If a Youth 10 fencer comes to the strip with a weapon bearing a 4 stamp on the blade, what must the referee do?

In the context of youth fencing, equipment specifications are strictly regulated to ensure safety and fairness in competition. A weapon bearing a 4 stamp signifies that it is designed for a different level of competition, typically suitable for older or more advanced fencers, such as those in higher age categories like Youth 14 or above.

When a Youth 10 fencer arrives at the strip with a weapon that has a 4 stamp, the referee must ensure that the fencer is equipped with proper gear that meets the specific size and safety requirements for their age group. For Youth 10, this generally means they should have a weapon with a size 0 blade. Therefore, the referee must confiscate the weapon with the 4 stamp, as it does not comply with the regulations governing Youth 10 competitions. The fencer must be required to present a weapon that is appropriate for their age category to ensure their safety and to maintain the integrity of the competition. This emphasizes the importance of adhering to weapon specifications in youth fencing, as they are designed to match the physical capabilities of the younger fencers.