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[edit] FIE Rulebook

These are the basic rules governing how a tournament is run at the international level. It covers everything that happens on the strip, including right of way, equipment specifications, penalties, and tournament organization.

The FIE rules are written in French. The official English language translation is prepared by the British Fencing Association (BFA).

FIE Rules

BFA Rules

[edit] USFA Rulebook

These rules govern how a tournament is run in the United States. It is prepared by the USFA Fencing Officials Commission (FOC). It is based on the British translation of the FIE Rulebook, with slight variations specific to US Fencing and American terminology.

The rulebook is divided into three books. Book 1 is the Technical Rules, all of which are prefixed with a t. These rules deal with the actual fencing, such as right of way and penalties. Book 2 is the Organizational Rules, prefixed with an o. These deal with the methods of organizing tournaments. They are the least relevant to an average fencer. Book 3 is the Material Rules, prefixed with an m. These are the constraints on the materials used in fencing, such as the size and weight of a blade, or the correct shape of a lamé. These rules are most relevant to armorers, but are occasionally referenced in normal bout situations.

USFA Rulebook

[edit] Athlete Handbook

Developed by the High Performance Committee with input from National Coaches, Executive Committee, and the Board of Directors, this annually revised document primarily concerns itself with elite athlete affairs. The most extensive portion of this document is dedicated to the qualification to international events including World Championships and the Olympics.

Additionally, the USFA rating chart, points scale, and qualifications to Summer Nationals are all found here.

USFA Athlete Handbook

[edit] USFA Bylaws

These govern the organization of the USFA itself, including selection of the USFA President and the USFA Board of Directors. All members of the USFA over the age of 18 are allowed to vote on changes in the USFA Bylaws. USFA Bylaws

[edit] USFA Referee's Study Guide

This is a study guide to prepare for the written USFA referee test. While it has lots of good solid questions, it provides no answers. US Fencing Officials Commission Study Guide (2006)