Your First Fencing Competition - What to Expect!

Competition Rules, Requirements & Preparation Guide

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To ensure fencing competitions run smoothly, safely, and in line with international standards, the UAE Fencing Federation strictly applies and enforces the official regulations of the FIE (International Fencing Federation). Compliance with these rules is taken very seriously, and any fencer or club failing to meet these requirements may be subject to sanctions.

We therefore ask all parents and fencers to read the information below carefully. These rules apply across all UAE-sanctioned competitions, including Dubai School Games and Federation events.

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Mandatory Competition Kit

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All fencers must wear a full fencing kit at all times during competitions.

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Clothing & Appearance

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• White fencing socks must cover the entire leg

• Black clothing, ribbons, or markings are permitted only in cases of official mourning

  • If a fencer is not in mourning, no black colour is allowed, including stripes, trims, or markings on fencing socks

• Long hair must be fully tied up

• On the podium, fencers must wear official Knightsbridge club kit and look professional and representative of their club
  Casual, mismatched items or shorts are not permitted by the Federation

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Weapons & Spares

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• A spare épée and body wire must be available next to the fencing piste at all times

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UAE Competition Weapon Sizing (Épée)

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Weapon size regulations vary by age group and event. In the UAE, the standard requirements are:

• U10: Size 2 épée

• U12: Size 2 épée

• U14: Size 5 épée

 

Important:
Some competitions (especially developmental or invitational events) may require Size 0 épée for U10.
Always check the specific event regulations in advance, as competition rules can differ between organisers.

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Competition Conduct & Behaviour

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To maintain fairness, safety, and athlete development, the following conduct rules apply at all competitions:

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• No coaching is allowed during bouts or pool matches

• Coaching is permitted only during breaks in Direct Elimination (DE) rounds

• Coaches may not coach while a fencing match is in progress

• Parents are not permitted to enter the fencing pistes at any time and must remain seated in the designated viewing area

• Fencers must be able to dress independently and plug in and out on the piste
  (This should be practised at home once personal equipment is purchased)

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Coaching Philosophy at Competitions

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When two Knightsbridge fencers fence each other, no coaching is allowed. At Knightsbridge Fencing Club, we believe:

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• Training is where development happens

• Competition is where fencers demonstrate independence

• Fencers must learn to think, adapt, and perform without assistance

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We do not support shouting instructions during matches. Coaches observe carefully so training can be tailored afterward. Parents and coaches are there to support the learning journey — not interfere with it.

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Personal Competition Equipment Requirement

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Parents are requested to provide their child with personal competition equipment. This is essential to ensure competitions and events run efficiently, without reliance on rented or shared gear.

Club equipment is intended for training purposes only and cannot be reliably used at competition level. Body wires and swords are subject to frequent impact and wear and may fail during events.

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Why personal equipment matters

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• Fencers become accustomed to their own gear

• Children learn responsibility and care

• Club equipment cannot be guaranteed to pass weapon control​

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Parents are encouraged to refer to the size chart for guidance. Children may also try on equipment at the club, and parents are welcome to take notes to ensure the correct fit.

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 STARTER KIT | Knightsbridge Fencing Club Dubai

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Podium & Club Representation

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On the podium, all fencers must look professional and representative of their club.
Official Knightsbridge club kit is mandatory.

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 TEAM PODIUM UNIFORM | Knightsbridge Fencing Club Dubai

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Club kit can be purchased and tried on in person at:
J20 Sport, Motor City, Dubai Autodrome – Unit 4 Retail Plaza

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Training Commitment for Competitive Success

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To achieve competitive success, we strongly recommend a minimum commitment of:

2 group sessions + 1 private lesson per week

This level of training ensures proper technical development, tactical understanding, and competition readiness.

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How to Prepare for a Competition

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Arrival Time

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Aim to arrive at least 1 hour early. This allows time to:

• Locate the venue

• Register

• Warm up

• Settle nerves and focus

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What to Bring

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Mandatory Equipment

• At least 2 body wires

• Full fencing kit:

  • Indoor sports or fencing shoes

  • Knee-high white socks

  • Breeches, chest protector, under-plastron, jacket, glove, mask

• At least 2 blades (correct size for the age category — rules vary by event)

• Label all equipment with your child’s name

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Snacks & Hydration

• Plenty of water

• 2–3 pieces of fruit for energy between matches

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Pro Tip:
Check equipment well in advance during club training. Repairs and replacements take time.

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At the Tournament

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Registration

• Register as soon as you arrive

• Pay entry fees in advance to avoid disqualification

• Go through weapon control as early as possible

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Warm-Up

• ~20 minutes of running, stretching, and footwork

• Then suit up and warm up with another fencer in full kit

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Matches

• Fencers compete in a pool (poule) and fence every opponent

• Match duration and score limits depend on age — ask the referee if unsure

• In a tie, priority applies (first valid hit wins)

• Most competitions provide an online results link to track progress

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After the Pool Stage

• Almost all fencers advance to Direct Elimination (DE)

• Rankings determine pairings (1st vs last, 2nd vs second-last, etc.)

• DE = one loss and elimination

• Match rules vary by age — always ask the referee if unsure

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After the Competition

• Double-check all equipment before leaving

• If a coach is present, please say goodbye so we know all athletes are safely accounted for

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Competition Equipment Regulations (UAE Fencing Federation)

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Protective Clothing

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• U10–U12:
  Mask & Jacket 350N | Under-plastron 800N | Blade size per event (non-FIE)

• U14:
  Mask & Jacket 350N | Under-plastron 800N | Size 5 blade (non-FIE)

• U17 / U20 / Seniors:
  Full FIE-approved 800N kit and FIE blade

Newton (N) refers to the strength of the protective fabric — higher numbers mean greater protection.

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Referee Rules to Note

• Faulty épée (weight or gauge failure) → Yellow card

• Two yellow cards → Red card (opponent receives a point)

• Faulty body wires can result in lost touches or lost matches

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FIE Passivity Rule – Updated since Jan 2026 (Épée)

Passivity (unwillingness to fight) occurs when one full minute passes with no hit.

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First Passivity

• The referee stops the bout

• Straight to P-Red card

• Each fencer receives a penalty hit (opponent gains a point)

• Bout continues

Second Passivity

• P-Black card

• One fencer loses the match

Who receives P-Black?

• If scores are tied → the lower-seeded fencer loses

• If scores are not tied → the fencer with the lower score loses

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Épée – Key Facts

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• Weapon weight: Max 770g

• Length: 1.1m including grip

• Minimum pressure to score: 750g

• Valid target: Entire body

• Double touch counts if within 0.040 seconds

• Bout format: 3 × 3 minutes

• First to 15 points wins

• Piste: 14m × 1.5m grounded metal strip

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Final Note

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We are here to support every step of your child’s fencing journey. With preparation, confidence, and the right mindset, competitions become an invaluable learning experience.

Enjoy the experience, fence with courage, and give it everything.