How should a referee address a fencer who is repeatedly delaying the bout?

In fencing, a referee plays a critical role in maintaining the flow and fairness of the bout. When a fencer repeatedly delays the action, it's essential for the referee to intervene to uphold the integrity of the sport. Issuing a warning serves as a formal reminder to the fencer that their behavior is unacceptable, promoting a prompt and orderly progression of the match. If the delays continue, imposing a penalty is a necessary action to discourage such conduct. This approach ensures that all competitors are given equal opportunity to engage in the bout without unnecessary interruptions.

Allowing additional time for preparation would fail to address the underlying issue and could encourage further delays. Ignoring the delays would undermine the rules of the competition, leading to a potentially chaotic situation that could disrupt not only the individual bout but also the overall event. Permitting the fencer to continue without consequences would likewise set a problematic precedent, potentially fostering a culture where delays are accepted as normal rather than addressed properly. The referee's responsibility is to enforce the rules for the sake of fairness and the competitive spirit of fencing, which is why taking decisive action against excessive delays is paramount.