An honest man is the noblest work of God

Alexander Pope

Winning is nice if you dont loose your integrity in the process

Arnold Horshak

Ang maginoong magmamanok ay tapat at parehas

Unknown

NFGB
Derby Rules
The Official Guide to the Rules of Derby

BOARD OF DIRECTORS & OFFICERS

Mr. Ricardo Palmares Jr.
President Panay Gamefowl Breeders Association

Mayor Juancho Aguirre

Vice Pres. Visayas Negros Gamefowl Breeders Association

Mayor Jesus Nalupta

Vice Pres. North Luzon United Ilocandia Gamefowl Breeders Association

Mr. Juanito Nasser

Vice Pres. Mindanao Mindanao Gamefowl Breeders Association

Mr. Fred Katigbak

Vice Pres. South Luzon Batangas Breeders Club

Mr. Al Garcia
Treasurer Gamefowl Breeders Association of Negros

Mr. Osmund Lambino

Vice Pres. Central Luzon Gamefowl Breeders Association of Pangasinan Mr.Julieto Daniel Board of Director Zamboanga Gamefowl Vice Gov. Odi Fausto Breeders Association PRO Cagayan Valley Gamefowl Breeders Association Mr. Jesse Ledesma

Mr. Victor Sierra

Business Manager Central Visayas Breeders Association

Board of Director Panay Gamefowl Breeders Association

Gov. Arthur Pingoy

Board of Director Socsksargen Gamefowl Breeders Association

Mr. Joey Sy
Board of Director Rizal Gamefowl Breeders Association

Mr. Arnel Anonuevo Mr. Raul Cura

Executive Director & Corporate Secretary Board of Director Gamefowl Breeders Association of Tarlac

NFGB DERBY WORKING COMMITTEE

Mr. Juanito Nasser

Chairman 0920 - 9476201

Mr. Homer Salgado

Vice Chairman 0917 - 4476707 0999 - 3963100

Mr. Marlon Canillas

Regional Supervisor North Luzon 0908 - 9090985 Mr. Silverio Bing Paras Regional Supervisor South Luzon 0919 - 2544513

Mr. Joel Mercado

Regional Supervisor Central Luzon 0921 - 3921699

Mr. Noel Claveraz

Regional Supervisor Visayas 0949 - 4012422

Mr. Pablo Miro

Regional Supervisor Mindanao 0919 - 8405230

Ms. Ruby Dueo

Admin Manager 0920 - 9823237

Atty. Salvador Jun Altura Jr.

Legal Counsel

VISION
The National Federation of Gamefowl Breeders, Inc. is the countrys foremost gamefowl breeders organization that is dedicated and committed to promote the sport as an industry and a noble tradition, where the cockfighting is revered as a national pastime and a sport that depicts the true meaning of Honesty, Integrity and Fairplay.

MISSION
To uplift the gamefowl industry as one of the movers of our economy To promote the sport as a source of livelihood to millions of Filipinos To protect the inherent right and passion of every cockfighting aficionado to enjoy the sport as a part of our countrys tradition.

