These are the official rules and regulations for professional cockfighting.
D. Henry Wortham
*
SECTION 1
1.--When matching cocks or stags in mains or hacks, all birds that weigh even or within 2 ounces of each other automatically match. Cocks and stags weighing 6-5 and over are considered shakes and matched at catch weights.
a. In a tournament or derby when a cock is brought to the scales he must not weigh a fractional part of an ounce over the stipulated weight and must not weigh less than three ounces under the stipulated weight. Should a cock be brought to the scales over or under the stipulated weight, the referee shall order the pitter to bring in a cock that will make the weight. The referee will wait a reasonable length of time but no longer than 20 minutes and if the entry has not produced a cock of the proper weight it will be his duty to go to the offending pitter's cockhouse and if necessary weigh every cock eligible to fight to see if such a cock is available. Should it not be or if the entry refuses to bring the proper cock to the pit, then the referee has no alternative but to declare the
offending entry a loser. However, other entrants with the exception of the one matched against the offender and management are to pool every cock of this weight; each bird is to be indicated only by band number and entry number on a folded slip of paper. The non-offending member in this circumtance will draw from a container in charge of the referee and so determine which bird he will meet. Under no circumstances should a fight be awarded to anyone without fighting for the victory.
(Not a definite rule but as a suggestion) Clubs are urged, with the consent of all entries involved, to institute a house rule imposing a specified money fine for failure to comply with agreed time limits in heeling. Such fines are payable immediately and are added to the purse.
b. In matching derbies no entrant shall be forced to give away more than three ounces unless agreeable to entry or owner concerned and all entries. If impossible to match within these limits, even though within advertised top and bottom weights,the entry will be withdrawn if weight differential is objectionable. Forfeit or entry fee to be returned. Advertised top and bottom weights in a derby are to be considered check weights insofar as the matching is concerned. In derbies lasting more than one day this rule must be differently construed. Should an entry once start to fight through one day of a multi-day meet he is obligated to continue to the end of the meet even though it would be impossible to match his cocks as stated. It is the duty of the match-maker to match such cocks that do not meet the 3-ounce differential at the closest possible weight.
2.--In tournaments and derbies the referee or referees shall be selected by the pit management. They or he is accepted as satisfactory by all entrants upon signature of Contract or by payment of entry fee. After entrants have accepted referees and have signified acceptance by payment of entry fee or signature of contract, any decision of the referees will govern. No entry will be accepted who does not agree to abide with the provisions of this and all other rulings.
a. In mains the referee should be selected or agreed upon by the principals.
b. The referees decision is final and unrevokable regarding all violations of rules or the conduct of pitters when fighting under these rules.
3.--Unless event rulings specify otherwise, any length heel that is round from socket to point is fair.
a. In localities where custom limits the length of blade to 1 1/4" or 1 1/2" it shall be the duty of the pit operator or promoter to post in a conspicuous place the exact definition of a fair heel in that particular pit. It shall also be the duty of the referee to see that all entrants and participants are acquainted with any and all pit rulings as to what constitutes a fair 1 1/4" or 1 1/2" gaff, before any battles are fought.
4.--Feathers. Cocks shall be shown in full feather which is defined as follows: tail, wing, saddle, and feathers around the vent may be trimmed. The referee will not band any cock that does not meet the provisions of this paragraph.Shaving and trimming head or hackle feathers is not permissable. In extreme emergency, if a cock is a fraction over the specified weight when presented at the scales, under body feathers may be thinned in such a manner as in the referees opinion, fighting ability of the cock is not impaired.
5.--In tournaments and derbies, entries, upon arriving on the club grounds, are under the jurisdiction of the pit management.
6.--All cocks in derbies or tournaments are to be banded by the referee or his representative before any matching procedure is started. No one but the referee or his designated representative should have access to the band numbers used on the respective entrants.
a. After a meet has once commenced, any entry or entries that are detected borrowing, or using or attempting to use any cock that does not have the band assigned to him or is not properly banded shall lose the fight in question and all interest in all purses. The same penalty is to be imposed upon all parties connected with such fraud or attempted fraud. For the immediate fight in such event the procedure described in sub-paragraph "a" of rule 1 is to be used. The innocent party must fight a cock to get a win.
b. Any cock that has been banded and fought cannot be refought in the same main, derby or tournament unless he has been rebanded by the referee prior to leaving the fighting pit (not pit building) at completion of original fight.
