Field of Play
The field of play should have an even surface; it should not give advantage or disadvantage to either of the two fencers. Parafencing is static and uses a frame that sits on each piste. The frame fixes the wheelchair in a stable position, by securing all wheels of the wheelchair to the frame. The front of the wheelchair is secured to the frame by a ratchet strap in order to keep the wheelchair from tipping backwards. The frame allows for easy adjustment of the fencing measure to accommodate the varying lengths of the fencers' arms. The frame should also be easily adjustable to various widths of wheelchairs. If the wheelchair does not fit in to the frame, a replacement wheelchair that does fit must be used. The frame must be easily adjustable for right and left-handed fencers. The fencing wheelchair is also part of the fencing equipment.
See IWAS rules for examples: Book 3 Material Rules, Chapter 6 Fencing Frames.
See IWAS rules for specific measurements: Book 3 Material Rules, Chapter 2 Equipment and Clothing.
Foil:
To establish the correct fencing measure, the fencers sit upright in the center of their respective wheelchair seat. One fencer will bends the fencing arm with the forearm vertical and upper arm horizontal and the elbow pointing to the other fencer. The other fencer with a straight arm shall touch the inner edge of the opponent’s forearm with the point of the foil, followed by the reverse. In cases of fencers with unequal arm lengths, the fencer with the shorter arm may choose a distance that lies in between his and his opponent´s distance. Where there is a dispute, the referee shall intervene; the referee’s decision is then final.
Fencers with severely restricted movement (Category C) shall determine the measure by reaching a point 10 centimeters beyond the inner forearm. Where there is a dispute, the referee shall intervene; the referee’s decision is then final.
Once both fencers have agreed the fencing measure, the fencing measure cannot be changed.
Epee and Saber:
To establish the correct fencing measure, the fencers sit upright in the center of their respective wheelchair seat. One fencer will bends the fencing arm with the forearm vertical and upper arm horizontal and the elbow pointing to the other fencer. The other fencer with a straight arm shall touch the outer edge of the opponent‘s elbow with the point of the weapon (epee or saber), followed by the reverse. In cases of fencers with unequal arm lengths, the fencer with the shorter arm may choose a distance that lies in between his and his opponent´s distance. Where there is a dispute, the referee shall intervene; the referee’s decision is then final.
Fencers with severely restricted movement (Category C) shall determine the measure by reaching a point 10 centimeters inside the outer edge of the elbow. Where there is a dispute, the referee shall intervene; the referee’s decision is then final.
Once both fencers have agreed the fencing measure, the fencing measure cannot be changed.
