There is no competition without officials. Officials ensure fair play, fair decisions and the safety of athletes in the ring.
1. Arbitrage in Savate – Boxe Française
1.1 The Official Delegation
In Savate-Boxe Française, each ring (or mat) is under the responsibility of an official delegation, composed of:
- Official Delegate (DO), responsible for the whole delegation. Between other things, the DO nominates judges and referees for each bout, announces results.
- Equipment Checker, who checks fighter’s equipment and conformity of the ring (or mat).
- Timekeeper, who monitors time.
- Referee, who ensures the rules of Savate are respected and that fighters have equal chances to win; they can ask judges for penalties or end of bout if rules are repeatedly or seriously broken.
- Judges (3-5), whose role is to nominate a winner impartially, and help the referee.
- Medic, when required.
1.2 Competition in Savate – Boxe Française
In Savate – Boxe Française, there are two main types of competitions:
Assaut.
This is a light contact competition, in which use of power is prohibited. Mouth-guard, groin-guard and (for females) chest-guard are compulsory. Fighters are judged on their precision, technique, and virtuosity. KO is strictly forbidden.
Combat.
This is a full contact competition, in which KO is authorized. Mouth-guard, groin-guard and (for females) chest-guard are compulsory. Fighters are judged on their efficacy and technique.
1.3 How to become an Official in Savate – Boxe Française
National level
| Junior | Official | International | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prerequisites | • Being affiliated to the GBSF • Being at least 12 • Being blue glove or having done Savate for at least 1 year | • Being affiliated to the GBSF • Being at least 18 • Being blue glove or having done Savate for at least 1 year | • Being affiliated to the GBSF • Being 18 or more • Being Red Glove Having officiated at National level for minimum of 2 years |
| Training | • Theory and practice of judging and refereeing | • Online Theory training on the rules of judging and refereeing • Practical training on judging and refereeing | • International training acknowledged by FISav (4 days) |
| Obtention | • Read and abide by the FISav officials’ charter • Pass the exam for theory and do the practical training | • Read and abide by the FISav officials’ charter • Pass the exam for theory and do the practical training | • Pass the exam at the end of the training |
2. Arbitrage in Canne de Combat
2.1 The Official Delegation
In Canne de Combat, each ring (a circular area of 9m diameter) is under the responsibility of an official delegation, composed of:
- Official Delegate (DO), responsible for the whole delegation. Between other things, the DO nominates judges and referees for each bout, announces result.
- Equipment Checker, who checks fighter’s equipment and conformity of the ring.
- Timekeeper, who monitors time.
- Referee, who ensures the rules of Canne de Combat are respected and that fighters have equal chances to win; they can ask judges for penalties or end of bout if rules are repeatedly or seriously broken.
- Judges (3), whose role is to keep score during the bouts, and help the referee.
- Medic, when required.
2.2 Competition in Canne de Combat
The weapon used in Canne de Combat is a specific 95cm straight cane and points are scored by hitting the target area of your opponent following a set of technical and tactical rules.
It is a light contact sport, in which use of power is prohibited. If not specified otherwise, a padded suit (tenue), shin-guards, padded gloves, a padded fencing mask and a breast gard (female fighters) and groin-guard (male fighters) are compulsory.
2.3 How to become an Official in Savate – Canne de Combat
National level
| Junior Official | Official | |
| Prerequisites: | • Being affiliated to the GBSF • Being at least 12 • Being blue pommeau or having done Canne for at least 1 year | • Being affiliated to the GBSF • Being at least 18 • Being blue pommeau or having done Canne for at least 1 year |
| Training: | • Theory and practice of judging and refereeing | • Online Theory training on the rules of judging and refereeing • Practical training on judging and refereeing |
| Obtention: | • Read and abide by the FISav officials’ charter • Pass the exam for theory and do the practical training | • Read and abide by the FISav officials’ charter • Pass the exam for theory and do the practical training |
International level
FISav is currently revising the process to become an international official in Canne de Combat. More information to be displayed soon.
Interested in becoming an official for the GBSF? Please write to us at arbitrage@savate.org.uk.
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