New Sabre Rules

[Sabresque]

Well, so far this season, the rule hasn't effected me too much. Most times I was ahead, and the other fencer didn't win. One time, she did catch up, but then I just changed my game so I didn't make the same mistake as much and surged ahead again to win.

I'm still worried though. I know that the 8 minute break might go against me at some point. That tournament, I was really on, and when I'm not so on, I'm not as smart or sharp when I fence, and may not change my tactics. Even if I'm behind, if I don't have a coach there to tell me what I'm doing wrong, sometimes I may not have mindset to calm myself down and think out what happened that first half of the bout. I guess I'll have to learn that skill. It was kind of nice to have the breather.

I also found myself thinking "only two more touches until you can stop, fence, come on" after six touches. I'm not sure if that's a good thing.

[135711]

i haven't heard this rule yet, but it occurred to me that one hour shouldn't be such a big deal. think about the preparation that everyone goes through prior to an event in terms of the training, everything, it's enormous, really, one extra hour added to an entire day, and you may have better fencing. is there such thing as having a rule studied for a trial period before it goes into effect?

[Brian Millo]

Prompted by Craig's reminder that sometime in the distant past I visited this site, I postponed bedtime to have a look. Bad decision, I think! The topic on new rules for sabre caught my eye, and all I find is arcane nonsense about a nonsensical rule of procedure. Anyone who needs a break during a bout should get fitter, in my view (mentally or physically or both, whichever applies). I'm sure that all this over-analysis is not good for you --- may I commend the Nike motto: Just Do It!

[Saber-Psycho]

I personally like the break, it gives you time in the bout (if it's a really intense bout) to get coaching, water and even a hit off your inhaler!
But to say it adds hours? Come on!! In saber I realize that they are very short bouts, but what about all the pacing between points that some fencers (who shall remain nameless) do? Surely that adds more time then the ONE minute break does?

[Saber-Psycho]

Originally posted by Achilleus
"Because, really, pools don't matter. Pools are the bulk of time spent at tournaments, and the biggest drain on refs. Is it a wonder the Olympic games don't have pools? Pools aren't exciting to watch, nor fence. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if the FIE did away with pools except as qualifiers to world cups.

If fencing ever gets televised, it won't be pools, it'll be the finals.

And really, if the USFA and FIE had a better rating system, we wouldn't need pools"

You are completely right! We shouldn't have pools at all! We shouldn't even have D-E's! We should just flip a coin!
Take it a step farther and that is what you will get.
Fencing tournaments are for the fencers not the convenience of TV stories or referees. Without the pools where would we be? All the beginners would lose their first D-E and the sport would be that much less popular.
In the thread of "Pre-competition insomnia" a lot of people said that the pools were one of the ways they woke up.

If you are the 3rd best in the field but you are really down low in the seating and because you couldn't fence in the pools to get up there in the seating you come across the best person in the competition and you lose, pools are a necessity!

Sorry for the repeat of posts