.INTERNATIONAL STOKE MANDEVILLE WHEELCHAIR SPORTS FEDERATION

OFFICIAL RULES FOR FENCING

INTERNATIONAL WHEELCHAIR FENCING COMMITTE

HISTORICAL NOTE.

THE OFFICIAL RULES FOR WHEELCHAIR FENCING WERE FIRST COMPILED BY LESLIE VEAL FOR THE I.S.M.G.F. SUB COMMITTEE FENCING IN THE EARLY 1970s  OF WHICH HE WAS CHAIRMAN UNTIL 1984 .THESE RULES ARE RELATED TO THE ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF THE F.I.E., PUBLISHED BE THE A.F.A. OF GREAT BRITAIN. WHERE THERE ARE NO MODIFICATION THE F.I.E., RULES MUST BE APPLIED. THE RULES WERE MODIFIED AND UPDATED:

IN 1988 BY THEO VAN LEEUWEN CHAIRMAN 1984\1992 , BRIAN DICKINSON. AND VITTORIO LOI.
IN 2001 BY ALBERTO MARTINEZ VASSALLO,CHAIRMAN 1993\....,BRIAN DICKINSON AND VITTORIO LOI. 

THE F.I.E. AND IWFC MAKE AMENDMENTS TO THE RULES FROM TIME TO TIME. THESE CHANGES ARE USUALLY ANNOUNCED THE SUMMER OF EACH YEAR AND PROMULGATED THE FOLLOWING JANUARY

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CLASSIFICATION

At the Olympic Games for disabled athletes in Seoul (Paralympics 88), a new system of classification for wheelchair fencing was introduced.  The final version presented at the Paralympics was a summation of the system already proposed by Rita Strohm of Germany at the European championships in Glasgow 1987, which was later partially modified.  It deals with all the effects of an integrated classification which allows athletes with different disabilities (amputee, polio’s, CP's and paraplegics) the opportunity to compete together

Functional tests (to be effected in the wheelchair) consist of an evaluation of the extension and lateral inclination ability of the chest in different positions, with or without the use of a weapon.  The tested movements repeat specific technical moves, e.g. lunge, ie a sudden and improvised lateral inclination of the trunk with the weapon in the hand, with simultaneous extension of the elbow, or as many fast return movements of the chest into its original position (or inclination from the opposite side) as for a "point of measurement" (in order to avoid hits by the opponent).  A point score as follows is attributed during the tests:

0 Point -          no function, movement cannot be put into effect

1 Point -          very weak execution, minimum movement

2 Point-          weak execution, fair movement

3 Point -          normal execution

Test No 1

consists of an evaluation of the extension of dorsal musculature: the subject, seated in the wheelchair, from a forward position of the trunk, tries to return to an upright position, contracting the dorsal muscles and maintaining the upper limbs retroflexed.

Test No 2

Is an evaluation of lateral balance with abducted upper limbs: the athlete has to move his own centre of gravity laterally to the right and left to the point where he would lose balance, thereby the lateral muscle function of the trunk and of the oblique abdominal can be evaluated as well as the lumbar muscle.

Test No 3

(similar to test no 1) evaluates the extension of the trunk, but more specifically the lumbar muscles.  The exercise is executed with the hands on the back of the neck, thus excluding both the inertial component of upper limb movement (violently retroflexive in test no 1) and the aid of the upper dorsal muscles of the trunk.

Test No 4

Is similar to test no 2, but presents more difficulties, since it must be executed holding the weapon, the weight of which significantly reduces the possibility of lateral inclination of the trunk without losing balance.

It is essential, during the execution of tests No 2 and 4 that the limb on the opposite side (on the side towards which the athlete does not move), does not hold either the wheelchair, nor the hand rim, nor the arm rest in order not to discredit the validity of the exercise.

For an athlete affected by a spinal disability (paraplegia or polio) the muscle strength is evaluated by a point score from 0 - 5 as for ISMWSF and ISOD  Actions are those tested by ISMWSF with the addition of shoulder adduction, of thumb resistance, of hip and knee rotation, of foot prone-supination and without fingerspread.

