Wheelchair fencing words · Beginner

Fencing at foil, epee and sabre by fencers seated in wheelchairs that are fixed in a frame on the piste. The rules are the FIE rules, translated and amended for para fencers.

The frame on each piste that holds the wheelchair still, securing all of its wheels. The chair is fixed at an angle of 110 degrees (plus or minus 5) to the line between the ends of the front wheel stops. The frame can be adjusted for arm length, chair width and left-handed fencers, and must stay stable during a lunge. Every frame used in official WPF competition is approved by the SEMI Commission and carries an identification plate.

The wheelchair counts as fencing equipment and is checked and tagged before each tournament. The back must be rigid, at least 15 cm high and at 90 degrees (plus 2). The seating platform is no more than 53 cm from the floor, and a cushion is optional and no more than 10 cm thick. There is no side guard on the fencing-arm side and a clear one on the other side, at least 10 cm high and 20 cm long. A footrest is fitted, the frame is insulated, the wheel camber is no more than 5 degrees, and both rear wheels carry spoke protectors.

On guard, a fencer sits upright in the centre of the seat with the feet on the footrest. The upper body may rotate toward the opponent but the hips must stay facing forward. The fencers must stay completely still until the referee says Play. Deliberately changing the sitting position first is a first-group offence.

The distance between the fencers, set before the bout with both seated upright. One fencer bends the arm with the forearm vertical, the upper arm horizontal and the elbow toward the other, who touches the opponent's inner forearm (foil and sabre) or outer elbow (epee) with the point of a straight arm, then they swap. A fencer with a shorter arm may choose a distance between the two. Fencers in Category C measure by reaching a point 10 cm further. Once agreed the measure cannot change.

The soles of the feet must stay on the footrest and not touch any other equipment or the floor, unless a classifier grants an exemption. It is a first-group offence and any hit scored by the fencer at fault is annulled.

Lifting from the seat is forbidden and brings a penalty, and any hit scored by the fencer at fault is annulled. Raising one buttock is permitted and not a reason to halt. The referee may call two judges to watch for it.

At official WPF competitions the sport classes are combined into three categories for each event: A is classes 3 and 4, B is class 2, and C is classes 1A and 1 (class 1B in the class list). Fencers are placed by the classification authorities. A fencer cannot compete in a lower category, but may choose to fence in a higher one for individual events. A Category C fencer in a Category A or B event may use the Category C or the Category A/B distance.