What is a "valid attack" in fencing?

A "valid attack" in fencing is defined as an action that successfully meets the criteria for scoring based on the specific rules for that weapon. This encompasses several components, including the appropriate target area, the nature of the action performed, and the manner in which the attack is executed. Each weapon in fencing—foil, epee, and sabre—has unique criteria that dictate when an attack is considered valid.

For instance, in foil and sabre, priority rules (right of way) play a crucial role in determining if an attack scores, while in epee, any valid hit counts provided it touches the valid target area. Therefore, simply performing an action is not sufficient for it to be counted as a valid attack; it must conform to the established guidelines that define what successfully scores in the context of the sport. This intricate understanding is essential for referees to accurately judge actions and for fencers to know how to attack effectively within the rules.

The other options do not capture the complete essence of a valid attack. An attack aimed only at weaker opponents does not fit within the formal criteria that define scoring actions. While some attacks may begin from a defensive position, this does not inherently qualify them as valid without meeting the necessary scoring criteria.