For athletes affected by spasticity, dystonia or athetosis, points are awarded for each controlled action as follows:

1 point non functional movement, motory co-ordination is minimal or non-existent.

2 points sequence of movement can only happen very slowly and with difficulty.  If effected with rapid repetition, it will not exceed 25% of the normal range of movement.

3 points as above, up to 50% of full range of movement.

4 points slight unco-ordination of movements and/or not more than 75% of normal range of movement.

5 points normal motory co-ordination.

In the case of the injury being of orthopaedic origin, and therefore one is faced with problems of ankylosis or even a latent pathology in a reduction of range of movement, the pointscore (from 0 to 5) is expressed as follows:-

0 point             no range of movement

1 point             minimal range of movement

2 point             1/4 of normal range of movement

3 point             1/2 of normal range of movement

4 point             3/4 of normal range of movement

5 point             normal range of movement

After the analytical evaluation and functional tests, a classification is given according to the following criteria:-

Class 1A    Athletes with no sitting balance who have a handicapped playing arm.  No efficient elbow extension against gravity and no residual function of the hand which makes it necessary to fix the weapon with a bandage.  Such a class is comparable to the old ISMGF 1A, or tetraplegics with spinal lesions level C5/C6.

Class 1B     Athletes without sitting balance and affected fencing arm.  Functional elbow extension but no functional finger flexion.  The weapon has to be fixed with a bandage.  Comparable to complete tetraplegics level C7/C8 or higher incomplete lesion.

Class 2     Athletes with fair sitting balance and normal fencing arm, paraplegic type D1 - D9 (Functional tests 1 and 2 - not totalling more than 4 points ) or incomplete tetraplegics with minimally affected fencing arm and good sitting balance.

Class 3     Athletes with good Sitting balance, without support of legs and normal fencing arm, e.g. paraplegics from D10 to L2 (Functional tests 1 and 2 positive - with a pointscore from 5 to 9).  Subjects with double above the knee amputation with short stumps, or incomplete lesions above D10 or comparable disabilities can be included in this class, provided that the legs can help in maintaining the sitting balance.

Class 4     Athletes with good sitting balance with the support of lower limbs and normal fencing arm, e.g. with lesion below L4 or comparable disability (tests 3 and 4 positive with at least 5 points)

Minimal handicap - disability of lower limb comparable to a below-knee amputation.

In the case of cerebral lesion or even in the case of doubt, it is necessary to complete the evaluation by observing the athlete whilst fencing.  The involvement of the athletes themselves in the classifying procedure is most important, which in fact the signature of an athlete (or technician) provides within the scope of the classification commission. 

CATEGORIES.... There will be three categories for each individual event.....  A.B. AND C.

           1:         A:- The old class 3 and 4.
            2:         B:- The old class 2.
            3:         C:- The old class 1A-1B

1.7 Medical Sub Committee of Wheelchair Fencing Committee

            1:         The Medical Sub-Committee shall be comprised of Three (3) Members:

                        Medical Doctor

                        Physiotherapist

                        Wheelchair Fencer/Technician, Maitre Des Armes

            2:         The decision of classifying shall be made by at least Two (2)  Members.

            3:         All provisions will be made for classifications

1.8 Identity Card

                        All Wheelchair Fencers shall have an Identity Card containing the following information:

                        Name

                        Photo

                        Country

                        CATEGORY

Test1 Upper extension	Test2 Side balance
Test3 Lumbar extension	Test4 Side balance with weapon

2.0  PROTESTS

• 2.1 Medical Protest - if a fencer does not agree with decision of medical Sub-Committee of the Wheelchair Fencing Committee he/she may submit a protest in writing to the Wheelchair Fencing Committee.

• 2.2 Final decision the Wheelchair Fencing Committee will consult Medical Sub-committee and the Fencer who has submitted the Protest.
   The protesting Fencer he/she is allowed to bring an adviser connected with the protest under review.

After the hearing the Final Decision shall be by the Wheelchair Fencing Committee.  The protesting Fencer will receive the decision of the Wheelchair Fencing Committee in writing.

