What should a referee do if Fencer X arrives wearing shorts instead of fencing knickers?

In fencing, there are strict regulations regarding the proper attire for safety reasons. Fencing knickers are specifically designed to provide adequate protection for fencers, who may be exposed to potential injuries during bouts. If a fencer shows up wearing shorts instead of the required knickers, this is considered a violation of the uniform rules set forth by the International Fencing Federation (FIE) or national governing bodies.

Issuing a yellow card serves as a warning while still prioritizing safety; it acknowledges the infraction but also provides the fencer with an opportunity to rectify the situation by changing into appropriate attire. This approach balances the enforcement of rules with the opportunity for the fencer to participate in the match if they can become compliant without excessively delaying the competition.

In contrast, allowing the fencer to continue without penalty would undermine the importance of adhering to uniform regulations, while disqualifying them from the bout would be an unnecessarily harsh penalty for a first infraction of attire. Giving a red card would typically indicate a more serious breach of conduct, which is not applicable in this situation where the fencer has simply failed to wear the correct uniform. Thus, providing a yellow card and allowing time for a change is the most appropriate and fair course of action.