Fencing Phrase Analysis vs. One Light

[Mr Epee]

Referees are wisely encouraged to avoid over sharing in their calls.

In other words, don't volunteer information while refereeing.

The thinking is similar to an umpire in baseball calling balls and strikes instead of identifying Fast-ball-strike, Curve-ball-strike, Slider-ball, etc... this information is beyond what is needed to continue, and could possibly provide an advantage to one of the players.

Fairly clear, right?

But what about the occurrence of a single light? Should the referee make a call of "Parry-Riposte Point Left" ... even if the PR is not a deciding factor in the point?

[sabreur]

The referee should parse the final action, even if it is one light. The fencers need to pay attention to what he/she says.

Here are a couple of reasons why--

A attacks; B counter-attacks. One light for B (A is off-target or gets beat by the close-out time). B gets the touch--but it is an important piece of information for A to know that he/she actually had right of way in that action and would therefore also have it in a similar action where he/she (hopefully) hit on target or inside 0.10 seconds. It is equally important for B to know that the ref did not feel he/she had priority, even though they got the touch.

A attacks; B counter-attacks. One light for A. B still needs to know that he/she didn't have right of way in the particular situation, and it helps A as well.

I will ask the referee what the action was, whether I got or lost a one-light touch, if I'm not sure how the ref saw priority--it is very important as you figure out how you are going to fence a bout.

PS--why are YOU asking this? You fence epee, where it is hardly an issue.

MR

[grotto]

typically I will give a "reposte arrives" or this is the attack. More for the spectators (read parents / coaches) than anything else. Otherwise it depends on the level of fencing. I'll give more to newbies or at a D or E - under.

[Inquartata]

Typically, I just raise a hand to award the touch. The only case in which I usually add an analysis is when there are simultaneous attacks but only one hits. I will expatiate if there is a question or a confused look...

[downunder]

alright. What people do at local/regional competitions is a different matter. What you should do, is phrase every hit, but only the immediate action. Refereeing at a national/international level at foil i have never phrased beyond a counter-riposte.

You will not pass your FIE licence unless you do this.

[KD5MDK]

I think most of the discussion is over here:
http://www.fencing.net/forums/fencin...on/t20754.html

[Gav]

Duplicate so closed.