SECTION 2
Fighting Rules
1.--Upon the pitters entrance to the pit, the referee will weigh his cock, check band numbers, carefully examine heels and see that the cock complies in every way with these rules. Pitters will also be allowed to check weights and heels to protect his own interests.
2.--Billing. After cocks are declared eligible the referee will compel the pitters to bill cocks a few times, order them to get ready and then pit at his command. If in the process of billing, a cock is disabled in any way, it is classed as negligence on the part of the pitter and the cock must be shown. Billing is considered a part of the fight.
3.--Pitting from 8 foot scores. The score lines will be drawn eight feet apart and cocks must be pitted directly on these lines at all times--the cocks are to be put down squarely on their feet in the center of their respective score, directly facing each other, not sideways, and released immediately at the command pit. Pitting in front or behind the score line, walking or running the cock up to the line is not permissable.
4.--Pitting on the center score (as called for under Count and Time provisions) is performed with one hand, at all times. At the order get ready by referee the pitters immediately take one hand off and away from cocks--they will not be allowed to touch the cock in any manner except with the hand holding cock after the order "get ready." Pitters are to be in a standard position when delivering the cock, not kneeling, to permit immediate retirement six feet from the birds.
a. Position of free hand. After "get ready" the free hand will be carried no further to the front than the center of the pitters hip and will not be in motion in any manner that in the referee's opinion will distract the opposing cock.
b. The center score lines are to be drawn 22 inches part. At the order pit the pitters must come down, from knee height, with their cocks so that the feet rest directly and squarely on the score line and both cocks must be facing each other. The referee shall be the judge as to any unorthodox positions caused by physical condition of the cock.
c. The hand holding the cock must be directly under the bird, open, and between his legs.
5.--Pitters position. At all times the pitter and cock will be in full view of the audience and referee. At the order get ready both pitters must come to their score lines, facing each other. After pitting, either at the 8-foot or center score, the pitter will retire six feet from his cock and then will at all times stay at least six feet from either cock until the referee orders handle.
6.--Handle. After cocks are pitted and fighting the referee will only order handle when it is apparent that one or both cocks are hung. It is entirely up to the referee when to order a handle--when this order is given the cocks must be handled immediately whether the cocks prove to be hung or not.
a. Cocks must not be touched at any time during battle, by either handler or the referee, until the order of handle is given, when the pitters will promptly obey.
b. The order of handle will be given when a cock is hung in his opponent, the pit, himself, or in case of a foul.
c. Should the referee be in doubt at any time as to whether the cocks are hung in any manner he should order a handle.
d. The pitter is to pull the gaff from his own cock. He will grasp the other cock below the knee and without lifting from floor remove the gaff.
e. A pitter will not be allowed to touch the opposing cock at any time except after the order of handle to protect himself or his cock and this must be done with an open hand. Mashing or unnecessary roughness is a foul.
7.--Rest. The period of rest between pittings, after handling is 20 seconds. At the end of this period the referee will call get ready followed by the command pit which is to be issued no longer than five seconds after the get ready call.
8--Giving of count. A cock is entitled to the count when he fights last, or when the other cock runs away. Count is given only when called for by the pitter of the cock entitled to same. Pitter calling for the Count when entitled to it, must call for it within five seconds, otherwise he loses right to the count and Time is given if both cocks are not fighting. The referee decides whether the count is asked for in the five second period. It is the pitter's responsibility to call for the count at all times when entitled to it but it cannot be forced upon him when not desired. In case of a runaway, Count can be called for at any time.
9.--The Count--The Count is three Tens, and one Twenty (established by long custom and the order of these rules), with rest of twenty seconds between each pitting. Counting shall always be done by the referee, and not by the pitter, with the object of having each Ten cover ten seconds and the Twenty Count, twenty seconds. After the three Tens are counted, the referee again counts Twenty and awards the battle to the cock having the Count. For the 20-count the cocks are pitted on the center score. Should the cock having the Count hang, the referee will call Handle, then get ready and then pit. When once the cocks get to the center score, either in Time or Count, they remain there until completion of the fight. If cocks are handled for any reason, except in case of time, they will be repitted on the same score as at beginning of the pitting.