GENERAL MEMBERSHiP
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. LUZON Batangas Breeders Club (BBC) Bulacan Gamefowl Breeders Association (BGBA) Bicol Gamefowl Breeders Association (BIGBA) Cagayan Valley Gamefowl Breeders Association (CVGBA) Gamefowl Breeders Association of Pangasinan (GBAP) Gamefowl Breeders Association of Tarlac (GBAT) Gamefowl Breeders of Nueva Ecija (GBONE) Group of Palawan Gamefowl Breeders Inc. (GPGBI) Kapampangan Gamefowl Breeders Association (KGBA) Laguna Gamefowl Breeders Association (LAGBA) La Union Gamefowl Breedrs Association (LUGBA) Metro Manila Gamefowl Breeders Association (MMGBA) Quezon Cockers Breeders Association (QCBA) Rizal Gamefowl Breeders Association (RGBA) Tarlac Gamefowl Breeders Association (TAGBA) United Baguio-Benguet Breeders Association (UBBBA) United Cavite Breeders Association (UCBA) United Ilocandia Gamefowl Breeders Association (UNIGBA) United Isabela Gamefowl Breeders Association (UIGBA) Vizcaya Ifugao Gamefowl Breeders Association (VIGBA) Zambales Bataan Olongapo Breeders and Cockers Inc. (ZABONG) VISAYAS Central Visayas Breeders Association (CVBA) Eastern Visayas Gamefowl Breeders Association (EVGBA) Gamefowl Breeders Association of Bohol (GBAB) Gamefowl Breeders Association of Negros (GF BAN) Negros Gamefowl Breeders Association (NGBA) Negros Oriental Breeders Association (NOBA) Panay Gamefowl Breeders Association (PAGBA) MINDANAO Gamefowl Breeders Association of Caraga (GBAC) Northern Mindanao Gamefowl Breeders Association (NMGBA) Mindanao Gamefowl Breeders Association (MIGBA) Socsksargen Gamefowl Breeders Association (SGBA) Zamboanga Gamefowl Breeders Association (ZGBA) Zamboanga Norte Gamefowl Breeders Association (ZNGBA) Zamboanga Sur Gamefowl Breeders Association (ZSGBA)

22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35.

PREFACE
Cockfighting is a unique filipino heritage, a cultural tradition that epitomizes sportsmanship, the honorable observance of fair play, respect for others and graciousness in losing are the norms of the sport that filipinos strictly adhere to without exception. In the pursuit of the sport, aficionados are held in high esteem; detractors are ostracized. The sport conforms to the principles of democracy, where the extremes of society, from the barefoot farmers. The high and mighty and all those in-between are treated as equals. By adopting this Unified Derby Rules and obeying its mandates, we hope to finally succeed in enlightening the public and diminish, if not eradicate societys nagging bias and disdain against sabong. Upon the foregoing, the National Federation of Gamefowl Breeders, Inc. promulgates these rules.

Rule No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Particular Definition of Terms Applicability of NFGB Rules Schedule of Derbies Weight Limits Payment of Entry Fee Submission of Weights Right of Refusal Recording of Weights Computerized matching, No fight arrangement No double fights Exception to computerized matching Fight Sequence Imposable Penalties Leg banding; Consequences of Non-compliance Start of Derby Doubtful identity of cock/stag; Consequences Default; Consequences Bad weights; Effects

Page No 10 15 16 16 16 16 17 17 17

18 18 18 19 19 21 21

22 23

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Rule No. 19 20 21 22 23 24

Particular Bad shape; Effects Time Limit to Limber Weighing Scale Weighing and Heeling Center bet Limits Acceptability of Knives and Paraphernalia Control of Pit Manager over Cocks at arena Cash or Checks; for Fees, Bets, Penalties Warm Up No Side Bets in the Pit Persons in the Pit Fight Distance Referees Authority Impartial Referee Proper Release by Handler Timer and Standby Generator Intervention in bad shape Execution of Carreo Carreo at Center of Arena Stray Cock

Page No 24 26 27 27 27 27

25

28

26

28

27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36

29 29 29 29 30 30 31 32 32 32 32 33

37 38

Rule No. 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52

Particular Declaration of Winner Presumption of Good Faith Finality of Decision Recording of Fights Obligation to put up Substitute Cock Acceptability of Substitute Cock Re Scheduled Fight Distribution of Pot Money No Bearing Fights Charges of Accrue to Operating Fund Ticket to enter cockpit Exit Pass Cheating Exception to 2 hours/ 16 fights Regulation

Page No 33 33 33 34 34 35 35 35 35 36 36 36 36 37

53 54

Options if matched entry is disqualified Countdown to Release Cock; Penalty for Violation Changes in the Rules Authority of Derby Committee Annex A Carreo Procedure Annex B Referees Demeanor Annex C Handlers Conduct Annex D Heelers Commitment

37 37

55 56 57

38 38 39 41 43 44

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

NATiONAL FEDERATiON OF GAMEFOWL BREEDERS, iNC. (NFGB)