3.0 ORGANISATION

• 3.1 In Wheelchair Fencing competition the following are eligible to participate: Spinal  cord injured, amputee, cerebral palsy and “les autres”.

• 3.2 He/she shall be classified by the Classification Committee of the Wheelchair Fencing Committee.

• 3.3 He/she shall receive the Wheelchair Fencing Identity Card and must show it at Fencing events.

• 3.4 After Classification an Identity Card will be issued by the Wheelchair Fencing Committee. This identity card must be produced at all events held under the aegis of the Wheelchair Fencing Committee.
  
  
                                                             BOOK 1

3          MODIFICATIONS OF THE RULES OF THE FEDERATION INTERNATIONALE D'ESCRIME

(TO BE APPLIED TO WHEELCHAIR FENCING)

Nobdy may claim ignorance of the Rules

Note:   These modifications must be read in conjunction with the English version of the FIE rules (2000).  Paragraph numbers in the text refer to the corresponding paragraph numbers in the FIE rules.WHERE THERE ARE NO MODIFICATION THE F.I.E., RULES MUST BE APPLIED

These rules are obligatory for competitions of the ISMWSF International Wheelchair Fencing events.  
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CHAPTER 3. THE FIELD OF PLAY

The fencing frame

Note: See appendix for diagram and manufacturers.

1) The frame fixes the wheelchair in a stable position,by securing all wheels of the wheelchair to the frame.

2) The wheelchairs are at an angle of 110ø (+ /-2ø) to the central bar.

3) The front wheels should touch the central axis in the forward position and all wheels should rest on the base of the frame.

4) It allows for easy adjustment of the fencing measure to accommodate the various lengths of the fencers' arms.

5) It should be easy adjustable for the various widths of wheelchairs, if the wheelchairdoes not fit in the frame the wheelchair must be replaced by a wheelchair that will fit the frame.

6) The apparatus must also be constructed so that distance, angle, width of wheelchair cannot change during the bout.

7) All Official Wheelchair fencing frames are approve by the IWFC.

CHAPTER 4- THE FENCER'S EQUIPMENT.
(Weapons - Equipment - Clothing)

t.15  Note: As from January 2002 FIE "Material Rules" will apply.

        Plastron must be worn

       "Fencers who have significant loss of grip or control of the weapon hand, the fencer with the authority of two IWFC classifiers shall bind the weapon to the weapon hand. The binding must cover and close the sleeve opening of the weapon arm and must give satisfactory protection to the weapon hand. (m25/m33)

Any fencer not wearing correct protective clothing will be not compete.  
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                                                        THE FENCING WHEELCHAIR

• 1:         The wheelchair is part of fencing equipment and must be 'weapon controlled'.The back of the wheelchair,the cushion,the frame,the armrest and the wheels will be tagged with a matching numbered marker by the controller. The material of the wheelchair shall be none rigid.
  
  2:         All of the back of the wheelchair must have a minimum height of 15cm from the seat of the chair or the cushion when the fencer is seated upon it, and must be 90ø to the horizontal(+2ø).For wheelchair fencers who have a physical need for the back and the material be changed from 90ø to the horizontal (+2ø), is the decision of the wheelchair controller and a classifier.
  
  3:         No armrest on the fencing arm side at all times.
  
  4:         The armrest on the none fencing arm of the wheelchair shall have a minimum height of 10 cm from the seat of the wheelchair or the cushion when the fencer is seated upon it. This amrest must be securely and correctly fixed. (Tapes to secure the armrest will not be controlled).
  
  5          The wheelchair must be fully insulated, permanent durable insulation coating, or by the use of a detachable covering.  When a covering is used it must be of stout construction and securely fixed.
  
  6:         A cushion is not obligatory. When a cushion is used it must be of the same dimensions of the seat of the wheelchair.The maximum cushion thickness is 10cm and must have an even thickness and not wedge-shaped and must be able to bend corner to corner by the wheelchair controller. A medical cushion authorised by the classifier will be controlled.
  
