Section 3: Playing Area
3.1 Piste Dimensions
All bouts take place on a regulation fencing strip known as the piste (Technical Rules t.16–19):
- Length: 14 m, with a total tolerance of 4 cm (t.18.2)
- Width: The combat area is 1.50 m wide (t.18.1)
- Run-back zone: Each competitor, placed 2 m from the centre line, has 5 m of retreating distance available before crossing the rear limit (t.18.2)
3.2 Piste Markings
Five lines must be drawn clearly across the piste at right angles to its length (Technical Rules t.19):
- Center line: Divides the piste into two equal halves, drawn as a broken line (t.19.1)
- En-garde lines: Two lines located 2 m from the center line on each side (t.19.2). Fencers begin each engagement standing behind their respective en-garde line.
- Rear limit lines: Two lines at the rear limits of the piste, 7 m from the centre line (t.19.3). Crossing this line with both feet results in a touch awarded to the opponent.
- Last 2 metres: The final 2 m of the piste before the rear limit lines must be clearly distinguished, if possible by a different colour, so fencers can judge their position (t.19.4).
3.3 Surface and Grounding
For foil and épée, the conductive surface must cover the whole of the length and breadth of the piste, including its run-back extension (Technical Rules t.18, Material Rules m.57). This prevents touches to the floor from registering on the scoring apparatus. The piste must be flat and give neither advantage nor disadvantage to either fencer, especially regarding light (t.16). It is typically elevated on a raised platform (maximum height 50 cm) at major competitions to improve visibility for spectators and cameras.
3.4 Lateral Boundaries
If a fencer steps off the side of the piste with one or both feet, the referee calls “Halt.” A fencer who has crossed the lateral boundaries of the piste must be placed on guard at the correct distance even if this means being placed behind the rear line and thus causes a technical hit to be awarded against them (Technical Rules t.22.10, t.35.1, t.148).