DERBY RULES RULE NO. 1

DEFiNiTiON OF TERMS

To attain an orderly and wholesome conduct of cockfighting, it is imperative for its participants and aficionados to share a common understanding of particular words and phrases that are commonly used in the sports of sabong, and thus, we need unified rules utilizing lexis which is confined and limited only within the meaning established hereof to serve as the lingua franca of our cockfight derby to the end that a derby participant from iloilo who is joining a derby in tuguegarao would experience no intricacy in terms of derby jargon as he is confident that words and phrases used in cockfight derby by pagba and cvgba have the same meaning as both associations use the federations unified derby rules. a. b. FEDERATION; NFGB the national federation of gamefowl breeders, inc. (federation for brevity); ASSOCIATION an organization of gamefowl breeders that is a member of the federation;

Unless otherwise qualified, the term federation or nfgb shall include all the member associations under its umbrella. c. d. PROMOTER one who organizes a derby. DERBY COMMITTEE (National) an ad hoc or regular committee composed of three (3) members designated by the federation ( comprising of at least 2 association presidents and 1 senior derby supervisor for national derby), to supervise derby proceedings and is empowered to resolve with finality disputes involving any of the rules and those that may not have been covered thereby.

10

e.

f.

RIGHT OF REFUSAL the federation may exercise its discretion to deny, for reasons of its own, participation of any entry in nfgb derbies. COCK a matured rooster, the male of a chicken that has already undergone its first annual molt, pugnacious by nature, bred and trained to upgrade its capability to fight. STAG a young rooster twelve (12) months of age or younger. BULLSTAG a stag more than twelve (12) months of age (the stage in a roosters life between stag and cock.) (NOTE: unless otherwise qualified, the use of the term cock shall also include stag and bullstag.)

g.

h. i.

j.

COCKFIGHT / SULTADA a fight between two (2) cocks armed with knives (tari), upon the result of which bets are laid. COCKFIGHTING / SABONG the sport of pitting cocks in the manner of a cockfight. DERBY a cockfighting event organized by the federation or a promoter where the participants agree to fight a given number of cocks matched according to parity or proximity in weights upon the result of which a pool of money (pot) is disposed and paid by the federation/promoter to the winners. COCKPIT / SABUNGAN / GALLERA the venue of cockfighting. PIT / RUEDA the arena in a cockpit where cocks are released to fight. KNIFE / TARI a steel weapon of distinct curving shape and with a single cutting edge that tapers to a piercing point used in a cockfight, fashioned according to the traditional art and technique evolved

k. l.

m. n. o.

11

INTRODUCTION

DERBY COMMITTEE (Local) For local derby, the derby committee shall be constituted by the president of the local association, two of its board of directors and one representative of the federation.

INTRODUCTION

by filipino artisans, and still continually undergoing improvements by inheritors of the trade. p. PIT MANAGER one who, before the start of a soltada, controls and administers proceedings in the pit according to the rules, and enforces discipline and order therein. REFEREE / SENTECIADOR one who officiates in a cockfight with full authority and control of the pit from the start of a fight until he renders his decision on the outcome thereof. HANDLER / SOLTADOR one who releases a cock in a cockfight. HEELER / MANANARI an expert in the art of tying a knife/tari on a cocks leg. ENTRY the name given by or on behalf of the participant in a derby under which his cocks will fight and by which he is identified for the purpose of

q.

r. s. t.

12

u.

ENTRY FEE a definite sum of money paid by all the participants (entries) in a derby, to be able to join said contest. . POT / POT MONEY the sum total of the entry fees. CENTER BET / PARADA a bet laid in a particular fight through the pit manager. LLAMADO the cock in whose favor is laid a center bet bigger than that of its opponent. DEJADO the cock in whose favor is laid a center bet smaller than that of its opponent. MERON the area in the pit where the cock with a bigger center bet laid is stationed. WALA the area in the pit where the cock with a smaller center bet laid is stationed.

v. w. x. y. z. aa.

13

INTRODUCTION

establishing his rights and obligations for participating in the derby.

