When should a referee declare a bout as finished?

The bout in fencing is considered finished when one fencer reaches the required number of points or when the allotted time expires. This reflects the established rules of fencing competitions, where the objective is to score a defined number of points as determined by the event format. Additionally, time limits are put in place to ensure that bouts conclude within a designated timeframe, maintaining the integrity and schedule of the competition.

In essence, the culmination of a bout is determined by objective criteria that adhere to the sport's regulations, rather than subjective interpretations or the personal conditions or agreements of the fencers. This structure helps ensure fairness and consistency across all matches, essential principles in officiating sports.