Point in line (pointe en ligne)

[Peutch]

Following a discussion that I had last training about the 'point in line', I just had a look at the FIE rules, and it just says (my translation) that it's "a specific position in which the fencer holds his armed arm extended and continuously threatens with his point the valid surface of his opponent".

So, per se, nothing is said about the fact that the hand has to be at the same height as the shoulder; so if you stretch your arm a bit higher but your point is a bit downwards to compensate, that should still count as a point in line. (see video link below)

And let me reiterate that if a fencer lunges and falls short, but keeps the lunge position with his arm still threatening, and the other fencer walks or attacks into his point, this should be refereed as point in line.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edp325urYyM

Moreover, from the definition of the FIE, one could interpret a lunge falling short, but followed by a recovery with the arm still extended, as a valid point in line, since nothing is said about forward/backward movement and/or legs. Just the arm, and the threat.

Agreed, it might not be that easy to keep one's foil pointing at the opponent, but still.

[Peutch]

PS: maybe it could be useful to keep a copy of the FIE rules at the club?

[MadRussian]

Well, in fencing one could interpret a lot of things (such as point aiming at the sky as threatening the target). I personally would ref in the following way:
Case one: line established, opponent starts moving forward walks onto it and hits (point in line is good)
Case two: as above but line established after start of the offensive move (attack is good, line out of time)
Case three: Point in line is followed by a forward movement keeping the line, followed by lunge which fails. If the line is maintained it is still good.
Case four: Normal attack followed by a lunge which fails, but the arm is kept straight after the failed lunge. I think this is most difficult one. I believe a failed attack gives the opponent the right to ripost. So if failed lunge is T0, line is T1 and ripost is T1 then ripost is good. If line is T1 and ripost T2, then line is good.

[Tim Love]

Originally Posted by Peutch

PS: maybe it could be useful to keep a copy of the FIE rules at the club?

I do believe we have a copy of the rules in the locker somewhere...