"Ladies and Gentlemen" - Audience Etiquette

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“Ladies and Gentlemen” - Audience Etiquette

by Rebekah Vande Velde

Did you know that even if you attend a competition as a spectator, you are still considered a fencer according to the USFA rulebook? This is so that referees and officials may enforce all rules of order on anyone present in the venue.

Spectators are expected to stay "in the background" while the competitors fence. They are not allowed to advise the fencers while they are fencing, or to attempt to sway the Referee or the fencers, or criticize any call made by the Referee.

The rulebook states:

"Everybody taking part in or present at a fencing competition must remain orderly and must not disturb the smooth running of the competition. During bouts (between the command "Fence" and "Halt") no one is allowed to go near the strips or to give advice to the fencers. At no time is one allowed to criticize the Officials or their decisions, to insult them or to attempt to influence them in any way. . . the Referee must stop immediately any activity which disturbs the smooth running of the bout which he is refereeing." -USFA Rulebook, t.82

And

"Spectators are obliged not to interfere with the good order of a competition, to do nothing which may tend to influence the fencers or the Referee, and to respect the decisions of the latter even when they do not agree with them. They must obey any instructions which the Referee may deem it necessary to give them." -USFA Rulebook, t.93

The Referee has the right to penalize any spectator who does not conform to the rules of the competition:

“By reason of the right of jurisdiction which he has over all the fencers who participate in, or are present at a competition which he is refereeing, he can also propose to the Technical Directory the expulsion from the venue of the competition of the spectators,. . .” –USFA Rulebook, t.96 (c)

Helpful tips:

Be careful not to walk between a referee and the fencers they are trying to direct. You will be called down.

The best angle to watch a bout from is 45 degrees from the strip, out of the way of the referee and any other proceedings.

In general, all refreshments are for the fencers and officials.

In general, photography is allowed, however the flash must be turned OFF. When taking photos, try to anticipate the action you are trying to capture for the best results.