If handled, the Count shall continue from where it was left off when handled. If hung again, they shall be handled and repitted in the same manner. The full three counts of Ten or one count of Time must be completed before cocks are pitted on center score. However, if they have previously been pitted on the center score, they shall be so pitted at the end of each count of Ten.
10.--Breaking count. When a cock being counted out fights, or cock having the count runs, the referee will call, count broken, and when given again, it starts over again with the first Ten. A cock breaking the count by fighting is entitled to the Count himself, if opposing cock is not fighting. If a cock having the Count dies, the opposing cock wins, if not a runaway--but if a runaway (because it is impossible to determine the gameness of the dead cock) and a runaway can not win, neither entry will receive credit for this fight on scorecard, although it is a theoretical draw. If a cock having the count runs, opposing cock is entitled to the Count, if not a runaway--but if a runaway (both running) Time is given. If both cocks are running neither has the count and each entry loses a full fight. If both cocks are dead or dying and distinctly unable to break count, the fight is a draw and each entrant is awarded one-half fight. A runner cannot win under any circumstances. Dead cocks are entitled to draw only as stated. The referee is to continue all counts are times before rendering a final decision.
11.--Time. When both cocks stop fighting, or run, and neither has the count, within five seconds, the referee shall automatically give Time of 20 seconds, three times. In taking Time, referee shall call out Time Is Going On, and at the end of 20 seconds call Handle. When pitted again, cocks are pitted beak to beak on the center score, and so on until three 20 seconds have been given from the start of the first Time, and fight will then be declared a draw. To be fully understood whenever Time is given, each Time will be 20 seconds with 20 seconds rest between pittings. If neither fights, unless both are running, the battle is a draw. When both cocks are running each entrant loses a full fight.
12.--Dead cocks. A dead cock is one that in the opinion of the referee is actually dead and not dying; he loses to a live cock if the latter is not a runaway. The referee is to continue to the end of all counts or time before rendering a decision or making an examination of the birds. If both cocks are dead, the fight is a draw, each entry credited with a half fight.
13.--Testing and Gameness. The question of gameness or of a cock being a runner shall be left to the discretion of the referee at all times and not the pitters. At no time will a fresh cock be brought into the pit to test the gameness of another cock unless the opposing cock is physically unable, in referee's opinion, to show fight.
14.--Leaving the pit. When a cock leaves the pit during a fight under any circumstances, he will automatically lose any count or counts he may have. The referee will immediately order a handle, and give Time. The cock remaining in the pit receives the count only by fighting when next ordered pitted by the referee. However, if in the opinion of the referee, the cock leaving the pit is running the cock remaining (if not a runaway or dead himself) will automatically receive the count, if desired. If the cock that has left pit is not present at end of 20-second rest period for the order of pit, the cock remaining in the pit automatically receives the count (if not running or dead). In such instances referee will continue through all counts and rest periods, before making the final decision. If a cock is brought back at any time he is to be pitted at the commencement of next pitting. If he is not brought back before the commencement of the 20-count he is declared the loser if cock in pit is not dead or running.
a. Should the cock remaining in the pit be a runner, Time is called. The cock that has left the pit may be returned and pitted at the commencement of the next Time and if he shows fight will acquire the count. However, if both cocks are not present when the order to pit is given for the third and final Time, or the cock in the pit is still running, the fight is declared a draw and rules governing two runners apply.
15.--Fighting. Fighting is striking, chasing, pecking or pecking at the other cock in the opinion of the referee. When cocks are motionless and one or both are holding or apparently holding and neither pitter claims or is entitled to the count, the referee shall give Time.
a. In tournaments and derbies a cock is deemed to have been matched when the referee cuts off his band or if not banded when the referee has completed weighing and examination of heels and declares the cock eligible to fight. He cannot be replaced by the entrant if he does not show. In hacks the cocks will be considered matched after the referee calls the first "get ready." In a hack, should a cock not face in the preliminary billing, the fight is declared "no contest."
b. These rules definitely state what is fair and unfair pitting and define the penalties. In a hack, when evidence of fraud or collusion between the parties fighting is discovered, the fight shall immediately be stopped by the referee and declared a draw.
