Click Here to view the updated Kings Cup Rules for 2026!
Tempo and Interpreting the action
2.5.1 Clean touch:A clean touch occurs when one fencer touches the other fencer without receiving a hit in return prior to the halt. The fencer who touches the other fencer scores.
2.5.2 Double touch:A double hit occurs when both fencers touch each other prior to the halt. A double hit can occur in two ways: Simultaneous touch, & Double-in-Tempo.
2.5.3 Simultaneous Touch: Both fencers make contact simultaneously or near simultaneously as both attacks are already in motion. With a simultaneous touch, both fencers score. Note that if a counterarttack has started and is in motion before the initial attack lands, the attacks will be counted as simultaneous, even if the counterattack lands after the attack.
2.5.4 Double-in-Tempo: A double-in-tempo, also known as an afterblow, occurs when one fencer hits and the other fencer attacks in response in tempo and hits prior to or with the halt being called. In tempo is defined in terms of a fencing action: the fencer who is struck has one tempo, or one attack, with which they can respond; while the time it takes to execute the attack is relevant, the fencer will be allowed time to complete their attack and any attack that hits in one step (lunge, pass, fleche etc) may be allowed.
In case of a double-in-tempo, the fencer who hits first will always score. The fencer who hits second will score only if their attack touches a deep target (torso, head).
If a fencer hits the opponent, and then manages to hit the opponent a second time before the referee calls halt, the opponent is unable to have a double-in-tempo called, as they failed to make an attack within a single tempo (i.e. one fencing action).
Prohibited Actions and Penalties
The official rules and penalties are the ones displayed on the official rulebook, the website may take longer to update
3.1 Prohibited actions:
The following actions and behaviors are prohibited. Disregard for the rules may result in penalization or expulsion from both the individual tournament and the overall event.
3.1.1 Stalling - Stalling refers to any action by a competitor which slows or delays the conduct of a bout in order to gain an advantage or stop the clock. Examples include, but are not limited to delaying returning to the starting line when instructed by the referee, intentionally dropping the sword or falling down to stop the clock, intentionally stepping out of bounds, or feigning injury*. A competitor who feigns injury will be disqualified.
3.1.2 False Start - A false start occurs when a competitor moves from the starting line before the command of “Fence” is given by the referee. A single false start will receive a "halt” and reset. Any additional false start will be penalized.
3.1.3Failure to halt* - Fencers must cease any and all attacks upon the first command of “Halt” from the referee. Continuing to attack or advance toward the opponent with the intention to attack after halt will be penalized.
3.1.4 Influencing Referees - Fencers are strictly forbidden from making any indication, verbal or non-verbal, about the location or quality of a hit received from their opponent in order to influence the referee’s call. As a show of good sportsmanship, competitors are allowed to request the referee to not award them a point for a hit they didn’t believe they scored, the referee is allowed to disregard the fencer and award the point regardless. The decision is at the referee’s discretion.
3.1.5 Turning the back to the opponent: - Turning around so that your back is exposed to the opponent while within striking distance and during the opponent’s attack, whether intentional or unintentional, is forbidden. There is no penalty if the fencers are out of direct attack distance or there is no attack occuring. Twisting, pivoting, ducking,squatting, dropping, sidestepping, etc. in order to avoid being hit are not penalties unless you completely turn your back to the opponent. Passing the opponent during a fleche is not a penalty but will stop the action.
3.1.6 Striking illegal targets- Striking the fencer’s back of the head or spine is illegal and a non-scoring action. The back itself is a valid target, but the back of the head and the spine are not. The referee is expected to use their discretion in these instances, and may present the offending competitor with a yellow, red, or black card depending on the needs of the situation. In the event that a fencer has turned away and is struck, both fencers may receive a penalty at the referee’s discretion.
3.1.7 Equipment malfunction - An equipment malfunction is defined as a piece of equipment that is not working as intended, but is not broken or failed; For example, a competitor's shin or elbow guard is loose and moves out of position, requiring the bout to be halted for safety purposes until it is put back into its proper place. After the second occurrence of an equipment malfunction, the fencer will be given two minutes to fix or replace the item. After two minutes, they will receive a yellow card and an additional two minutes to replace or fix the equipment, and present themselves at the strip ready to fence. If the fencer has not returned after two minutes, they will be issued a red card and given an additional minute to return ready to fence. If they have not returned after the final minute or are unable to find a suitable piece of equipment to replace their weapon, they will forfeit the match. Fencers are expected to have backup equipment at the ready and near the fencing strip to avoid delays.
3.1.8 Equipment Failure - Equipment failure occurs when a required piece of equipment breaks or is no longer safe to use; e.g., a broken blade or a crumpled mask. In the event of an equipment failure, the fencer will be given two minutes to replace their equipment. After two minutes, they will receive a yellow card and an additional two minutes to replace the failed equipment, and present themselves at the strip ready to fence. If the fencer has not returned after two minutes, they will be issued a red card and given an additional minute to return ready to fence. If they have not returned after the final minute or are unable to find a suitable piece of equipment to replace their weapon, they will forfeit the match. Fencers are expected to have backup equipment at the ready and near the fencing strip to avoid delays.
3.1.9 Competitor not present for start of bout - At the start of the pool, or for any subsequent bout, whether in the pool or in the elimination round, competitors must be present when called. The fencer's name will be announced 3 times; fencers not present after the 3rd will be issued a red card for the start of the bout and have 2 minutes to report to the strip ready to fence. After 2 minutes, the competitor not present will forfeit the match. If they have not arrived by their second match, they will be disqualified from the tournament.
