A scenario

[akaiyuki]

It's the beginning of the second period of a foil DE bout. Fencer B is leading 8-6. Fencer A, for some reason, decides to throw the bout. Fencer A does so by purposely not retreating enough with A attacks, or just lunge at fencer B without the intent of hitting B and waits for fencer B to parry ripost. Realizing that fencer A is throwing the bout after landing two easy touches (score now 10-6), fencer B gets annoyed. Fencer B then decides to purposely hit fencer A off target with all attacks and riposts.

Assume it's fairly obvious that fencer A decided to throw the bout. Also after many off target lights, it's becoming obvious to the referee that fencer B has no intent on hitting fencer A on target. Should the referee do anything about this/is there anything the referee can do? Or should the referee let this bout drag on until time expires?

[downunder]

If it's fairly obvious that A has decided to throw the bout, as stated, then Fencer A shall receive a black card.

[notalent]

I have seen 2 FOCs handle this in different ways. One gave A a black card. The other pulled the fencers fencers together and told them to fence or he would black card them both. It was a PCC and both fencers were already far enough along to qualifyfor nationals. A was trying to take a dive to avoid giving another fencer a chance at an A. The fencing looked better but A still lost.

[HDG]

I have the sense that B should be sanctioned too, but I'm not sure how, or what the basis would be, however. Proof might be hard too.

[D'Art]

Originally Posted by HDG

I have the sense that B should be sanctioned too, but I'm not sure how, or what the basis would be, however. Proof might be hard too.

If it's obvious that A has thrown the fight, it shouldn't go on long enough for B to get to that stage. However, if they are that good, then they should be good enought to make it more subtle.....

[OROD]

How is it obvious that A is throwing the bout? Is he saying "I'm throwing the bout" every 5 seconds? How is it obvious that B is intensionally hitting off target?

It's not hard to throw a bout and not make it look obvious, I'd say A need to try a little harder to make it look good.

As far as B, just win it quickly and move on. If I was directing I'd start to card him for intensionaly hitting off target.

.

[peet]

I'd say if the ref catches it before B has a chance to respond in kind as described, then black card for A.

If on the other hand it gets to the point described, then you have no choice but to BC both of them. Imagine getting into the argument of how much B was breaking the rules.

"Well B, you were favoring your opponent a little, but A, you were favoring your opponent a lot!"

That's not a call I would want to have to defend.

As others have said, It should be easy for a good fencer to hide the fact that they are favoring the opponent. (I'm not saying that it is a good thing to do; quite the contrary! just easy.)

If A is making it truly obvious that they are not trying to hit, not only are they breaking a really fundamental rule, they are saying "I'm not even going to try to make it look good. I'm cheating, and I don't care who knows it!", which additionally disrespects the opponent, the observers, and all the other competitors in the tournament.

Really really bad form.

That being said, some of the best refs would probably do what notalent mentioned and nip it in the bud before anyone has a chance to truly earn themselves a boot out the door. ("umm... hey guys? You are both aware, I'm sure, of the penalties for favoring the opponent? I suggest you start fencing now.")

-p