How should a referee respond to unsportsmanlike behavior from a fencer?

A referee should respond to unsportsmanlike behavior by issuing a warning and taking appropriate measures because this approach serves to address the misconduct without escalating the situation prematurely. By issuing a warning, the referee communicates that the behavior is unacceptable and encourages the fencer to adhere to the standards of sportsmanship expected in competition.

If the behavior continues after the warning or is particularly severe, the referee has the authority to take further actions, such as penalizing or ultimately disqualifying the fencer. This graduated response helps maintain control of the match and reinforces the importance of sportsmanship. It also allows the fencer an opportunity to correct their behavior before facing more severe consequences.

Ignoring the behavior could lead to a negative atmosphere in the match and encourages further unsportsmanlike actions. Immediate disqualification is usually reserved for extreme cases and not an initial response, while consulting the audience is inappropriate as it disrupts the flow of the event and could lead to biased opinions affecting the decision-making process.