SECTION 3
Penalties
1.--Under these rules the referee is the sole judge and jury and is fully empowered to inflict penalties for any violations of the Rules. In addition to those already mentioned the penalties at the discretion of the referee may be, forfeiture of count, awarding of count to the opposing cock, disbarment of pitter, or disqualification of entry from further participation in the event. If an entry is disqualified, management is to make every effort in cooperation with entrants who have met or do not meet the offender, to produce the needed cocks at the proper weights to complete the meet. The offending entry can win nothing. If it is impossible to find cocks that will meet the weights in a tournament, the remaining entries will receive 1/2 fight when matched with the ejected entry, all previous fights to stand as recorded. In the case of a derby the referee, if cocks are not available to complete the match list, will be forced to temporarily halt the meet and rematch the remaining entries.
The following are unfair, foul practices, or not permissible.
The use of unfair heels.
Unfair trimming out.
Borrowing, buying, or loaning cocks after an event is matched.
Use of cocks not properly banded.
Handling before the order of referee.
Not pitting at the order of the referee.
Turning cock loose before order of pit.
Not observing the 6-foot rule and hovering over cocks.
Not pitting with one hand at the breast.
Clucking, blowing, waving handkerchiefs, or any action that may attract attention of cock.
Changing or replacing gaffs, cutting off a gaff or broken gaff, cutting off a broken wing during the course of battle.
Assistance by anyone in the pit is not legal.
The use of individual watercups is prohibited and the pit will furnish fresh water for the use of both pitters.
No pitter will pit for more than one entry provided however that an entry may change pitters if desired between fights. In case of injury this rule may be relaxed.
No cock can be withdrawn and the fight given up in a tournament or derby battle as all other entries are interested. In all match fights cocks must be fought to a finish and with the referee alone having the right to decide the result of a contest. Contestants cannot agree to a draw.
The time allowed to heel after a fight has been called will be announced to all entrants before the start of the event. This provision will be strictly enforced by the referee and appropriate penalties inflicted.
Pitting in a manner other than prescribed by the rules, such as shoving, holding, jerking back, pasting any object over cock's eye, ducking cock's head under opposing cock, holding a cock's head down (putting him to sleep), holding a cock over opponent.
2.--The referee is specifically bound to use the following procedure if violations occur during pittings where count is in progress.
a. If the pitter of the cock having count, for any reason commits a foul, a handle is ordered and he automatically loses count or counts he may have.
b. If the pitter of the cock being counted out for any reason commits a foul, a handle is ordered and another count awarded against him.
3.--The pit is not to be violated in any manner during the course of a fight. This means directly that no one except the two pitters and the referee are to be within the pit enclosure after cocks are once billed and no other person may enter except in the case of injury when a substitute pitter may take over the duties of the injured handler. Following pairs of cocks are not to be brought into the pit for weighing until the fighting pair have left for the drag pit or completed their battle. Neither shall handlers of fighting cocks sit on or near the pitside where the actions of their birds can in any way distract the fighting pair.
4.--Any action of either handler that may prevent a cock from winning or fighting may be called foul and penalized by the referee.
MATCHING
Considered by many a mystery, the actual process of preparing a match list for a tournament or derby is comparatively simple. It is only necessary that the matchmaker bear in mind that by a mathematical process, in the case of a tournament, every entry must meet each other one time. In the Derby it is only necessary that the total number of cocks shown be matched and there is no obligation on the part of the matchmaker to do more than match the cocks at the closest possible weights and avoid "double meets" if he can.
As a guide to those not familiar with management of a tournament or derby the two types of matched fights will be discussed seperately.
THE TOURNAMENT
The cocking tournament as known today is a method of fighting devised by the late Sol P. McCall of Louisiana, often called the "Father of the Tournament." In the year 1908 he introduced to the fraternity a "new" way of matching cocks which immediately took the fancy of cockers from one end of the country to the other and until recent years the major events were all fought in this type of competition. His "new" idea was simply that a stated number of entrants were to show a stated number of cocks at previously determined weights in such a way that every entrant would meet each other.
