Fencing Etiquette

It is important to show respect for your opponent and the sport of fencing by saluting prior to a match. To salute you face your opponent while holding your mask under your non-sword arm, put your heels together, point the tip to the floor, raise your guard to your chin, and bring your tip back down to the floor.

At the end of a bout we recognize the effort of our opponent by shaking hands using our non-sword hand.

A referee will give commands to fencers in french or english.  A referee will begin a fencing bout by asking fencers to go “On your guard.” or “En garde.“.  The referee will then ask the fencers “Are you ready?” or “Êtes-vous prêts?” and if you are ready to go you will respond “Yes!” or “Oui!“.  The referee will ask you to “Fence.” or tell you to “Aller.” and if the referee sees a touch or needs to stop the bout the will say “Halt!” or “Halte!”