambering action may not be considered quality.
  • Cuts must be made with both hands on the hilt. A one-handed cut which makes contact is subject to penalty.
  • Cuts must be made with the weak or the middle of the blade. A cut made with the strong of the blade is subject to penalty.

JUDGE NOTE: ONLY ONE HANDED CUTS THAT ACTUALLY MAKE CONTACT CAN BE CARDED. DO NOT CARD FENCERS FOR HAVING ONE HAND ON THE SWORD WITHOUT MAKING CONTACT. IF A FENCER MAKES A ONE-HANDED CUTTING MOTION AND DOES NOT HIT THEIR OPPONENT, A WARNING IS SUFFICIENT. ONE-HANDED THRUSTS ARE ALLOWED AND WILL SCORE.

• Thrusts
  • Thrusts should make obvious, intentional contact with the opponent. Incidental contact or passe thrusts will not be considered scoring thrusts.
  • Thrusts do NOT need to bend the blade in order to score.
  • Thrusts do NOT need to plant the point in order to score. A thrust that slides off of protective equipment (such as a fencing mask) will still count as a scoring action, so long as the initial thrust was valid in landing on the target.
    • A thrust is considered valid if it lands on a generally perpendicular angle to the target. A thrust that lands on a generally parallel angle to the target is not considered valid.
  • One handed thrusts are permitted, so long as they meet the above requirements detailed for all thrusts.
• Slices
  • Slices are only valid if made to the neck (bib of the fencing mask) or forearms (between the elbow and wrist).
  • Missed thrusts may not be converted into slices. A slice must have a clear chambering action (placing the blade on a valid target area of the opponent) followed by a clear slicing action.
• Grappling
  • Limited grappling with intent to control an opponent’s weapon is permitted.
    • Takedowns, throws, and joint manipulation are prohibited.
  • There is no time limit on grappling. However, the pass will be reset if clear progression is not being made.
  • To score via grappling, a fencer must establish control of their opponent’s weapon while keeping their own weapon free.
    • Control may be established by blade grabs, arm wraps, or any other legal action which prevents the fencer from using their weapon.
    • Once control has been established, a fencer does NOT need to indicate a strike in order to score. Their weapon simply needs to be free. A fencer should NEVER deliver a one handed strike while grappling. Doing so will be subject to penalty.

JUDGE NOTE: IF A FENCER HAS THEIR SWORD FREE AND THEIR OPPONENT’S SWORD CONTROLLED, THAT IS A POINT. DO NOT WAIT FOR THEM TO INDICATE A STRIKE. CALL HOLD AS SOON AS CONTROL IS ESTABLISHED, AND GIVE THE FENCER THE POINT. NO INDICATION IS NEEDED!

• Doubles
  • If both fencers land hits within the lockout time (one tempo- details below), a double hit will be scored. In the instance of a double, both fencers will receive one point against them.
    • Doubles are bad for both fencers- both will receive points, which negatively affects both scores.
• Disarms
  • If a fencer drops their weapon for any reason other than those regarding safety, it will be considered a disarm, and the fencer will receive one point against them.
    • Ex. A fencer’s weapon is taken from them by their opponent during a grapple. This is a disarm.
    • Ex. A fencer drops their weapon without an action being taken by their opponent. This is a disarm.
    • Ex. A fencer delivers a hard thrust to their opponent, and drops their weapon to alleviate force upon landing the thrust. This is considered an action taken for safety purposes, and is NOT a disarm.
• Ring Out
  • If a fencer steps one full foot out of the ring, they will receive one point against them.
    • Ex. A fencer’s heel touches the ground outside of the boundary, but their toes are still inside the ring. This is not a ring out.
    • Ex. A fencer takes a complete step out of the ring with one foot. This is a ring out.
    • Ex. A fencer steps both feet completely out of the ring. This is a ring out.
  • If both fencers are engaged in grappling and one or both fencers step out of the ring, the pass will be reset without score.
    • If one fencer deliberately pushes the other fencer out of the ring during grappling, the pass will be reset without score, and the fencer who pushed the other out will be subject to penalty.
• Lockout Time
  • “Lockout Time” is defined as the amount of time after an initial touch is landed that the opponent’s touch will be considered valid. This is not a set period of time, but depends upon the action.
    • To be valid, an afterblow must land within one tempo of the other fencer’s action.
      • After the first touch lands, the opponent’s touch is considered out of tempo if they need to re-chamber or initiate their action following the initial touch.
      • A blow is considered in tempo if it has already been chambered or initiated before the initial touch lands.

