What is the primary role of a fencing referee during a bout?

The primary role of a fencing referee during a bout is to ensure adherence to the rules and safety. This involves monitoring the match to uphold the regulations of the sport, making decisions regarding fouls, and ensuring that the bout is conducted in a fair and safe environment. The referee is responsible for interpreting the rules and applying them consistently to maintain the integrity of the competition.

While engaging with the audience, coaching fencers, and keeping score are elements that might seem relevant to the sport, they do not encompass the critical responsibilities of a referee. Engaging with the audience might help enhance the atmosphere of the event, but it is not a primary function. Coaching techniques is outside the referee's role; they must remain impartial and not influence the tactics employed by the fencers. Keeping score of touches is important, but it is secondary to the primary role of enforcing rules and ensuring safety. Overall, the referee's primary duty is to create a just and secure environment for the competitors, which is essential for the sport's credibility.