RULES IN BRIEF If a fencer places both feet outside the side boundaries of the piste, the bout resumes one metre closer to the offender's end of the piste If a fencer places both feet beyond the rear limit of the piste, the opponent is awarded a penalty hit A penalty hit is incurred for several offences, including a running attack in the sabre, known as a flèche, or body contact in the foil and épée Fencers must not turn their back on an opponent Fencers must not strike the piste with their sword Fencers must not block with their unarmed hand Opponents must salute each other, the referee and audience by holding the sword's guard to the chin before the start of each bout Failure to salute an opponent can result in a black card - expulsion The sword cannot be switched from one hand to the other while fencing is under way Ten minute rests periods are allowed for injuries, though cramp does not count as injury