Rules Governing Validity of Touches
Item
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Title
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Rules Governing Validity of Touches
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Date
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July 13, 1936
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volume
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1
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issue
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14
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page start
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4
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page end
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4
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content
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en
RULES GOVERNING VALIDITY OF TOUCHES
In all weapons, when both fencers are hit, priority of time determines validity. In epee, if the two hits arrive simultaneously, or practically so, the result is a "double touch," which is scored as a hit against each contestant. In foil and sabre, on the other hand, the fencer who has the "right of way" according to fencing conventions is awarded the touch. If neither has the right of way, the double touch is not scored at all, and the fencers are put back on guard.
RIGHT OF WAY: The right of way, or correctness of the phrase d'armes, for foil and sabre, is judged as follows:
1. If the attack starts while the opponent is "in line" (arm extended and point threatening the valid target), the attacker must first deflect the opponent's weapon by a beat or pressure.
2. If, in going after the blade for a beat, the attacker fails because of a "deceive" (derobement or trompement), the right of way passes to the opponent.
3. If the attack starts while the opponent makes an invitation (invite), or if the attacker finds the blade, the attack may proceed by straight movement, or disengage, or by such efficient feints as compel the opponent to parry.
4. The parry earns the right to riposte.
5. The simple riposte may be direct or indirect; but to retain its right of way against further actions of the attacker, the riposte must be executed immediately, without indecision or delay.
6. If, during a composite attack, even if correctly executed, the opponent finds the blade on one of the feints, he acquires the right to riposte.
7. During composite attacks, the opponent has the right to stop-thrust; but to be valid, the stop must precede the final attack by a period of time considered sufficient in fencing—that is, it must arrive before the attacker has begun the last movement of the final attack.
8. One of the most difficult cases to judge arises when there is a stop-touch but there is doubt as to whether it has arrived a sufficient period of time ahead of the final attack. In general, in such a case, a double touch results because of a simultaneous fault of BOTH fencers, which justifies their being replaced on guard WITHOUT THE AWARD OF A TOUCH TO EITHER. The fault of the attacker is indecision, slowness, or the making of inefficient feints which do not compel the opponent to parry. The fault of the adversary is delay or slowness in making the stop touch.