3.1.10 Disrespectful Behavior* - Competitors are expected to remain professional and in control of their emotions at all times, and to be respectful to all competitors, staff, participants, spectators, and the venue. Disrespectful behavior includes the following (but is not limited to):
Disrespectful Vocalization: Fencers are allowed to vocally show excitement or frustration, but taunting, swearing, excessive celebrating to attempt to deceive the referees, rude and disrespectful comments, gestures, or behaviors to staff or competitors etc., are disallowed.
Arguing with the Referee or staff: Competitors and coaches are allowed to ask the referee to clarify the exchange if they did not understand the call, or to dispute the enforcement of a rule if it has been incorrectly applied by the referee. While they are allowed to respectfully express their disagreement with a call, no arguing or disputing with the referee about a point of fact is allowed.
Loss of Temper: A fencer who loses control of their temper, yelling or screaming in anger at the referee, competitor, or anyone present, is throwing equipment in anger, or other such displays of a loss of emotional regulation, etc., will receive an immediate black card from the event. Frustration and emotion themselves will not be penalized unless they are directed at the tournament referees and staff, fellow competitors, coaches, etc. Rude and disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated.
3.1.10 Disruption of the Bout Committee table* Competitors, coaches, spectators, etc., are explicitly prohibited from interacting in any way with the bout committee table during or between bouts. Anyone who disregards this rule may be ejected from the event.
3.1.11 Unjustified interruption of the bout*Any competitor, coach, spectator, etc. who interrupts, disrupts, or halts a bout without justification will be penalized and may be ejected from the event, including competitors leaving the bout at an unauthorized time.
3.1.12 Distracting the fencers* Only referees, other officials, or the competitors' designated coach are allowed to speak to the competitors during the bout; this includes shouting advice to competitors, or attempting to distract or confuse a fencer. Coaches are only allowed to shout advice to their own fencer. Cheering for a competitor from the gallery is allowed as long as it remains respectful and not distracting, excessive, or deemed an attempt to influence the referee per the referee’s discretion. Any cheering deemed inappropriate by the referee or bout committee will receive one warning, and ejection on the second infraction.
3.1.13 Reckless behavior* Reckless and uncontrolled behavior is strictly prohibited. This includes (but is not limited to) striking the floor due to loss of control*, running out of the strip and into spectator areas or other fencing strips, shoving the opponent out of the strip, throwing the weapon, running or leaping to attack in such a way that control is lost, purposefully falling onto your side or back to attack (dropping to the knees to attack is perfectly valid and legal) or in order to avoid being attacked, jabbing violently with a thrust etc. *A thrust to the foot that hits the floor will not be penalized.
3.1.14 Excessive ForceExcessive Force is defined as any force applied to a target area in excess of what is necessary to touch the opponent. Referees are empowered to penalize any instance they deem excessive force was used, and to scale the penalty based on the level of excessive force that was used. Referees are also empowered to let fencers know when the maximum amount of force allowed is used, so that fencers can calibrate their force to event expectations.
3.1.15 Intentionally Striking at Unauthorized Times* If a competitor intentionally attempts to hit an opponent when the bout is not in progress then the fencer will receive a black card for the tournament or the event, based on referee and bout committee’s discretion; e.g. After “Halt” is called and the fencing has stopped, or before the command of “Fence!” is given, a fencer strikes the other fencer out of anger, malice, or for any other reason, OR strikes anytime when the opponent is defenseless, such as when their back is turned or they are disarmed.
3.1.16 Use of prohibited techniques* Use of prohibited techniques will result in a serious penalty and/or ejection. This category includes but is not limited to punches, kicks, joint manipulation or breaks, pain compliance, chokes, throws, sweeps, trips, holding the weapon by the blade, and striking with the cross guard and hilt, etc.
3.1.17 Brutality * Competitors who strike or fence intentionally to cause injury, or who cause injury due to reckless behavior or excessive force, will be disqualified. Due to the nature of the activity, injuries can and will happen, and a competitor will not necessarily be penalized for an injury to the opponent, unless the injury occurred due to negligence or use of brutality, a prohibited technique, reckless behavior, etc.
Examples of brutality include: drawing the fist back to punch (i.e. a “haymaker”), purposely jabbing with a thrust, using the weapon or pommel or buckler to repeatedly strike the opponent, coiling up before striking a defenseless opponent, striking an opponent who has fallen, is defenseless, or unarmed, use of unnecessary levels of force, forceful corps-a-corps etc.
3.1.18 Cheating Any participant found to be cheating will be disqualified and ejected from the tournament and event, and may be subject to a ban from future events. Cheating includes but is not limited to: intentionally using disallowed equipment, removing required equipment after gear check, attempting to alter scoresheets, attempting to influence or coerce referees, etc.
3.1.19 Drug/Alcohol use Competitors may not compete within 6 hours of using alcohol or any other prescription or nonprescription drug that may slow or impair actions.
3.1.20 Disputes/Appeals If a competitor feels that a rule has been unfairly or incorrectly applied, an appeal may be made to the bout committee and head referee. No decision on a question of fact can be the subject of an appeal. All black cards/disqualifications will be automatically reviewed by the Bout Committee.
3.1.21 Misc.: Any incident not explicitly outlined in the rules will be adjudicated at the discretion of the referee and/or bout committee. Rules for penalties apply to fencers, coaches, and spectators. In certain cases, non-competitor penalties may be applied to the associated fencer (i.e., a fencer is penalized or disqualified due to the actions of their coach).
