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Low line Attacks are once again allowed in International Saber!

In a report of the meeting of the Commission d’Arbitrage, in Switzerland, George Kolombatovich reports:

"The commission has stopped the great confusion regarding actions from the low line. When the blade and the arm form an obtuse angle of about 135°, with the blade threatening a valid part of the target, and the arm is extending, it is correct from any angle: for head cuts, flank cuts, and cuts from the low line. If there are simultaneous actions with one cutting from the high line and the other from the low line, the referee is to call "Action simultané. Rien." (Simultaneous Action. No Touch.) There is no difference in priority between actions from the different lines. "

The USFA will utilize this interpretation for it's domestic competitions for the 2007 - 2008 season.

NAC F Portland, OR April 25 - 28, 2008

Official's and Athlete information is now available on the Tournament Information page.

2007 USFA Rules and Study Guide

The 2007 USFA Rules and National Referee Examination Study Guide are now available.

FOC Newsletter

The FOC Newsletter is the official source of information for US referees.

Jeff Bukantz's New Book

FOC member Jeff Bukantz has written a new book.
Click here for more information.

Certified Referee Instructors and FOC Examiners.

The FOC has established a new requirements for Certified Referee Instructors and FOC Examiners.

As part of this process, the FOC has established new lists of Certified Referee Instructors and FOC Examiners. . Please note that the people listed are the only ones authorized to give seminars and examinations.

If you have any questions please contact Derek Cotton, Chair, Domestic Referee Development Committee.

Clarification of the USFA policy on Names on Uniforms

In all three weapons, each fencer's last name must be printed legibly by hand or machine in dark blue capital letters not more than 10 cm high:   either (1) on the back of the uniform or lame between the shoulders; (2) on the front or side of the thigh of the "rear" leg; or (3) on a piece of fabric or lame material that is firmly sewn to the uniform in such a way that it will not detach during fencing or catch the opponent's point.   Fabric attached to the uniform must be the same color as the part of the uniform to which it is attached.   Conductive materials must be attached in such a way as to not alter the conductivity of the metallic vest or jacket.   NAMES PRINTED ON TAPE ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE.

Guidelines for Domestic Referees

Rules Interpretation Sheet

All referees will now be required to attend a Rules Interpretation Seminar once a year. The Seminar will be held at each NAC, the JO's and the Summer Nationals. It will also be a part of the Referee Development Program. The topics covered are contained in the Rules Interpretation Sheet. Review these topics, and become familiar with them.

Coach's Zone

Beginning with the 2005 JO's, the FOC, in cooperation with the Tournament Committee, will establish a Coach's Zone, within the larger Sports Zone. These areas will be delineated by tape or some other clearly visible boundary. Access will be granted through the Sports Zone barrier (the Pipe and Drape) during the fencing. Coaches may enter the Sports Zone only during the one minute break of the Direct Elimination bouts. Crossing the boundary of the Coach's Zone during the fencing will result in aYellow Card. Repeated offenses will result in a Black Card for that event. Only one coach per athlete will be permitted in the Coach's Zone, though both Coaches in a given bout may occupy the same Zone. Athletes are not to sit in the Coach's Zone at any time.

Chest Protectors at World Cup competitions:

The Executive Committee of the FIE has issued a ruling regarding the use of chest protectors for Foil for World Cup and World Championship competition:

" The use of breast/chest protectors (made of metal or some rigid material) is compulsory for women and optional for men. In foil, this breast/chest protector must be worn below the protective plastron "

Chest Protectors at USFA competitions:

The Executive Committee of the USFA has issued a ruling regarding the use of chest protectors for Foil for USFA competition:

"Breast protectors/chest protection : The use of breast protectors/chest protection in Foil is authorized for Men and Women providing that they are worn under the fencing jacket. Urgent decision. Immediate application."

Guidelines for International Referees

News from the Referee Ranks

Referees: Please send in your favorite refereeing story for publication here. Travel woes, irate spectators, unusual situations, etc will all be considered.

Send your stories (under 500 words) to:

Editor FOC Newsletter

Welcome to the Fencing Official's Commission Official Web Site. It is our objective to provide a comprenhensive source for information concerning the rules and the practice of fencing in the United States.  In addition, we have included  information on the FOC's mission, our vision, and some information on the members of the FOC, themselves.

Please note that this web site is (always) under construction.