Officials

Directoire Technique (DT) and referees are the officials at a fencing tournament. These roles, in the context of international competition, are outlined in the FIE Technical Rules https://fie.org/fie/documents/rules 

Directoire Technique (DT)

The DT is the ultimate authority at a tournament and has jurisdiction over all participants, including referees, fencers, coaches, and spectators. The DT is responsible for maintaining order, adjusting the schedule to ensure the smooth running of the tournament, resolving disputes, managing the tournament using the Fencing Time software, briefing referees before the start of the tournament, and imposing penalties for breaches of the rules. Due to these responsibilities, the DT must have a thorough understanding of the rules of fencing and the Fencing Time software, be able to demonstrate competence in the role and undertake any other training, development, and practice that NSWFA may require. The DT must be aged 18 years and over.

Referee/Senior Referee

The referee is responsible for maintaining safety and good order during the tournament. This includes checking that fencers have the correct equipment and that it is in good condition and properly fastened, directing bouts and judging hits, and penalising competitors, coaches and spectators who disturb order or breach the rules. Senior referees, in addition to refereeing duties (in particular for semi finals and final bouts), are expected to brief referees before tournaments begin – setting the standard, monitor refereeing throughout the tournament, and mentor referees to help them develop their skills. Senior referees must have a minimum of national accreditation in two weapons. Referees must be aged 13 years and older and must have an understanding of the rules appropriate to their level, be able to demonstrate competence in refereeing, and undertake any other training, development, and practice that NSWFA may require. 

Become a DT or referee

NSW Fencing is developing a new training and mentoring program to build a large team of officials to support its tournament program. Updates on this will be available soon.