Because of the nature of a tournament it is a necessary that the weights and number of entries be determined in advance so that those desiring to participate may know how many fowl will be needed. It is also advisable to demand a sizeable forfeit to assure the presence of the full entry list. The withdrawal of an entry during the course of a tournament would naturally upset the predetermined match list and the majority of the pits now ask all entrants to sign a contract in which they agree to fight all fights to a finish, regardless of their place on the score card.
The Orlando (Florida) Game Club contract is considered by many to be a model of simplicity. It first states the particular "house rules" which govern their tournament, the weights, forfeit, prize money and other pertinent information. It then asks each entrant to sign a short contract which reads as follows:
"I hereby agree to take an entry in the Or-
lando Tournament to be held at the Orlando
Game Club at Orlando, Fla., Jan. ................
and in so doing agree to abide by the rules. I
agree to fight all the scheduled fights in the
tournament and acknowledge that my entry is
under the jurisdiction of Club rules from the
time it enters the grounds.
"I am enclosing $200 as a guarantee, which
Is to be applied on entrance fee, and I agree
to put up the balance on or before................
"The money is to be made payable to ......."
Date ....................... Signed ........................
It has been shown that banding all cocks to be shown in the tournament is one of the best ways to prevent substitutions or "switching" of cocks. Bands should be affixed by the referee or his appointed assistant prior to the start of the event with a different series of numbers assigned to each entrant. The referee will keep a record of these numbers and check them when cocks are brought to the pit. Care should be exercised that the bands are firmly and tightly affixed and it is a good practice to use a band on each leg.
In recent years it has become the custom to band all cocks in any entry's cockhouse and permit him to use any of these birds as desired, as long as they meet the weight requirements as stated in the rules.There is less chance of unsportsmanlike conduct than if the entry is forced to use only the exact number of birds called for in the contract.
It is of utmost importance that the match list be drawn up correctly. The following charts will be found correct and as printed indicate how the entries will meet in each row of weights. As the matching is a mathematical problem the calling of the first weight will indicate the "key" of the list and under no circumstances can the list be changed after the original call. It is not necessary however, that the "rows" be used as printed--the referee can use any "row" he wishes for any particular weight. All of this should be determined before the start of the meet and the referee deals only in 'numbers' not 'names' when making his match list. The entrants themselves are identified with the numbers by having them draw from a hat or box, slips or envelopes containing a number, according to the number of entrants.
.
TEN ENTRIES
9-5, 4-8, 3-10, 2-6, 1-7
3-6, 4-10, 7-8, 1-9, 2-5
2-7, 4-9, 5-8, 6-10, 1-3
3-8, 6-7, 1-2, 9-10, 4-5
3-9, 4-2, 7-10, 6-5, 1-8
3-7, 4-6, 8-9, 1-5, 2-10
2-3, 5-10, 6-8, 7-9, 1-4
3-4, 5-7, 8-10, 1-6, 2-9
TWELVE ENTRIES
11-12, 9-5, 4-8, 3-10, 2-6, 1-7
2-8, 3-5, 4-7, 6-11, 9-12, 1-10
2-5, 3-6, 4-10, 7-11, 8-12, 1-9
2-7, 4-9, 5-8, 6-12, 10-11, 1-3
9-10, 4-5, 12-3, 8-11, 6-7, 1-2
6-5, 7-12, 10-2, 3-9, 4-11, 1-8
9-6, 4-2, 3-8, 5-11, 7-10, 1-12
2-12, 3-7, 8-10, 4-6, 9-11, 1-5
2-3, 5-10, 6-8, 7-9, 4-12, 1-11
