How can a referee ensure fairness during bouts with multiple rounds?

The key to ensuring fairness during bouts with multiple rounds lies in the consistent application of rules. When a referee applies the rules uniformly to all fencers, it guarantees that each competitor is judged by the same standards, which is vital for maintaining a fair competition environment. This consistency helps eliminate any potential bias or favoritism, allows for a level playing field, and provides all fencers with equal opportunity to succeed based on their skills and tactics.

Allowing breaks between rounds, while beneficial for athlete recovery, does not in itself guarantee fairness. Prioritizing stronger fencers would create an uneven playing field, which contradicts the principle of fairness in competition. Frequently changing positions may introduce unnecessary variability and confusion rather than contribute to a balanced assessment of each fencer's performance. Thus, maintaining a uniform approach to rule enforcement is essential for achieving equitable conditions in multi-round bouts.