I was fencing in a competition in Essex today, which turned out to be suprisingly illuminating. However, I couldn't help but notice one fencer, who obviously thought a lot of himself. After every hit he landed, he would scream out at the top of his voice in what was obviously some fit of ecstasy. While it may be satisfactory to hit with a lunge, I find it very disrespectful to scorn an opponent, even if the hit is brilliant. I also find that not much respect is being shown to anyone on the piste anymore. The ecstatic screaming is just the tip of a very big iceberg. Some fencers are contradicting every hit that is given against them. Asking why the hit wasn't theirs is fine, but effing and blinding at the president for a clear decision is another matter. I was once presiding a normal fencing match, and the following happened:
- Fencer A attacked.
- Fencer B parried, but didn't riposte immediately.
- Fencer A continued the attack, and hit.
- Fencer B riposted and hit.
- Both fencer's hits registered at the same time.
I thought about it, but eventually awarded the point to fencer A. Although a parry riposte grants you right of way, it can only be awarded, if the riposte is immediate. Therefore, fencer A seized priority by continuing his attack into the delayed riposte. I told them of my decision, and fencer B didn't take it very well. He ripped off his mask, and demanded that I phrase the attacks. I explained to him my reasons behind the decision, and eventually, he put his mask back on, and walked back on to the piste, grumbling as he went.
I can't respect anyone who accosts the referee for making the 'wrong decision', anyone who tries to scrape points together by accosting the referee, or anyone who refuses to acknowledge a clear hit.
