Source from (The Cockfight: A Casebook)

Rules

In a sort of fairness among the birds to compete, each of the birds fights within their own weight class. This is similar to weight classes for material arts. For the fight, there several different types of matches that can be held legally and in the rural areas, illegally. Like the way material arts are held, the type of battle can regulated in a style of a tournament. In a less practiced way, a battle royale can take place as well. Many birds are placed into the pit and the last two remaining birds are then taken into a one-on-one match to determined the victor.

Legal process

If the fight is done legally, there are certain regulations needed to abide by for the bird to compete. For instance, the trainer or owner needs to register the bird for competing. This would constitute in the an entrance fee that varies depending on the popularity of the event, and the bird undergoing a rigorous checking process in order the fight between the birds is as fair as possible. For instance in according to the casebook, “Any/ length of heel that is round from socket to point is fair, although tradition and predetermined agreement may call for a short heel, 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches, or a long heel, longer than 1 1/2 inches. Trimming of the bird is allowed only with the tail, wing, and saddle feathers along with the feathers around the vent.”

Penalties

In some cases, the bird may be able to sneak by some of the processes done. This may include enhancement drugs that could increase strength or a stimulant to extend the lifespan of the bird. Other violations could include the influence of the crowd. Certain audience members could introduce means to distract the opponent, giving the bird in favour an advantage. Under such acts being caught, an advantage can be given to the other bird or even disqualification.