In what situation is a fencer required to wait for the referee's signal before acting?

A fencer is required to wait for the referee's signal before acting during the start of a new bout. This protocol ensures that all participants are prepared and aware that the match is officially commencing. The referee's signal indicates that both fencers should be ready to engage and that all rules are in place for a fair contest. It sets a clear starting point, allowing the referee to control the flow of the bout effectively and maintain order within the competition.

In other situations, like when a point is awarded or during a timeout, specific actions are often governed by different protocols or may require communication between the fencer and referee, but they do not necessitate waiting for a signal to commence action. After a valid touch is made, the combat typically resumes upon the referee's decision or when both fencers are ready, rather than requiring a formal signal to begin another action.