2-11, 5-7, 8-9, 3-4, 10-12, 1-6
2-9, 3-11, 5-12, 6-10, 7-8, 1-4
FOURTEEN ENTRIES
2-6, 3-10, 4-8, 9-5, 11-14, 12-13, 1-7
2-8, 3-5, 7-13, 4-14, 6-11, 9-12, 1-10
2-13, 5-14, 3-6, 4-10, 7-11, 8-12, 1-9
3-13, 2-7, 4-9, 5-8, 6-12, 10-11, 1-14
10-13, 1-2, 4-5, 12-3, 8-11, 6-7, 9-14
5-13, 1-8, 7-12, 10-2, 3-9, 4-11, 6-14
2-5, 3-7, 6-10, 8-9, 13-11, 14-12, 1-4
6-9, 2-14, 4-13, 3-8, 5-11, 7-10, 1-12
3-14, 2-12, 5-7, 8-10, 4-6, 9-11, 1-13
7-14, 1-11, 2-3, 5-10, 6-8, 4-12, 9-13
1-6, 2-11, 5-12, 8-7, 3-4, 10-9, 13-14
2-4, 5-6, 7-9, 8-13, 11-12, 14-10, 1-3
2-9, 3-11, 4-7, 6-13, 8-14, 10-12, 1-5
SIXTEEN ENTRIES
1-3, 2-4, 6-8, 9-11, 10-12, 13-15, 14-16, 5-7
2-3, 5-8, 6-7, 9-12, 10-11, 13-16, 14-15, 1-4
1-2, 4-6, 7-9, 8-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-16, 3-5
2-6, 3-4, 14-10, 8-9, 13-11, 7-12, 5-15, 1-16
1-8, 3-14, 4-13, 5-12, 6-11, 7-10, 9-15, 2-16
2-15, 3-16, 4-7, 6-12, 8-14, 10-13, 5-11, 1-9
1-5, 3-11, 6-9, 7-13, 8-12, 10-16, 4-15, 2-14
2-13, 3-6, 4-5, 8-16, 9-14, 10-15, 7-11, 1-12
1-6, 3-15, 4-16, 5-10, 7-8, 9-13, 11-14, 2-12
2-11, 3-13, 4-8, 5-6, 12-16, 7-14, 10-9, 1-15
1-13, 3-8, 4-11, 5-14, 6-10, 9-16, 12-15, 2-7
15-8, 3-7, 4-12, 9-5, 11-16, 10-2, 13-6, 1-14
2-9, 1-11, 5-16, 8-13, 6-14, 7-15, 12-3, 4-10
2-8, 3-10, 4-9, 5-13, 6-16, 11-15, 12-14, 1-7
2-5, 6-15, 7-16, 8-11, 12-13, 14-4, 9-3, 1-10
THE DERBY
The Derby as we know it today, is increasing in popularity yearly as it does not place nearly as much stress on the ability of a feeder to "point" his cocks for four or five days and to have them at the peak of their fighting ability while holding at specified weights.
To better understand the Derby we turn back to the year 1929, when according to an article appearig in The Gamecock, some years ago, Bob Dyer of Frankfort, Ky., was trying to promote a tournament. It was in the spring and most cockers had fought out their best cocks. Although several were interested he could not fill his tournament. Some of the prospects did not have enough cocks. Dyer got some of them together for a conference. Among those gathered was E.A.Brophy of Paris, Ky. (Who won this first derby.) They talked the situation over but it seemed hopeless. The only thing left was to hack their roosters--then someone made a suggestion.
"Let's all show five or six cocks and match them according to weight. The one who wins the most fights will get the money." A moments silence while the possibilities were considered, was followed by enthusiatic discussion. Practical suggestions built up the idea and they reached an agreement.
"What will we call it?" someone asked. It was derby-time in Kentucky and the natural answer was, "Let's call it a derby." No one dissented and so the derby was born.
The late Tom Fowler of Knoxville, Tenn., devised a simple system of matching derbies which was widely accepted. As the derby became more popular, officials found some weaknesses and the following procedures have been adopted. They represent the opinions and experiences of many referees, including the author of these rules, and consolidated in an article by Bob Basham printed in Gamecock.
The derby is the stimulant that brought cocking to its present height of popularity in our generation. The odds one may receive in a derby are often great! Even at a small brush fight enough entries may show to make the pot very attractive.
It is because of this financial responsibility a pit, to operate successfully, must set a pattern as to banding, matching and fighting cocks.
While assisting the late Bob Luster in matching a derby, he remarked: "The referees and officials, a few years from now, will have it easy as a pattern will be established for matching these events."