  7:       The maximum height of the wheelchair must be 53cm from the floor to the full area of the seat rail
  
  8:       The camber of the wheels must fit the official wheelchair-fencing frame. See 5 the Fencing Frame.
  
  9:       Strapping of the fencer to the wheelchair is permissible.

CHAPTER 5- THE ASSAULT

2.       Coming on Guard

t.17:     "Competitors are always put on guard in upright position, whether at the beginning of the bout or subsequently, sitting upright in the centre of the width of their wheelchairs.  The sword arms not be extended, their blades not be in contact, and the points of their weapons will not extend beyond the front of their opponent's guard. 

When a fencer systematically or deliberately anticipates the command "Allez", the referee shall give them a yellow card on the first occasions and then penalise them by a red card  for each subsequent repetition of the same offence in the same bout. See t.114, t.116, t120.

At all weapons the fencers who attempt to come on guard on incompatible positions,and this is not resolved, then the referee shall ensure,twice, that each fencer shall raise the point of their weapon so that there is no contact of blades. The referee will en He will ensure that neither fencer gains any  advantage from the application of this rule by advancing the weapon significantly beyond the normal "on guard position". 

When a fencer's feet leave the wheelchair foot-rest or uses the floor to gain advantage, the referee will give them a yellow card on the first occasion and then penalise them by a red card for each subsequent repetition of the same offence within the same bout. See t.28, t.114, t.116, t.120

When a fencer loses their balance,  or changes their sitting position, when the wheelchair becomes unclamped,  earthing clips become unattached, or if there is any danger to the fencers, the referee, or the spectators, the referee will call halt. See t.29

"Whenever play is to be resumed, competitors are put on guard sitting upright in the centre of the width of their wheelchairs.

A fencer cannot leave the seat of the wheelchir. A fencer who does this will be given a yellow card and will be penalised by red card for each repetition of the offence during that bout.See t.28, t.114, t.116, t.120.

The referee will appoint two referees to observe fencers to enforce this regulation.

When a fencer loses their balance on the attack the referee must immediately call "Alt". Any hit scored on the attacking fencer immediately preceeding this action, or as an immediate riposte during it, will count as valid.

When a fencer's wheelchair develops a fault, the referee may allow time strictly necessary for it to be repaired or exchanged. "In the case of the occurrence of any condition associated with the handicap (e.g.involuntary spasm) the referee may allow, without restriction,sufficient time for recovery. The referee will use his discretion to prevent unfair advantage being taken of this rule.

To request attention of the referee the fencer will raise the none fencing arm.


                                                                      CHAPTER 6

REFEREEING AND JUDGING OF HITS

Only officials approved by the IWFC will officiate.

t.34       "The bout is directed by the referee, who may be seated, and must be in a position to follow the fencing phrases while being able to see the scoring apparatus.

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PART 2.  FOIL
The Conventions of Fencing

"To establish the correct fencing measure, the fencer will sit upright in the centre of the width of their wheelchairs.  One fencer will bend the fencing arm with the forearm vertical and upper-arm horizontal the elbow pointing to the other fencer, the other fencer with a straight arm shall touche the inner edge of the opponent's forearm with the point of th foil.  Each fencer must try his distance. In case of fencers of unequal arm length the fencing mesure is that of the fencer with the shorter arm.
The latter may elect for a greater fencing measure, but in no case may the measure exceed that of the fencer with the longer arm. Were there is a dispute, the referee shall intervene and their decision is final.

Fencers with severely restricted movement shall determine the measure by reaching a point 10 centimetres beyond the inner forearm. Where there is a dispute, the referee shall intervene and their decision is final. 

Once both fencers have agreed the fencing measure, the fencing measure cannot be changed.  

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PART 3.    EPEE

The Conventions of Fencing

"To establish the correct fencing measure, the fencer will sit upright in the centre of the width of their wheelchair. One fencer will bend the fencing arm with the forearm vertical and upper-arm horizontal the elbow pointing to the other fencer, the other fencer with a straight arm shall touch the inner adge of the opponent's forearm with the point of the epee.  Each fencer must try this distance. In case of fencers of unequal arm length the fencing measure is that of the fencer with the shorter arm.
The latter may elect for a greater fencing measure, but in no case may the measure esceed that of the fencer with the longer arm.  Where there is a dispute, the referee shall intervene and their decision is final.

