Fencing

Athlete Eligibility and Classification

Athletes with physical disabilities such as spinal injuries, amputations, or cerebral palsy who use wheelchairs are eligible for wheelchair fencing. Classification criteria are not currently posted on the IPC web site (http://www.paralympic.org); therefore, classification information was obtained from the German Wheelchair Fencers web site and from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

There are three classifications - A, B, and C. 

Events

Wheelchair fencing events include foil (men, women, and team), épée (men, women, and team), and sabre (men and team).

Playing Area

In fencing for "able-bodied" athletes, two fencers compete on a 6-foot by 40-foot strip. In wheelchair fencing, the chairs are clamped to metal frames which are connected at a 110^o + 2^o angle to a central bar. The exact orientation of the wheelchairs to the bar depends on whether the fencers are right-handed or left-handed. The distance between wheelchairs is decided by arm length. In épée and sabre events, the distance permits fencers to touch their opponents' elbows when sitting erect and stretching the arms. In foil events, the distance between fencers is slightly shorter.

Rules

The international governing body for fencing is the Federation Internationale d’Escrime (FIE). FIE rules are posted - in French - on the FIE web site (http://www.fie.ch/). A more general explanation of the fencing rules, scoring system, weapons, uniforms, etc., is located in the "What is Fencing?" article prepared by the U.S. Fencing Association.

The main object is the same as able-bodied competition. The first fencer to score 15 points (direct elimination) or 5 points (preliminary pool play) on the opponent wins. A point is awarded each time a fencer touches the opponent in the target area. Direct elimination matches consist of three 3-minute periods.

Modifications for wheelchair fencing include the fixed distance between fencers. The target area for foil and sabre competitions is exactly the same as in "able-bodied" competition. In épée competition, the target is everything above the waist, with an apron being worn below the waist to aid in cancellation of these touches. Feet must remain on the footrest and the fencer must remain seated (no daylight between the fencer’s buttocks and the seat of the chair). The chair must be fixed at a 110^o angle to the central bar.

Equipment

The wheelchair is a primary piece of equipment. It is fixed to a metal frame in the performing area to maintain stability. The inside rear wheel should be covered by metal detachable shields. The chair may be cushioned. The cushion may be the same width as the wheelchair seat and have minimum height of 5 cm and a maximum height of 10 cm.

Fencers who have a significant loss of grip or control of the sword are allowed to attach the sword into the hand using a bandage or similar type of wrapping. A glove may be worn and binding should cover sleeve opening. Legs must also be well protected by extra thick clothing or an apron. Athletes compete with the same equipment as able-bodied fencers. Weapons include the foil, épée and sabre.

Links