After many years, through the sometimes costly and often embarrassing trial and error system, a way has been found to band, match and fight cocks in a derby that is accurate and fair to all concerned.
The banding of cocks is often taken too lightly by the pit operator. This is a very important phase of conducting a derby. The referee should be supplied with monogramed bands and he should be instructed to put two, yes two bands on each cock, one on each leg and to be sure they are securely sealed. The management should not hand a bunch of bands to some irresponsible person and permit him to band the cocks.
None of the necassary supplies are expensive . . . accurate scales, monogramed bands, weight cards, match board and call sheets. A few dollars will puchase a season's supply. Too many pit operators believe they can run on the simple premise of having enough "door keepers."
As the cocks are banded, the referee should instruct each entry to go the pit manager and draw the weight card (enclosed in a blank envelope) which will have his derby number, pay his entry fee, take or reject the optional, and finish such other business as resreved seats.
Each locality has their own custom regarding the number of cocks to be banded. Time has shown me all cocks on the grounds should be banded and ccounted for. When the weight card as illustrated following is used, only the cocks turned in are eligible to fight, four or six as the derby contract may indicate.
___________________________________
WEIGHT CARD
___________________________________
Entry No. .......... | Entry No. ..........
Weight | Band
===============|===============
4-12 | 300
| 301
4-12 | 302
| 303
4-14 | 304
| 305
4-15 | 306
| 307
Note that each weight must correspond to the two bands shown directly across from the specific weight. Also, it will be seen that the card is perforated so the entry can tear it apart and turn in the weight side only for matching.
At the same time weights are turned in, the band side of the card should be deposited in a sealed container, kept in full view of all concerned. The entry should identify himself on the back of this half of the card. This container must not be removed from public view nor opened until the match list is completed and posted, folded to offer no information, yet in view of all present.
The reason for this procedure is to obviate calling entrants back a second time to turn in the band side of the weight card.
In effect this system permits the referee or matchmaker to make a blind match, band to band, without cluttering up the match board with a lot of band numbers.
After the matchmaker has finished the actual match list and posts it in the pit, the "band box" is opened. He puts each section of the card together, then places the weight card in it's entirety beside his call book and enters the corresponding band numbers to the weights he has matched.
Starting at the top of the weight card, he enters the first band number that will correspond to the first matched weight reading down and so on until all band numbers are entered beside their corresponding weight on the match book. This eliminates "fishing" for low band numbers and being able to arbitrarily make certain cocks meet through a first or second call where two or more cocks are turned in at the same weight as the matchmaker now knows who is who. Bear in mind, the match has been made and posted!
If you will give this particular move a bit of consideration, it means in effect that every cock matched fights band-to-band yet the matchmaker is able to tie them together "blind" and has no way of knowing who meets who. When cocks are matched all the way through band-to-band, it is possible by consulting the master band book, to determine who the entries are!
Actually, the careful team of matchmakers simply add the band numbers to the corresponding weight so that when the call sheet is given the entry, there is no excuse for bringing the wrong cock to the scales.
As to the actual matching of cocks, I prefer a sheet of heavy cardboard (which incidentally can be purchased from any print shop in a 22x28 inch size). It is my practice to rule this card into appropriate squares as soon as the definite number of entries is known. (See illustration.)
Across the 28-inch way, very top column, weights in 1-ounce differentials are listed; on the far left are the entry numbers. I like to use extra large numbers at each pound break; the use of a red-blue pencil helps as the pound lines can be identified with one of the colors and helps prevent the bane of any matchmaker, a pound mistake. Half ounces go to the next higher ounce, quarter ounces to the next lower.
After the marks representing the cocks for each entry are placed on the card, of course each mark in the proper weight column, the board is double checked and matching begins. The matchmaker should study the board to see if the matches are possible within three ounces and to see if there are weights difficult to match in the small or large weight brackets. The derby is a "number in the hat" so to speak as far as who meets who is concerned and this has a very direct bearing on the outcome.
Since the numbers are drawn for position on the board the matchmaker must not arbitrarily take this chance out of the game by deliberately matching certain entries or by missing others should he by chance know the identity of certain entrants. An entry should tell no one his number nor the weights of his cocks before the match.
