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- Fencing Today
In modern day fencing, competitions are called Bouts. Competitive
Bouts are conducted on a strip approximately 1.5 to 2 m (4.9
to 6.6 ft) wide and 14 m (46 ft) long. The first fencer to score
five touches wins a bout. In formal competition the weapons are
wired and connected to an electrical scoring apparatus, so that
when a touch is scored a light flashes on the sidelines signaling
the touch. These electrical weapons were instituted to facilitate
the exacting scoring of bouts. Foil and saber competitions are
based on complicated right-of-way rules regarding mutual touches,
whereas in épée competitions only the timing of
the touch is considered. Bouts are judged by a referee who applies
the right-of-way rules and awards the touches with the aid of
the scoring apparatus. Fencing has been one of the events in
the Olympic Games since 1896, and épée fencing
is one of the five events in the modern pentathlon. International
competitions are sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale
d'Escrime (International Federation of Fencing), the world governing
body of the sport. A world championship is held annually to determine
individual and team champions of each weapon. In the United States,
competitions are organized on a local, regional, and national
basis by the U.S. Fencing Association, formerly known as the
Amateur Fencers League of America (founded in 1891). Competitions
on the collegiate level are held under the auspices of the National
Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
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