The rules regarding the use of the wrist strap or Martingale in electric fencing, particularlay in foil and epee, are often misunderstood, or misremembered.
{mosimage}In some earlier editions of the USFA rules, the Martingale was specifically addressed. In the 1975-1995 editions of the rules, article 209 and 309 stated:
“When the foil/epee is not secured to the hand by an attachment or by the body cord, the use of a martingale is mandatory”
In the 2003 edition, article m.4 states:
“3. All types of hilts are allowed providing that they conform to the regulations which have been framed with a view to placing the various types of weapons on the same footing. However, at épée, orthopaedic grips, whether metal or not, may not be covered with leather or any material which could hide wires or switches.
4. The grip must not include any device which assists the fencer to use it as a throwing weapon.
5. The grip must not include any device which can increase in any way the protection afforded to the hand or wrist of the fencer by the guard: a cross bar or electric socket which extends beyond the edge of the guard is expressly forbidden.
6. If the grip (or glove) includes any device or attachment or has a special shape (orthopaedic) which fixes the position of the hand on the grip, the grip must conform to the following conditions.
(a) It must determine and fix one position only for the hand on the grip.
(b) When the hand occupies this one position on the grip, the extremity of the thumb when completely extended must not be more than 2 cm from the inner surface of the guard.
Note that paragraph 6 specifically addresses attachment devices, though not by name, as in the earlier editions of the rules. This means that any kind of wrist strap is allowed, regardless of the type of grip. The strap can go around the hand or the wrist. The only requirement is that the thumb has to be within 2cm of the guard at all times while the strap is used.
Also note that the use of a wrist strap has been allowed in USFA competition for almost 30 years, at least.
I hope that puts this issue to rest, once and for all.
Bill Oliver
FOC Rules committee
Bill Oliver is a long-time member of the Fencing Officials Commission. He serves on the Rules committee, the Ratings committee, and is the FOC website administrator.
In addition to serving on the FOC, Bill is a highly rated National and International referee, manning the strip at most NAC’s, Nationals, and many World Cup competitions.