JUDGE NOTE: PLEASE READ AND UNDERSTAND THIS DEFINITION OF “TEMPO.” IF YOU NEED MORE HELP UNDERSTANDING WHAT A TEMPO IS, PLEASE REACH OUT TO ANOTHER STAFF MEMBER OR EVENT ORGANIZER. TEMPO IS SIMPLY THE TIME THAT IT TAKES TO COMPLETE AN ACTION- IF AN ACTION WAS STARTED BEFORE THE FIRST HIT LANDS, IT IS IN TEMPO. IF AN ACTION WAS STARTED AFTER THE FIRST HIT LANDS, IT IS OUT OF TEMPO.

• Reset of Pass
  • If a judge resets a pass, no score is awarded, and the fencers will refight that pass. A judge may reset a pass for the following reasons:
    • Halt was called for a non-scoring action
      • Premature halt, safety halt, non-quality contact, halt for penalty, etc.
    • A messy exchange occurred, in which no valid scoring actions were made (Ex. rushing in to grapple, but no control is established and no progress made)
    • No progress is being made in the bout
      • Fencers are not engaging, grappling is not progressing towards control, etc.
    • Fencers have circled a complete 180 degrees
  • If 3 consecutive resets are made for any reason caused by the fencers, both fencers will incur 1 point against themselves, and the pass will progress (a halt being called for a non-scoring action will not count towards these resets).

JUDGE NOTE: FENCERS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO CIRCLE. IF THEY HAVE CIRCLED A COMPLETE 180 DEGREES, YOU MUST RESET THE PASS.

Gear Requirements

Protective equipment will be inspected at the start of each pool. Feders will be inspected upon check-in. Staff organizers have the final say on the inclusion of any and all equipment in events.

• Protective Equipment
  • Full Skin Coverage
    • No skin may be exposed- including the back of calves and palms of the hands
  • Fencing Mask
    • No dents or holes in mesh
  • Back of Head Protection
  • Puncture-Resistant Jacket
    • The entirety of the jacket must be minimum 350N rated OR be sufficiently padded so as to still be puncture resistant
      • Single layer jackets are not acceptable for longsword
        • Non-Newton rated jackets must be, at minimum, a similar thickness to a standard (not light) 350N longsword fencing jacket
    • Jackets must cover all skin from the throat to the waist and wrists
    • Jackets must close completely- no open zippers
  • Puncture-Resistant Thigh Protection
    • Must reasonably cover the front and sides of the upper leg
    • Thigh protection must be minimum 350N rated OR be sufficiently padded or rigid so as to still be puncture resistant
      • Acceptable protective gear may include: 350N fencing trousers, 350N or padded fencing skirt, multiple layers of clothing/fabric, jacket or gambeson that covers the thighs, other rigid or padded thigh protection
        • Leggings, gym shorts, or sweatpants alone are not sufficient
  • Rigid Throat Protection
  • Rigid Chest Protection
    • Chest Protection is required for ALL FENCERS, regardless of sex
  • Hard Elbow Protection
  • Hard Forearm Protection
    • Gloves with rigid protection that covers the forearms is sufficient
  • Hard Knee Protection
  • Hard Shin Protection
  • Purpose-Built Longsword Gloves
    • Light gloves and lacrosse gloves are not sufficient. No Red Dragons. Thokks allowed if Longsword Peripheral is attached
  • Groin Protection
    • Required if anatomically appropriate

