Épée competitions are judged with an electrical recording apparatus. When both competitors are hit, and the apparatus registers both these hits as valid, there is a double hit, that is to say a hit is scored against each competitor.

Only the indications of the electrical recording apparatus can be taken into consideration for judging the materiality of hits. In no circumstances can the Referee declare a competitor to be hit unless the hit has been properly registered by the apparatus (except as provided for in Articles o.17 and o.24 or when a penalty hit has been awarded).