The International Fencing Federation (FIE) Executive Committee has established an Initial Working Group (IWG) on Rule Interpretation & Application and Educational Development, supporting the Federation’s strategic plan to strengthen refereeing across the international fencing community.
“Refereeing is central to the credibility and future of our sport,” said FIE Secretary General Gulnora Saidova. “Through this Working Group, the FIE is investing in a shared vision of consistency, education and continuous improvement that will benefit referees, athletes, coaches and National Federations alike. This is an important step towards ensuring that our officiating continues to evolve alongside modern fencing.”
Refereeing is one of the fundamental pillars of fencing. It plays a vital role in ensuring fairness, consistency and confidence in competition, while safeguarding the integrity and credibility of the sport. As fencing continues to grow and develop, the FIE is committed to ensuring that refereeing evolves alongside it.
With this in mind, the Working Group has been established to develop a common and internationally recognised framework for the consistent interpretation and application of the FIE Rules, providing the foundation for future referee education, examinations, licensing and continuing professional development. It will also support the educational programmes of the future FIE Academy, part of the Federation’sStrategic Plan to enhance fencing education worldwide through the establishment of coaching centres on every continent over the next few years.
Bringing together representatives of the FIE Executive Committee, Refereeing Commission, Rules Commission, Athletes’ Commission, and Coaches’ Council, together with internationally recognised referees and technical experts, the composition of the Working Group reflects the FIE’s commitment to ensuring that the continued development of refereeing benefits from broad expertise, practical experience and constructive dialogue across the international fencing community.
MANDATE OF THE WORKING GROUP
Objectives
Phase I – Interpretation of the FIE Rules
Target completion: December 2026
The Working Group will:
- review current refereeing practices and the application of the FIE Rules in international competitions;
- identify areas where clarification or greater consistency is required;
- develop a clear, consistent and internationally recognised framework for the interpretation and application of the FIE Rules; and
- prepare recommendations for submission to the FIE Executive Committee for approval and publication.
Phase II – Educational Development
Target completion: Q1 2027
Building on the approved interpretation framework, the Working Group will:
- prepare recommendations for an international referee education programme;
- develop proposals for referee examinations, licensing and continuing professional development;
- recommend internationally harmonised educational standards and digital learning resources; and
- contribute to the educational development of the future FIE Academy.
Main Responsibilities
The Working Group will:
- review existing interpretations and refereeing practices;
- analyse refereeing situations arising from international competitions;
- identify areas requiring clarification or greater consistency;
- develop recommendations reflecting the broadest possible technical consensus on the interpretation and application of the FIE Rules;
- prepare official interpretation documents and educational reference materials;
- formulate recommendations for future referee education, certification and licensing;
- recommend principles for continuing professional development and licence renewal;
- propose requirements for future digital education and assessment platforms; and
- carry out any additional tasks entrusted to it by the FIE Executive Committee in support of the continued development of refereeing, education and the FIE Academy.
Next Steps
Members of the Working Group attending the 2026 FIE Senior World Championships in Hong Kong, China this 22 to 30 July will hold an inaugural meeting to establish the project’s roadmap and working methodology.
Two online meetings will then be organised in August, followed by an in-person meeting in September 2026.
The FIE will keep the international fencing community informed of the Working Group’s progress as its work advances.