INTRODUCTION

bb. PAGO a bet solicited to augment the center bet of the dejado, in order to equalize llamados bet. cc. RECORDED WEIGHT the weight of a cock submitted for an entry and entered in the matching record.

dd. ACTUAL WEIGHT the weight of a cock taken when presented for heeling or re-heeling as the case may be. ee. LEG BAND a numbered band attached around a cocks leg for identification purposes, removed prior to the match, on the pit or rueda. MATCHING a selection process whereby cocks of the same or approximate weights are matched and programmed to fight.

ff.

gg. DOUBLE FIGHTS the matching of two (2) fights between two (2) entries during a given derby day. hh. CARREO / CONFRONTATION the process of bringing the cocks face to face (beak to beak) when one or both cease fighting for the purpose of determining whether the fight should continue or a decision thereon may be made, executed by the referee in accordance with the TRADITIONAL 3-UP-3-DOWN SYSTEM DESCRIBED IN ANNEX A OF THE RULES. ii. jj. BREAK an interruption of the carreo caused by the reciprocal hitting and/or pecking of the cocks. BAD WEIGHT the condition where the actual weight of a cock exceeds or is below its recorded weight by more than the allowed limit set in the rules. Note: in case there is disparity in the recorded weight of the protagonists, the higher recorded weight shall be used in computing for the excess in weight of both cocks. For those below the recorded weight, computations shall be made using the recorded weight of the individual cocks to determine if it has dropped its weight below the limit set in the rules. BAD SHAPE the apparent or verifiable imperfect or unnatural appearance or condition of a cock that

14

kk.

ll.

DEFAULT the failure of an entry to present his cock for legbanding; weighing; heeling; or pitting within the prescribed period therefor.

mm. SUBSTITUTION the replacement of a matched cock with another under certain conditions. nn. SUBSTITUTE COCK the replacement cock in a substitution case. oo. POINT the score that a cock makes in a fight, a win yields one (1) point; a draw, one-half (1/2) point; and a lose, zero (0). pp. NO-BEARING FIGHT a programmed fight in a derby where, if allowed to proceed, the outcome thereof would not have any effect on the derby results, including special prizes. qq. 2 HOURS / 16 FIGHTS REGULATIONB the time or number of fights allowed for a re-scheduled fight, to resume. rr. JOKER a cock that is provided by the pit manager to be fought against unmatched cocks, after the matching process fails to find an opponent for it, due to weight constraints. COUNT DOWN a reverse counting of time units, applied in timing the fight, to ensure adherence to the ten minute limit. WING BANDS identification tags attached to the wingwebs of cockerels in april of each year, to ensure that the age of stags fought in the stag fighting season are as near equal as possible.

ss.

tt.

RULE NO. 2
APPLiCABiLiTY OF NFGB RULES The unified derby rules shall govern the conduct of derbies promoted by the federation. Existing rules of the cockpit

15

SUBMISSION OF ENTRY & MATCHING

will, or is likely to, enhance, intimidate or undermine his or its opponents natural capability to fight.

SUBMISSION OF ENTRY & MATCHING

where the above-stated derbies are being held shall be suppletory in nature. In case of conflict, the unified derby rules by the federation shall govern. However, the federation may grant requests of an association for exemptions from the application of certain rules or the modification thereof to suit local conditions, specifically on the conduct of carreo and imposition of penalties.

RULE NO. 3
SCHEDULE OF DERBiES

The schedule of derbies of the federation shall be set by its board of trustees.

RULE NO. 4
PAYMENT OF ENTRY FEE

Unless the federation prescribes otherwise, the entry fee shall be paid upon or prior to the submission of the weights; otherwise, the entry who fails to do so shall be excluded from participating in the derby.

RULE NO. 5
WEiGHT LiMiTS

The weight of a stag/cock to be fought in a derby of the federation shall not be less than 1.7 kg nor more than 2.2 kg in a stag derby; and not less than 1.9 kg nor more than 2.450 kg in a cock derby. For bullstag derby, weight must not be less than 1.8 kg nor more than 2.3 kg.

RULE NO. 6
SUBMiSSiON OF WEiGHTS

16

The weights of the cocks to be fought in a derby shall be submitted on the day preceeding the scheduled derby, at the

RULE NO. 7
RiGHT OF REFUSAL

The federation has the right not to allow the participation of any entry in its derby promotions for reasons of its own. Specifically when an entry in a scheduled derby (elimination, semi finals or finals/championship) that is fielding 3 bottom or top weights should be refused outright without any recourse.

