The field of play

The actual bout takes place on a rectangular strip. The strip must be between 1.5 to 2 meters wide and 14 meters in length. The strip must have an extension of 1.5 to 2 meters at each end to allow a fencer who retreats past the rear limit to have a clear and unbroken surface. If the strip is on a platform, it may be no more than 0.5 meters high. It may be of any hard material, many bouts are fenced in a wooden floored gymnasium with the rectangle marked off with tape. A strip made of metal grating may be used so that a hit to the floor with a point weapon will be grounded out.