JUDGE NOTE: YOU NEED TO ENFORCE GEAR REQUIREMENTS. CHEST PROTECTION NEEDS TO BE CHECKED FOR ALL FENCERS- MALE OR FEMALE. NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED TO FENCE WITHOUT RIGID CHEST PROTECTION. EXTRA PADDING IS NOT ENOUGH- CHEST PROTECTION MUST BE RIGID. ALL SKIN MUST BE COVERED. DO NOT ALLOW A FENCER TO FENCE IF THEIR SOCKS ARE FALLING DOWN, THEIR CALVES ARE EXPOSED, THEIR PALMS ARE EXPOSED, OR THEIR JACKET IS RIDING UP AND EXPOSING THEIR BACK. NO EXCEPTIONS. BACK OF HEAD PROTECTION NEEDS TO BE WORN PROPERLY- IT MUST FIT FLUSH AGAINST THE BACK OF A FENCING MASK. IF THERE IS A GAP OR OPENING THAT EXPOSES THE HEAD OF THE FENCER WHATSOEVER, IT MUST BE CORRECTED. PUNCTURE RESISTANT THIGH PROTECTION MUST BE WORN- THIS WILL MOST LIKELY BE FULFILLED VIA 350N FENCING TROUSERS, BUT CAN BE FULFILLED THROUGH MANY OTHER AVENUES, AS WELL. IF YOU ARE UNSURE IF ANY GEAR FULFILLS THE REQUIREMENTS, ASK ANOTHER STAFF MEMBER. THESE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS ARE NOT MEANT TO BE DIFFICULT TO FULFILL- THEY ARE SIMPLY MEANT TO KEEP OUR FENCERS AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE. IT IS YOUR JOB TO ENFORCE THESE GEAR REQUIREMENTS.

• Longsword Feders
  • Must be purpose-built longsword feder
    • Blunt longswords are not acceptable
  • Must flex at or below 45 lbs`
  • Must be within 33-42 inches in blade length
  • Must be within 2.5-4 lbs in weight
  • Must be reasonably straight
    • Blades with major warps will not be permitted
  • Must have a crossguard
  • Must be free of rust, burrs, spikes, and all other major damage
  • Feders should have an enlarged tip (ex. Rolled tip, spatulated tip, etc.)
    • Use of a metal or leather button to enlarge the tip is acceptable. Rubber buttons are prohibited.

JUDGE NOTE: PLEASE STOP PASSES IF A FENCER’S FEDER IS LOOKING WARPED. WE WILL HAVE LOANER FEDERS AND CAN EASILY PROVIDE THEM. ALSO NOTE THAT WE HAVE INCREASED THE FLEX REQUIREMENT TO 45 LB. WE WILL HAVE AN APPARATUS MADE TO MAKE FLEX CHECKS MORE CONSISTENT.

• Gear Failure
  • In the event that a fencer’s gear needs to be repaired or replaced during a match, they will be given a reasonable amount of time (minimum of 2 minutes) to repair or replace their gear. If the fencer is not able to do so within the time allotted to them by the judge, they will incur all remaining points in the match (maximum 3). The fencer will then be given until their next match to repair or replace their gear, and if they are unable to do so, they will incur all possible points in the match (3). This process will continue until the fencer has repaired or replaced their gear, the tournament has ended, or until the fencer has decided to discontinue their participation in the tournament.

JUDGE NOTE: 2 MINUTES IS THE RECOMMENDED TIME TO ALLOW FOR FENCERS TO REPAIR OR REPLACE GEAR, BUT YOU MAY ALLOW THEM MORE TIME IF YOU FEEL IT IS REASONABLE TO DO SO. BE KIND- IF SOMEONE IS PUTTING THEIR GLOVES BACK ON WHEN THEIR TIME RUNS OUT, LET THEM FINISH THE MATCH. BE REASONABLE AND SYMPATHETIC, BUT KEEP THE EVENT MOVING.

Penalties

The goal of this Ruleset is to specifically penalize and correct reckless or unsafe behavior within the ring. As such, cardable actions are those which jeopardize the physical, emotional, or mental safety of participants, staff, and/or spectators. Judges are given complete discretion in deciding if and when to card participants. While situations that will likely warrant a card are outlined below, judges should use common sense and their best judgment when assigning cards. There are no automatically cardable offenses, as judges should consider each situation individually.

Cards do not automatically escalate. While escalation is optional, judges are encouraged and empowered to escalate cards whenever they feel it is appropriate.