RULE NO. 8
RECORDiNG OF WEiGHTS

If announced beforehand by the federation, the weights of cocks to be fought in a derby shall be recorded by the owner of the entry or his authorized representative, in two-parts: first, the part containing the entry number and entry name deposited in a drop box marked a, and second, the part containing the entry number and weights deposited in a drop box marked b, the same shall be shown to the authorized personnel of the derby committee to assure readability of the data contained therein; otherwise, the more practical forms of weight submissions done personally, thru telephone, cellphone, and similar means, may be resorted to.

RULE NO. 9
COMPUTERiZED MATCHiNG; NO FiGHT ARRANGEMENT; MULTiPLE ENTRiES

The matching of derby fights shall be computerized and the same shall be done in the presence of the derby committee and interested participants. The computer shall

17

SUBMISSION OF ENTRY & MATCHING

place and time designated and prescribed by the federation. Thereafter, matching shall follow immediately.

DERBY PROPER

be programmed to conduct matching in progression starting with cocks of the same weights and ending with the pair of farthest weight gap.
RULE ON GiVE OR TAKE iN WEiGHTS:

a.

For stags and bullstags weighing 1.9 kg or lower, the allowed weight as give or take shall be 20 grams, and for stags and bullstags weighing more than 1.9 kg, the allowed weight as give or take shall be 30 grams. For cocks weighing 2.2 kg or lower, the allowed weight as give or take shall be 30 grams and for cocks weighing more than 2.2 kg, the allowed weight as give or take shall be 50 grams. No fight rule will be allowed only up to a maximum of 3 consensual entries.

b.

c.

RULE NO. 10
NO DOUBLE FiGHTS

THE COMPUTER SHALL BE PROGRAMMED TO AVOID DOUBLE FIGHTS.

RULE NO. 11
EXCEPTiON TO COMPUTERiZED MATCHiNG

If computerized matching is unavailing (as when the computer is out of order, or its operator is indisposed, or a brownout occurs, or for any other similar causes) the bola system of matching as heretofore widely practiced shall be resorted to.

RULE NO. 12
FiGHT SEQUENCE

18

Fight sequence shall strictly follow the procedure of early fight, early finish, late fight, late finish; and as far as

The first five fights or more, depending on the number of fights, shall start with the pairs of lowest weights, in ascending order; and the next equal number of fights shall start with the pairs of highest weights, in descending order.

RULE NO. 13
iMPOSABLE PENALTiES

For infractions of the foregoing rules, the penalties that may be imposed are any or a combination of the following: a. Fine equal to the minimum center bet or a percentage thereof shall be imposed against an entry fighting a stag either in bad weight or bad shape thereby in violation of rule no. 18 and 19; Forfeiture of the entry fee; Other fines, forfeitures and pecuniary penalties as may be imposed by the derby committee; Prohibition to proceed with the scheduled/rescheduled fight, the same to be indicated by the letter x in the score board/sheet. Disqualification to take part in the derby; and Indefinite or perpetual disentitlement from participating in whatever capacity in all derbies promoted by the federation.

b. c. d.

e. f.

RULE NO. 14
LEGBANDiNG: CONSEQUENCES OF NONCOMPLiANCE All cocks to be fought in a derby must be screened and legbanded at the designated time and place, by the personnel authorized by the derby committee for the purpose. Noncompliance shall have the following effects:

19

DERBY PROPER

practiceable, the interval between the fights of an entry approximates that of any other.

DERBY PROPER

a.

A penalty of two thousand five hundred (php 2,500.00) pesos shall be imposed against an entry who shall fail to present its cock to be fought at the time and place so designated for screening and leg banding. The said penalty shall cover only the first hour of delay. However, there shall be an additional penalty of five hundred (php 500.00) pesos against the erring entry for the succeeding hours of delay. If the delay is more than one hour, the penalties provided for under sec (b) and (e) of rule no. 13 shall be imposed against the entry at fault.

