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Referee Exam - Epee Questions and Correct
Answers
How are the shim gauges used to test the epee point?
A. Insert the 1.5mm gauge, making sure it will fit; insert the
0.5mm gauge and depress the point, making sure it registers a
touch.
B. Insert the 1.5mm gauge, making sure it will fit; insert the 0.5mm
gauge and depress the point, making sure it will not allow the
registering of a touch.
C. Make sure the 1.5mm gauge does not fit; insert the 0.5mm
gauge and depress the point, making sure it will not allow the
registering of a touch. Ans: Answer: (B). In epee, the large shim
should fit between the tip and the barrel, and insertion of the
small shim before depressing the point should not register a touch
on the scoring apparatus. Relevant Rule(s): t.68.3, m.19.4.a-b
May an epee be held by the pommel?
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A. Yes, always.
B. Yes, but only if it is a French grip and not an orthopedic grip
C. No. Ans: Answer: (B). A fencer may hold a non-
orthopedic/French grip foil by the pommel, provided that the
manner of holding does not allow the weapon to be transformed
into a throwing weapon. Relevant Rule(s): t.21.2-4, m.2, m.3, m.4,
m.6
What should the referee check about the inside of an epee bell
guard?
A. The two epee wires must be soldered to the socket; there must
be a security device for the body cord.
B. The two epee wires must be contained in a single piece of
insulated sheath and covered by a cushion (padding); there must
be a security device for the body cord.
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C. The two epee wires must be individually covered with insulated
sheaths and covered by a cushion (padding) sufficiently wide to
protect the electric wires from the fencer's fingers; there may be
no covering (e.g., tape) on an orthopedic handle that could hide
wires or switches; there must be a security device for the body
cord; the connections must be so arranged so that it is impossible
for the fencer to break or make contact with the wires while
fencing. Ans: Answer: (C). Every bout the referee needs to look in
the guard and under the epee sized guard pad to see that each
wire has its own insulation. There is NO TAPING wires to the guard
(clear tape is ok - you need to be able to see the wire) and no
taping or insulating the wires together. The referee must inspect
the entirety of the wires down to the bell guard. Ensure that the
weapon has a body cord securing device (fastener/ bail) present
and functions. Relevant Rule(s): m.31.5-7, m.4
What is the maximum bend allowed in the epee blade?
A. None, the blade must be perfectly straight.
B. Less than 4 centimeters, located near the center of the blade.
© 2025 All rights reserved
Referee Exam - Epee Questions and Correct
Answers
How are the shim gauges used to test the epee point?
A. Insert the 1.5mm gauge, making sure it will fit; insert the
0.5mm gauge and depress the point, making sure it registers a
touch.
B. Insert the 1.5mm gauge, making sure it will fit; insert the 0.5mm
gauge and depress the point, making sure it will not allow the
registering of a touch.
C. Make sure the 1.5mm gauge does not fit; insert the 0.5mm
gauge and depress the point, making sure it will not allow the
registering of a touch. Ans: Answer: (B). In epee, the large shim
should fit between the tip and the barrel, and insertion of the
small shim before depressing the point should not register a touch
on the scoring apparatus. Relevant Rule(s): t.68.3, m.19.4.a-b
May an epee be held by the pommel?
© 2025 All rights reserved
, 2 | Page
A. Yes, always.
B. Yes, but only if it is a French grip and not an orthopedic grip
C. No. Ans: Answer: (B). A fencer may hold a non-
orthopedic/French grip foil by the pommel, provided that the
manner of holding does not allow the weapon to be transformed
into a throwing weapon. Relevant Rule(s): t.21.2-4, m.2, m.3, m.4,
m.6
What should the referee check about the inside of an epee bell
guard?
A. The two epee wires must be soldered to the socket; there must
be a security device for the body cord.
B. The two epee wires must be contained in a single piece of
insulated sheath and covered by a cushion (padding); there must
be a security device for the body cord.
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, 3 | Page
C. The two epee wires must be individually covered with insulated
sheaths and covered by a cushion (padding) sufficiently wide to
protect the electric wires from the fencer's fingers; there may be
no covering (e.g., tape) on an orthopedic handle that could hide
wires or switches; there must be a security device for the body
cord; the connections must be so arranged so that it is impossible
for the fencer to break or make contact with the wires while
fencing. Ans: Answer: (C). Every bout the referee needs to look in
the guard and under the epee sized guard pad to see that each
wire has its own insulation. There is NO TAPING wires to the guard
(clear tape is ok - you need to be able to see the wire) and no
taping or insulating the wires together. The referee must inspect
the entirety of the wires down to the bell guard. Ensure that the
weapon has a body cord securing device (fastener/ bail) present
and functions. Relevant Rule(s): m.31.5-7, m.4
What is the maximum bend allowed in the epee blade?
A. None, the blade must be perfectly straight.
B. Less than 4 centimeters, located near the center of the blade.
© 2025 All rights reserved
