How is fencing scored?
In fencing bouts, the winner is the fencer who reaches a specified point total first. Usually, this total is five or fifteen. For most competitive fencing, an electronic system has been devised to assist in scoring. A bout between fencers is overseen by a director. In all weapons, a light will be activated when a fencer scores a touch on his opponent, at which point the director will halt the bout, award a point, and reset the fencers before continuing. In epee, if both fencers record a touch simultaneously, both lights will come on, both fencers will receive a point (unless it is the final touch of a bout, where it is anulled until a single touch is scored) and the bout continues. In foil and sabre, if both fencers register a touch, it is more complicated. The director must call the action and award a point to a single fencer, or declare the touches simultaneous and cancelling actions, rewarding a point to neither fencer. The rules for determining who scored a point is governed by the
