The International Fencing Federation (Fédération Internationale d'Escrime, or FIE) is the global governing body for the sport of fencing. It was founded in 1913 in Paris to regulate and standardise fencing competitions worldwide. The FIE's headquarters are now located in Lausanne, Switzerland, positioning it within a key hub of international sport.
The FIE oversees three main disciplines in fencing: foil, épée, and sabre. Each discipline has distinct rules and techniques, and they are practised by both men and women in individual and team events. Fencing has been an integral part of the Olympic Games since the first modern games in 1896, and the FIE works closely with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to ensure the sport’s continued presence and development in the Olympic movement.
The FIE's primary role is to organise and supervise international competitions, including the Fencing World Championships, the Fencing World Cup series, and regional championships. It is also responsible for establishing rules, ensuring the safety of athletes, and maintaining a standardised system for refereeing.
Membership of the FIE includes over 150 national federations, representing fencing communities from across the globe. These national federations are responsible for promoting and developing the sport in their respective countries and for participating in FIE-sanctioned events.
In addition to fostering elite competition, the FIE focuses on the development of fencing at grassroots levels. It provides training for coaches and referees, offers development programmes for young athletes, and promotes the values of sportsmanship and fair play.
The FIE is affiliated with various international sports organisations, such as the Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF) and the International World Games Association, supporting its mission to advance fencing worldwide.
Fencing, as governed by the International Fencing Federation (FIE), involves three distinct weapons or disciplines:
The International Fencing Federation (FIE) has five continental associations that are responsible for organising regional championships, supporting member federations, and representing their interests in the FIE Board meetings. These associations are:
These continental bodies help manage the development and promotion of fencing in their respective regions, aligning with FIE's global objectives.
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