Essential Fencing Penalties: Avoiding Common Carded Actions and Understanding Their Consequences

As a fencer it is important to know all of the lesser known yet commonly carded actions. If left unaware, you may accidentally earn yourself a card that can ruin your chances of winning an important bout. In addition, it is crucial that you avoid breaking these rules in practice, so that you do not make a vital mistake while at a tournament unintentionally. Even if you are aware of all of these rules read below to learn about these five rules as a refresher. In no way is this list exhaustive. However, these are major rules that are commonly broken. In addition, read below to understand the different levels of penalty cards and what they mean. 

Yellow Card: A yellow card is often awarded for a minor infraction that does not prove any malicious intent or purposeful wrongdoing. These are the most commonly awarded penalties, however they are the most dangerous because of how easy it is to earn one. It is important to note that two yellow cards transition into a red card which earns a point for your opponent. Below are 4 common mistakes that could earn you a yellow card. 

1. Touching your weapon or body cord with your non-fencing hand during the bout.
2. Arriving at your strip with broken equipment.  
3. Arriving to your pool or direct elimination bout late. 
4. Adjusting the bend of your blade on the strip itself. 

Red Card: A red card is awarded for major infractions that often prove malicious intent or purposeful wrongdoing to avoid a touch or disrupt the referee from conducting their duties. These are less commonly awarded than yellow cards and are reserved for more serious offenses. They are extremely dangerous because they can easily lead to a Black card and the penalized fencer’s opponent automatically earns a touch. Below are 4 common mistakes that could earn you a red card. 

1. Using your non-fencing hand/arm to parry your opponent's blade.  
2. Leaving the strip intentionally to stop your opponent from scoring a touch. 
3. Absence of weapon control mark (only a red card if you can provide another piece of equipment that has a valid weapon control mark in a reasonable amount of time)
4. Bell guarding your opponent in the mask (without violent intent)  

Black Card: A black card is the most serious penalty that is awarded to fencers. Black cards often ban fencers from the sport for a wide range of time depending on the severity of the incident. However, if a black card is awarded, the fencer is immediately withdrawn from the competition and asked to leave the venue. In addition, the fencer’s result will immediately be revoked and no points will be awarded for their participation. Below are 4 mistakes that could earn you a black card. 

1. Physically or verbally assaulting the referee  
2. Physically or verbally assaulting another fencer or coach
3. Slamming or throwing the mask (especially after a loss or out of frustration)
4. Attempting to destroy event property in any way (throwing chairs, knocking over equipment, etc.)