Equipment

Field of Play

Fencing competitions are held on a fencing piste which is 14 metres x 1.5 metres. A fencer who forces their opponent over the rear limit wins a hit. The piste is metallic so the computer can distinguish hits on the floor, which don't count. Crossing the sideline incurs a penalty of loss of one metre on the piste.

Scoring

Each piste has electrical scoring apparatus. The central piece of equipment is the computerised scoring box, with lights to display the touches and aid the referee in awarding points, such as showing with fencer touched first. Scores and time remaining are also displayed.       The fencers' weapons and lamé jackets are connected to the scoring computer by means of a series of (well insulated) wires. Thus, the retractable cord you see stretching behind each fencer is not to prevent them from running off the end of the piste, but rather to link them up to the scoring apparatus.

Clothing

The lamé jacket worn by foil and sabre fencers is effectively part of the scoring system.

In addition, all fencers wear protective equipment:

Mask made of stainless steel mesh, to protect the face. Some fencers now have masks with clear perspex panels, enabling their eyes to be seen. Glove worn on the fencing hand only. Jacket, underjacket and breeches, all made of highly resistant fabric, similar to that used in bullet-proof vests, for maximum protection. Long socks. Fencing shoes. The latest generation of fencing shoes are known as "asymetrix", with the left and right shoe being of slightly different construction to reflect the fact that the shoe on the "leading" foot undergoes totally different stresses from that on the other foot. When buying asymetrix shoes, the fencer therefore needs to specify whether they are left or right handed.