The fencer's salute is performed by lifting the weapon guard up to the chin; this is the minimum requirement, usually the sword is then dipped towards the recipient, brought back to the chin and a final flourish added.

Fencers are required to salute their opponent, the spectators and the Referee at the start and at the end of a bout. Refusal to do so will result in a Black Card (exclusion from the competition).

The fencers must shake hands with their opponent at the end of a bout; using the unarmed hand. Failure to do so will result in a Black Card (exclusion from the competition).