Wheelchair Fencing
There are 18 individual and team events for men and women (Class A and Class B) in three disciplines of fencing (namely foil, epee, and sabre). Individual events start with the pool stage of round-robin matches, followed by direct elimination rounds for qualifiers. Team events adopt a direct elimination format.
Wheelchair fencers are classified into three classes based on their level of impairment: A, B and C, with A representing the mildest impairment and C the most severe.
Rules:
Fencers compete on their own wheelchairs fixed to a metal frame at an adjustable distance and position, with only the upper body allowed to move freely.
The distance between fencers is determined by the fencer with shorter arm reach (the length from a fencer’s fully-extended arm to the tip of the sword touching the opponent’s elbow). When measuring, one fencer bends the elbow at the right angle, while the other fencer points the blade straight at the opponent's elbow. For foil and sabre, the tip of the blade should touch the inner side of the opponent's forearm. For epee, the tip of the blade should touch the outside of the opponent's forearm.
The distance must be agreed by both fencers. Once agreed, the distance cannot be changed.
During the match, wheelchairs must remain stationary. Fencers’ buttocks must stay on their wheelchairs and their feet must remain on the footrests. Touching the ground for an advantage is considered a foul.
When a fencer successfully hits the opponent’s valid target area, an electronic scoring device will light up. If the hit is confirmed valid by the referee, the fencer will gain one point.
The permitted target areas for each discipline of fencing are different:
Foil: Upper torso.
Epee and sabre: any part of the body above waist.