• Ex. A judge may assign a Yellow Card for a first offense, or they may immediately escalate to a Red Card
• Ex. A judge may opt to give a second Yellow Card to the same participant, or they may opt to escalate to a Red Card.
  • Judges are encouraged to escalate cards for repeated offenses

• Levels of Penalty:
  • Verbal Warning: no point penalty
  • Yellow Card: 1 point penalty
  • Red Card: 2 point penalty
  • Black Card: ejection from tournament
    • If a Black Card is issued, the receiving participant may also be subject to ejection from other tournaments, as well as prohibition from future IGX events. Such decisions will be made by event organizers on a per-case basis.

A participant may not be awarded a Scoring Action in the same pass that they receive a card. A participant may be awarded a Scoring Action in the same pass that they receive a verbal warning.

Note on Doubles- If a fencer receives a card in a pass that resulted in a double, their Scoring Action will be negated. The Scoring Action made by the fencer who did not receive a card is still valid.

• Cardable Actions
  • Exposing the back of the head during a pass
  • Striking any off target area (back of head or body, groin, etc.)
  • Striking with the pommel, strong of the blade, hilt, or crossguard
  • Failing to cease all action when a Hold is called
    • Performing a revenge strike (immediately subject to Black Card)
  • Performing any action that a judges deems to be reckless, dangerous, or excessive, including, but not limited to:
    • Striking an opponent with too much force
    • Making leaping or jumping attacks
    • Pushing or shoving an opponent
    • Attempting to throw an opponent
    • Removing protective gear during a pass
    • Performing any other illegal action, as defined within this Ruleset
  • Arguing with or disobeying a judge
    • Influencing judges (as defined below) may be considered disobeying judges if done repeatedly
  • Exhibiting any other conduct within the ring which creates a hostile or unsafe environment for spectators, staff, or other fencers
    • Throwing gear
    • Insulting or yelling at other persons
    • Responding with excessive anger to ranking or judge decisions
    • Violating the IGX Code of Conduct

• Judges may also assign a card for any action they deem unsafe which does not explicitly meet criteria given here but otherwise poses a safety risk.

JUDGE NOTE: ASSIGNING CARDS IS COMPLETELY UP TO YOU. YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO ASSIGN CARDS WHENEVER IT IS APPROPRIATE, BUT YOU ARE BEING TRUSTED TO USE YOUR BEST JUDGMENT IN ALL SITUATIONS. PEOPLE SHOULD ONLY BE CARDED FOR SAFETY ISSUES. IN THIS RULESET, WE CONSIDER PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND EMOTIONAL SAFETY AND COMFORT TO ALL FALL UNDER SAFETY ISSUES.

JUDGE NOTE: IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO BE PROACTIVE IN CONTROLLING THE INTENSITY LEVEL OF MATCHES. PLEASE DO NOT ALLOW INTENSITY LEVELS TO ESCALATE- YOU SHOULD BE GIVING VERBAL WARNINGS OR CARDS IF FENCERS ARE FENCING WITH TOO MUCH INTENSITY.

• Other Prohibited Actions
  • Violating the IGX Code of Conduct, in or out of the ring
    • While actions taken outside of the ring are not cardable, they will be taken just as seriously as actions taken within the ring. Harassment or other violations of the IGX Code of Conduct will be immediately addressed by event staff, and may result in expulsion, suspension, or other punitive action.
  • Improper interaction with judges (defined below)
    • Repeated prohibited interaction with judges may become a cardable action
• Fencer’s Rights and Interaction with Judges
  • Fencers may have up to 1 coach accompanying them at the ring.
  • Fencers and their coaches may ask questions, request clarification on a scoring/ penalty decision, or raise safety concerns with the judges. Fencers may not argue with the judges, nor may they make friendly/casual conversation with judges during a match.
    • Fencers and their coaches are empowered to approach judges or other staff (not during an ongoing match), if they feel there has been an oversight related to safety or penalty. If a fencer is injured, suspects injury, or has been caused pain by an opponent, they should immediately approach event staff.
  • Coaches may not speak with fencers or judges during an ongoing pass, except in the case of a safety concern.
    • Coaches may not yell out advice, encouragement, etc. to fencers during passes
  • Fencers have the right to deny a point to their opponent. This includes in the case of a double, which would turn it into a single point against the fencer. Points assessed against yourself cannot be denied. Fencers must wait until the judge has announced the score for the match before denying a point.
    • To deny a point, the fencer should clearly state to the judge “I’d like to deny the point.” A fencer may only deny a point that was awarded in their favor (i.e. against their opponent).

