Here is the letter that I recieved concerning the lateral boundry matter.

kro

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Sent: Tuesday, August 29, 2000 11:34 AM Subject: Crossing Lateral Boundary

Tim,

Your inquiry was forwarded to me, as I'm the authority on the rules,these days.

With both the fleche and the passing, the halt comes with the crossing of the two fencers (i.e. the shoulders passing constitutes crossing). Any subsequent crossing of the side of the strip is after the halt. Also, crossing the side of the strip during a fleche would not ordinarily be considered "systematic". Systematic implies intention, and repetition, and(usually) an attempt to gain some advantage.

As for what constitutes leaving the strip, the strip is a volume. One has left the strip when one's foot has completely left the vertical plane of the lateral boundary (as opposed to when it touches the floor. Having partial contact with the surface of the strip (or having part of one's foot inside the lateral boundary, but not in contact with the surface of the strip), constitutes being on the strip.

Remember, the operative term here is "systematic." Occasional stepping off the side of the strip shouldn't be penalized. This rule is designed to stop the "line huggers" who are constantly stepping off the side of the strip, either to gain an advantage by having a better angle from which to hit, or to protect their flank by denying the opponent the angle. Such stepping off the side has tended to cause bouts to drag on, thus the "delay of bout" penalty.

Bill Oliver
Fencing Official's Commission
Rules Committee Chair
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I hope that this helps all the directors across america.