Fencers with severely restricted movement shall determine the measure by reaching a point 10 centometres beyond the elbow. Where there is a dispute, the referee shall intervene and their decision is final.

Once both fencers have agreed the fencing measure, the fencing measure cannot be changed.

The organisers must provide a flexible lamé "apron" to cover for the non-valid areas. This "apron" is also earthed to the apparatus. It must not abscure any valid target and be firmly fastened in position. The clips on the "aprons" must be in full view of the referee. If these clips become dislodged, the referee must call "Alt", and annul any hit. If a double hit is registered by an established hit and a double hit the fencer who has made the established hit may choose to accept the double hit or ask to have it annulled. (see t.67 e) 

THE TARGET
The Target for Wheelchair Epee

"The target at epee is the whole of the upper part of the fencer's body, it comprises any part of the body above a horizontal line drawn between the top of the folds formed by the thighs and the trunk of the fencer when in the "On Guard" position. Any portion of the chair above this line is valid target.

A hit that registers on the parts of the wheelchair below the valid target  or the fencing frame, must be annulled.

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PART 4.  SABRE
The Conventions of Fencing

"To establish the correct fencing measure, the fencer will sit upright in the centre of the width of their wheelchair. One fencer will bend the fencing arm with the forearm vertical and upper-arm horizontal the elbow pointing to the other fencer, the other fencer with a straight arm shall touch the inner edge of the opponent's forearm with the point of the sabre.  Each fencer must try this distance. In case of fencers of unequal arm length the fencing measure is that of the fencer with the shorter arm. The latter may elect for a greater fencing measure, but in on case may the measure exceed that of the fencer with the longer arm. Where there is a dispute, the referee shall intervene andtheir decision is final.

Fencers with severe restricted movement shall determine the measure by reaching a point 10 centimetres beyond the elbow.Where there is a dispute the referee shall intervene and their decision is final.

Once both fencers have agreed the fencing measure, the fencing measure cannot be changed.

On the command "On Guard" fencers shall adopt a guard position that satisfies the following requirements:

There shall be no contact of blades.

 The point of a competitor's blade shall not be advanced beyond the blade of his opponent.  The referee will ensure that neither fencer has an unfair advantage by advancing his arm significantly more than that of his opponent.  See t.17  13

BOOK 2.   ORGANISATION RULES

The International Wheelchair Fencing Committee of the International Stoke Mandeville Wheelchair Sports Federation controls the activities of the Directoire Technique at the Paralympic Games, The World Championships, The Zonal Championships, The World Cup and ISMWSF Games."

0.14     For alternative order of bouts see Appendix A.14

RULES FOR THE INTERNATIONAL WHEELCHAIR FENCING

NB.  The placing of competitors within each category is strictly according to the decision of the official classifiers authorities who have examined and classified each competitor before the competition.  No competitor may appear in a category higher than that in which he has been placed by those authorities.

Leg prostheses to be removed during a fencing bout.

This rule will be reviewed after the Paralympics Games 2004.

A fencer in category 'B', may decide to fence in category 'A', provided that they state their decision on entry and compete only in that category througgh-out all the fencing events in this tournament. No ranking points will be awarded to fencers in their category who compete in a category not of their classification.                   

No fencer shall be entered at more than two different weapons in any championships, including all team and individual events.

World, and Zonal Championships entries are limited to four (4) fencers of any one nation for each event

Paralympic Games, entries are limited to Three (3) fencers of any one Nation for each event

World Cup, No limit of fencers.


                                                       TEAM COMPETITIONS

Team Championships at all three weapons for men and  women will be held at the same time and place as the individual championships and will take place when there is minimal of three teams,one team per country.

o.42   ADD  Each team of three must have at least one category "B" or "C". The fencing measure shall be as category "A" or "B".

See appendix "Organising Championships

APPENDIX  A

Alternative order of bouts:.

POOLS ON 1 (ONE) PISTE