The materiality of the hit is established according to the indications of the apparatus, and when necessary by consulting the judges (cf. t.36 Judges). Only the indications of the electrical apparatus as indicated by its own lights or by the extension lights can be taken into consideration for judging hits. Under no circumstances can the Referee declare a fencer to be hit unless the hit has been properly registered by the apparatus (except as provided for in Articles t.49 Extension of the Valid Target, o.17, o.24 or when a penalty hit has been awarded)

On the other hand, the Referee should, in the cases enumerated for each weapon, annul a hit registered by the apparatus (cf. t.53ss Foil: Annulment of a Hit, t.66ss Épée: Annulment of a Hit, t.73).

As soon as a bout has stopped, The Referee reconstructs briefly the movements which composed the fencing phrase.

For finals, the Referee may make use of a television monitor to check on the decision should they be uncertain.

After reaching a decision regarding the materiality of a hit, the Referee, by applying the rules, decides against which fencer a hit is to be awarded, whether both are hit (épée) or if there is no valid hit (cf. t.55ss Validity and Priority of the Hit at Foil, t.64ss Judging hits at Épée, t.74ss).