Considering a theoretical derby . . . should entries numbered one and two have 4-12 cocks, they should meet . . . not one and ten. The matchmaker should start at the top of his weight columns and tie the closest numbers together with like weights. There is no excuse for "dodging" around from top to bottom of the entry numbers.
(matchsheet.jpg)
I want to impress on entries that they should insist that cocks are matched in this or any other fair manner s in the first column--not taking entry one past three and five to reach nine!
As the match is being made a helper can run the "check sheet" shown below as a key to let the matchmaker know at all times which pair have met or are still not matched. For the protection of the officials, this should be destroyed at the moment the match-list is checked out. It is a full "picture" of who meets who and possibly of value for buying or selling in the wrong hands.
CHECK SHEET
Entry No. 1 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 2
Entry No. 2 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 9
Entry No. 3 | 1 | 9 | 5 | 10
Entry No. 4 | 1 | 8 | 6 | 5
Entry No. 5 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 6
Entry No. 6 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 2
Entry No. 7 | 2 | 10 | 4 | 8
Entry No. 8 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9
Entry No. 9 | 10 | 3 | 2 | 8
Entry No. 10 | 9 | 7 | 3 | 6
I was not present, but recently at a 20-odd entry derby where there were plenty of cocks and weights, two entries met twice. This is deplorable and inexcusable on the part of the officials!
After the call book is presented it is the duty and responsibility of the "expediter" or "man at the mike" to make his calls as the matchmaker made the matches. Experience has proven that it is wise to use a written call sheet rather than verbal notification to the coming contestants. We have devised or rather a cocker now an Arkansan, E.T.McLean who operated a large printing plant, a triplicate call sheet illustrated below. (pic forthcoming) Each entry gets a copy and one sheet is given to the referee who is calling the fight in question. This obviates the necessity of lengthy checking of records when the cock reaches the scales as all information is in the hands of those concerned.
(callsheet.jpg)
At one south-west pit, to keep fights moving and avoid the disturbance attendant to weighing coming pairs of cocks in the pit proper while a fight is going on, an enclosure i provided outside the pit where the referee weighs and checks the next pair called. However, the bands are not cut off until both cocks enter the main pit and they of course must check with the call sheet which the referee retains in his possession until he declares the pair eligible to fight. Both contestants have a duplicate if there is need for a recheck.
At most pits there is a house rule stating a derby is "no ball game" until each man has fought half of his cocks. This was brought about because it is possible that a meet be stopped by Act of God, or Man. Under this premise it is necessary that the first "rows" be called in order until every entrant has fought half his show and only then start to determine the winner by elimination. In other words, a four cock derby should have evry man fight two birds, regardless of score, before calling the third battle for any man. This is not always possible as there are times when all listed entrants do not meet each other, due to weight differentials. In this case it may be necessary to have one man fighting his second cock against an entrant who has fought two.
Should the referee find a bad weight, band, or any other infraction of the Rules, he should call the "Local Committee" (entrants as they drew on the first five odd numbers) and let them say how to dispose of the matter . . . after all, it is their money and fight. This procedure has placed the judging and penalties in the hands of the entries and is being widely accepted as a way for the entries to police themselves.
The completed matchboard is to be folded and secured in a public place where all the entrants and spectators can see it at all times (but so folded that the matches are not in sight). A score card of the meet must correspond with this match card which is to be opened after the fight by the referee--in this way there is proof the cocks were fought as matched.
At a multi-day meet, each day's match list should be posted openly for the inspection of all present after the conclusion of the day's fights. This puts the man who calls the fights and the matchmaker on notice not to make a mistake and for the matchmaker to match the cocks as they fall in by weight and not go by certain entries to make others meet or not meet.
Many cockers have contributed their opinions and suggestions to make up this procedure for matching and fighting derbies. We must be progressive and consider all new ideas to constantly improve all phases of cockfighting, regardless of who advances the thought.
May always the cock win who can and will fight last under the rules!
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(These rules copied from the 1961 revised edition of 'MODERN TOURNAMENT AND DERBY RULES' as written by D. Henry Wortham and as printed by 'The Gamecock'