Referee signals
Reading the referee
Referee Signals
The referee\'s hand signals are a language. Once you read them, a fencing bout becomes legible from any seat. This is the quick-reference guide to the 10 signals you\'ll see most.
Direction
Attack from my right / left
Referee extends arm horizontally toward the attacking fencer. The other arm may indicate a parry/riposte sequence.
Touch
Touch scored (that side)
After analysing priority and lights, the ref points firmly to the fencer who scored. Both arms pointed at ground = no touch.
Priority
Parry-riposte
One hand makes a blocking motion (parry) then that same hand thrusts forward to show the riposte. Used to explain why one fencer won the touch.
Preparation / no priority
Ref waves a hand low, palm down, indicating the action was preparation, not an attack. Counter-attack during preparation scores.
Off-target
Off-target (foil/sabre)
Both arms crossed overhead, or one hand pointing at the invalid area (e.g. a fencer's arm). No point awarded; action halts.
Cards
Yellow card (warning)
Ref holds up a yellow card toward the offending fencer. Next same-category infraction escalates to red.
Red card (point to opponent)
Ref holds up a red card. Opponent receives a penalty touch. May follow a yellow or be given directly for serious offences.
Black card (expulsion)
Ref holds up a black card. Fencer is expelled from the event; the organising body may impose further sanctions. For serious misconduct only.
Flow
En-garde · Ready · Play
The ref calls "En garde" (take stance), "Prêts?" (ready?), then "Allez!" (go) to start. "Halte!" stops action immediately.
Halt, reason unclear
Ref holds both arms out to stop, then explains cause: equipment fault, flooring, off-piste, or crowd interference.
Full rules: FIE Technical Rules. See also how scoring works and fencing glossary.