Okay. The
discussion in the Psych thread has long since become a train wreck. Still amusing, but morbidly so.
I think a good basis for discussion would be the article in the latest American Fencing by Jeff Bukantz on the referee's role in limiting the common stall tactics used by fencers.
It is my personal belief that there are valid and invalid psychological tactics that are acceptable to use within the bout/match/pool/tournament, none of which go to the extremes offered in the Psych thread.
Mr. Bukantz's article was interesting to me in how it highlighted the common stalling tactics and provided good advice to referees on how they should control this part of the game. Just like basketball and football have rules regarding time outs and delay of game, so does fencing. Some referees are good about keeping control of the bout, and some let fencers get away with more than they should.
(For example, I am older and out of shape compared to those who I would be fencing now. While I don't expect to get away with it, I'll try giving myself a few more seconds of air and thought by walking to the end of the strip, wiping my face with a towel, and coming back on guard. Most of the time the referee will tell me to get on guard, so I comply immediately. On the other hand, when I am doing well and my opponent attempts one of these breaks, I immediately come on guard ready to fence to get the referee to move the bout along.)
For those of you who read the article, what did you think?
Cheers,
Craig