What does the referee do when a bout has not made significant progress?

When a bout has not made significant progress, the referee has the authority to call a halt to assess the bout's progress. This action is part of the referee's responsibility to ensure that the competition remains fair and that both fencers are actively engaging in the bout. The referee may intervene to encourage more offensive action, especially if neither fencer is making an attempt to score or if the bout becomes stagnant.

This approach helps maintain the quality and excitement of the match, ensuring that the audience remains engaged and both fencers get a fair chance to compete effectively. In this context, allowing the bout to continue indefinitely would not serve the sport's integrity, nor would consulting spectators be appropriate in officiating a match. Ignoring the lack of progress until an injury occurs would also be contrary to the referee's role, which is to manage the bout actively and maintain its flow. Thus, the referee's intervention is crucial for fostering a competitive and dynamic environment in fencing.