JUDGE NOTE: A FENCER’S DECISION TO DENY A POINT IS FINAL. YOU CANNOT OVERRIDE A DECISION TO DENY A POINT.

• Fencers should remain calm and collected following each pass. Excessive celebration or anger may be considered to be influencing the judges, and therefore subject to penalty.
  • Fencers may not self call in any way- including, but not limited to:
    • Tapping their body where they believe they were hit.
    • Correcting a judge.
    • Early point denial
    • Arguing with a judge.
    • Announcing a hit made by themself or their opponent.
    • Attempting to end an exchange before a hold is called by a judge, except for safety reasons.
    • Announcing “Pommel!” after or while establishing control in grappling

JUDGE NOTE: YOU NEED TO PROHIBIT FENCERS FROM TALKING TO YOU. FENCERS SHOULD NOT BE SPEAKING TO YOU FOR ANY REASON NOT REGARDING SAFETY OR THE MATCH. DO NOT JOKE WITH FENCERS, MAKE SMALL TALK WITH FENCERS, OR ENTERTAIN ANY ATTEMPTS BY FENCERS TO SPEAK TO YOU. DO NOT ENTERTAIN ATTEMPTS TO QUESTION OR ARGUE WITH YOUR DECISIONS AS A JUDGE. YOU NEED TO SHUT DOWN ANY FENCER THAT TRIES TO DO THESE THING. THERE WERE MANY JUDGES THAT ALLOWED FENCERS TO SOCIALIZE WITH THEM AT IGX 23, AND IT WAS VERY UNPROFESSIONAL. DO NOT DO THIS. YOU ARE A JUDGE- YOU CAN SPEAK TO THE FENCERS AS FRIENDS WHEN THE TOURNAMENT IS OVER. IF A FENCER BREAKS THE ABOVE RULES, YOU MUST ISSUE THEM A WARNING. REPEATED VIOLATIONS OF THE RULES MAY BE CONSIDERED ARGUING WITH A JUDGE, WHICH IS CARDABLE. PLEASE, PLEASE- ENFORCE PROPER BEHAVIOR.

igXhibition Points

Fencers who show particularly skillful or artful fencing may be awarded an igXhibition Point (XP). These points will be counted for each event, and a prize will be awarded for the highest number of XP per event.

Judges are encouraged to be reserved in handing out XP, and only award them for particularly exceptional actions. It is entirely up to judges’ discretion when a fencer receives XP. A fencer may earn up to 1 XP per pass (even if the exchange was non-scoring), but judges are not obligated to award XP. There is no limit to the number of XP a fencer may earn per match or per event.

XP will accrue only in pool matches. XP will not be given in finals matches. This is to ensure all participants have the same opportunities to receive XP.

A fencer may not earn XP in the same pass that they were assigned a card.

Examples of actions that may be awarded XP (this list is not exhaustive, and XP may not always be awarded for the actions listed herein):

• Proper use of controlling blade actions (i.e. meisterhaus, exchange of thrusts, etc.)
• Proper entry and exit from threat range, or otherwise strong defense after the hit
• Proper use of timing principles (time, counter-time)
• Clean and controlled grappling actions, if applicable
• Scoring a hit in their opponent’s end zone
• Fencing with style – actions which would very clearly make it into an IGX highlights real

JUDGE NOTE: XP IS ENTIRELY UP TO YOUR DISCRETION- IF YOU SEE SOMETHING COOL, REWARD IT. XP IS REALLY JUST ABOUT REWARDING STYLISH AND ARTFUL FENCING- IT DOESN’T NEED TO BE SCORING; IF IT LOOKED LIKE SOMETHING YOU’D COMPLIMENT THE FENCER ON, GIVE THEM XP. DON’T OVERTHINK IT.