What is the primary responsibility of a fencing referee?

The primary responsibility of a fencing referee is to ensure fair play and enforce the rules during a fencing bout. This role is critical because referees must observe the action closely, make judgment calls on valid hits, and apply the rules consistently to maintain the integrity of the competition. They are tasked with detecting violations such as illegal actions or unsafe conduct and must intervene when necessary to uphold the standards of the sport.

While scoring hits and determining the winner are certainly part of the referee's functions, these tasks are secondary to their overarching duty of governance. Similarly, training fencers is outside the scope of a referee’s responsibilities — that role typically falls to coaches and trainers. The primary focus of a referee is fostering an environment where fair competition can occur, ensuring that all participants adhere to the established rules and guidelines.