What is the target in wheelchair fencing?
B · Beginner · The bout · 4 of 4At foil the target is the trunk, from collar to hip bones. At epee and sabre it is everything above a line between the hip bones, including the chair above it. Nothing below counts: at epee, hits on the chair or frame are annulled; at sabre they are not registered and do not stop play.
How it works
- Foil: trunk only.
- Foil bib: below the chin line counts.
- Epee: above the hips, chair included.
- Sabre: above the hips.
- Below the hips: never valid.
- Epee chair hits low: annulled.
- Sabre low hits: not registered.
- Right of way: as at FIE foil and sabre.
The glossary has the valid target at foil (wheelchair fencing), the valid target at epee and sabre (wheelchair fencing), the conductive apron, the fencing measure, the video review appeals (wheelchair fencing) and the wheelchair fencing.
Tricky cases
An epee hit on the chair wheel. Valid?
No.
A foil hit on the arm. Valid?
No, unless an abnormal position covered the target.
A sabre cut below the hips. Does it stop play?
No.
Is the chair above the hips target at epee?
Yes.
Why the rule exists
Seated fencers cannot reach the legs fairly, so the target stops at the hips for all weapons.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Foil | Trunk | t.77 |
| Epee | Above hips, chair too | t.91 |
| Sabre | Above hips | t.97 |
From the rule book
World Para Fencing, Book 1 Technical Rules (January 2026), articles t.77, t.79, t.91, t.97 and t.98. Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: World Para Fencing rulebooks 0 to 4.