The P-Yellow card is going away

If you're heading to a tournament this fall, there's one change you should know before you step on the strip: the P-Yellow card is going away.

Starting October 1, non-combativity goes straight from P-Red to P-Black. The one-minute clock hasn't changed. What's gone is the warning in between.

I've been P-Carded at every stage of this rule's existence. When it was new. When they revised it. When nobody seemed quite sure which version we were using. I've even made a point at team events of not being the fencer who puts a card on our side.

I'll admit it: I preferred Yellow, Red, Black. But rules change, and once they do, your strategy has to change with them.

The Orlando NAC, October 9–12, will be the first national event under the new rules. If you're going, make sure you and your training partners know the new progression before you get there.

One action this week: Next practice, talk through the new P-card sequence with a training partner. P-Red comes first now. Don't let your first reminder come from the referee.