When is a fencing bout considered over?

A fencing bout is considered over when all possible time has expired or when one fencer reaches the maximum number of touches. This reflects the structured nature of fencing competitions, where bouts are typically governed by specific time limits or by scoring a predetermined number of points. The established rules dictate that the match concludes in these two scenarios to maintain a fair and competitive environment.

Fouls, while they can influence the bout and its outcome, do not directly determine when a bout ends. Likewise, the agreement of both fencers to stop does not constitute a formal end to the bout as per the competition rules. Additionally, the loss of equipment is a situation that can interrupt or temporarily halt the bout rather than conclude it entirely. Therefore, the clearer parameters around time and scoring help to establish a definitive conclusion to the bout.