In what instances may a referee call for a re-fight?

A referee may call for a re-fight in situations where there are significant disruptions that could impact the integrity of the bout. This ensures that both fencers have a fair chance to compete without external factors affecting their performance. It is essential for maintaining the standards of fair play and sportsmanship in fencing.

Disruptions could include things like equipment malfunctions, unexpected interruptions, or other situations that could lead to an unfair advantage or interfere with the fencers' focus. The goal is to preserve the quality and fairness of the competition, making it crucial for a referee to have the discretion to restart the bout under such circumstances.

In contrast, while some options denote conditions regarding re-fights, they do not typically align with the principles governing official bouts. For example, a mutual agreement between two fencers for a rematch or an equipment malfunction would not necessarily justify a re-fight unless these conditions severely compromised the bout's fairness or progress. Conversely, audience noise, while potentially distracting, does not usually warrant a re-fight unless it reaches an extreme level that directly impacts the competition.