What penalties can be given for a fencer's delay in returning to position?

A fencer who delays return to position can be penalized through warnings and potential point deductions. The rules governing fencing matches prioritize the smooth flow of competition, and delays can disrupt this pace. Therefore, referees are empowered to issue warnings to remind the fencer of their responsibility to resume their position promptly. If the delays persist or are deemed excessively disruptive, a point deduction may occur as a more serious consequence. This system allows referees to manage the bout effectively while encouraging fencers to maintain the expected speed and efficiency in match conduct.

In this context, other options such as immediate disqualification or loss of equipment for the match are disproportionate to the nature of the violation and would generally be reserved for more severe infractions. Additionally, scoring a point for the opponent as a penalty does not align with standard regulations governing delays, as point scoring should reflect actual actions taken during the bout.