Right of Way is a framework to help referees (and fencers) evaluate exchanges ending in mutual hits, as these rarely result from equal mistakes by both fencers. This rule guides fencers to prefer tactically sound choices over simply striving to hit at all costs. RoW does not simulate how a match would end in a sharp duel but trains fencers in habits beneficial for such scenarios.
Right of Way is the acknowledgement of the offensive initiative, valuing the advantage of action (attack) over reaction (defense), reflecting how sensory-motor reactions and decision-making naturally operate. Even if the defender deliberately provokes an attack, they assume the risk, believing they can successfully counter. However, provoking does not reduce the danger of the incoming attack.
A key principle for "double hits" is that if one fencer still has the chance to react (not fully committed to their action yet) and can avoid causing a mutual hit, they have a moral responsibility to do so. This promotes tactical awareness and accountability in competition. Without this accountability, double hits fail to provide meaningful feedback to the fencer who made the more significant mistake.
Right of Way is not a first-hit ruleset.
Despite what some might say, Right of Way (RoW) isn’t about who lands first. It’s about responsible fencing behaviour, mainly from the side that hasn’t yet seized the initiative.
To illustrate this, let’s revisit this short video from Bratislava Fecht, where our friends from Bratislavský šermiarsky spolok prepared a nice showcase of how the FEBUS ruleset works in practice.
🎥 Watch here: