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Sourcing Referees for EFC and FIE Competitons

Athletes entering European Fencing Confederation (EFC) and Fédération Internationale d’Escrime (FIE) competitions may be required to provide referees, depending on the size of the British delegation. This page explains when a referee is required, what qualifications are needed, how to find suitable referees, and how BF can support athletes, parents, clubs and coaches.

1. Understanding Referee Quotas

EFC Referee Requirements

EFC regulations set referee quotas based on the number of fencers entered in each weapon and gender category:

  • 1–3 fencers: No referee required
  • 4–9 fencers: One referee (responsibility sits with the 4th fencer)
  • 10–15 fencers: Two referees (responsibility for the second referee sits with the 10th fencer)
  • 16–20 fencers: Three referees (responsibility for the third referee sits with the 16th fencer)

Fines: Up to €500 per missing referee, per event category.

FIE Referee Requirements

  • 1–4 fencers: No referee required
  • 5–9 fencers: One referee (responsibility sits with the 5th fencer)
  • 10 or more fencers: Two referees (responsibility for the second referee sits with the 10th fencer)

Fines: €1000 per missing referee. All referees must hold a valid FIE licence in the weapon concerned and appear on the active list.

2. Referee Qualification Requirements

  • EFC Cadet events usually require a National Licence only.
  • EFC U23 or Eurofence League events usually require an EFC C grade or an FIE B/A licence. In some cases, high‑level national qualifications may be accepted during transitional periods.
  • FIE events require a valid FIE licence for the weapon.
  • Minimum age is usually 18, with an upper limit of around 60 for many EFC competitions.

3. If You Need to Source a Referee

1. Contact the event organisers
Event organisers often maintain a list of locally‑based qualified referees who can be hired for a reasonable fee.

2. Connect with other athletes
If responsible for a second or third referee, it may be helpful to speak with the athlete who sourced the previous referee to request recommendations.

3. Ask your club
Coaches or club administrators may know suitable referees or be able to recommend someone with the required qualifications.

4. Contact BF
BF can circulate referee requests through UK and international networks, increasing the likelihood of securing a suitable official.

4. How BF Can Help

  • Sharing your details with potential referees, including fees, payment arrangements and contact information.
  • Sharing trip‑related information, such as a WhatsApp or equivalent communication group links.
  • Supporting athletes in meeting EFC and FIE compliance requirements.

All athletes must acknowledge responsibility for a fair contribution to referee costs and fines at the point of entry. If an athlete refuses to contribute, BF should be notified immediately.

5. Important Notes for Athletes and Parents

  • Responsibility for sourcing referees is assigned automatically based on entry position. BF will notify responsible athletes by email.
  • Withdrawing after a referee requirement has been triggered does not remove the obligation to contribute to referee costs or fines.
  • Athletes should routinely check EFC and FIE entry lists as the event approaches to ensure all obligations are met.

Click the links below to go to your GBR Zone:

Para Fencing | Under 14 | Cadet | Junior | U23 & Senior

Last updated 1 Feb 2026