All penalties must be reported and remitted to the local association, for local event, and to NFGB for national event. a. THE PENALTY PROVIDED FOR UNDER SEC. (b) AND (d) OF RULE 13 SHALL BE IMPOSED AGAINST THE ENTRY THAT SHALL BE CAUGHT IN VIOLATION OF THE RULE ON DELAY FOR THE SECOND TIME. THIRD TIME OFFENDER SHALL HEREBY BE PENALIZED UNDER SEC (e) AND (f) OF THE SAME RULE. A fine of two thousand five hundred (php 2, 500.00) pesos shall be imposed against an entry presenting a stag/cock for leg banding with wing band bearing a number different from that which is submitted during entry submission.

b.

20

Stags/cocks whose appearance are like any of those mentioned in section (c) and (e), of rule no. 19 (more particularly those which are in bad shape) shall not be accepted for legbanding. They may be changed with acceptable ones, subject to the provisions on delays in sections (a) and (b) of rule no. 14; otherwise, the entry they belong to shall suffer forfeiture of entry fee and disqualification to take part in the derby, (consequences under sections (b) and (e) of rule no. 13). As a consequence, the opponent of the disqualified entry shall be matched on the basis of rule no. 54.

RULE NO. 15
START OF DERBY

The start of a derby shall be based on the number of fights scheduled for one derby day, thus: NO. OF FiGHTS a. UP TO 40 FIGHTS b. 41 TO 48 FIGHTS c. 49 TO 56 FIGHTS d. 57 TO 64 FIGHTS e. 65 TO 72 FIGHTS f. MORE THAN 72 FIGHTS START OF DERBY 7:00 P.M. 6:00 P.M. 5:00 P.M. 4:00 P.M. 3:00 P.M. 2:00 P.M. OR EARLIER, BASED ON EIGHT FIGHTS PER HOUR

RULE NO. 16
DOUBTFUL iDENTiTY OF COCK/STAG; CONSEQUENCES

1.

The leg band and the wing band attached to the cock/ stag should be undisturbed and intact in order to guarantee the integrity and identity of a cock/stag until it is fought. Suspicious scars on the wingweb of the stag presented for screening shall not be accepted. If the band is lost, detached, mutilated, or otherwise altered and/or tampered, or affected by any similar condition or circumstance, the entry owner shall be held responsible for the infraction under this rule. The entry concerned shall suffer any of the following penalties:

21

DERBY PROPER

An entry that shall refuse to fight in a scheduled matched fight shall suffer the penalty of expulsion from its respective association. if the erring entry is a guest entry, the penalty shall be perpetual disqualification to join the federations derby.

DERBY PROPER

a. b. c.

Loses the right to proceed with the fight; forfeits the minimum center bet to the opponent; and, gets no point indicated by the letter x in the score board/sheet.

as a consequence, rule no. 44 shall be followed within the limit set in section (qq) rule no. 1 to determine the score of the opponent.

RULE NO. 17
DEFAULT; CONSEQUENCES

Default shall be penalized as follows: a. For failing to present the cocks for leg banding, the entry shall suffer the penalties provided in sections (b) and (e), rule no. 13. And as a consequence thereof, rule no. 54 shall be followed. From the expiration of the one (1) minute provided for under rule no. 20, every minute of delay thereafter to present the cock for weighing and heeling shall be penalized a fine of two thousand five hundred (php 2,500.00) payable to the opponent equal to one half (1/2) of the minimum bet payable to the opponent. After heeling, an entry shall present the cock at the arena within one (1) minute from the time it is summoned for the purpose. Every minute of delay thereafter shall be penalized a fine of two thousand five hundred (php 2, 500.00) payable to the opponent. The delay in sections (b) and (c) shall in no case exceed three (3) minutes; otherwise, in addition to the penalties prescribed hereof, the entry in default shall get no point for that fight reflected in the score board/ sheet with the letter x; forfeits its minimum center bet to the opponent; and as a consequence thereof, rule no. 44 shall be applied within the limit set forth under section (qq), rule no. 1.

b.

c.

22

BAD WEiGHT; EFFECTS

Bad weight shall be resolved as follows: a. If the actual weight of a cock exceeds or is below its recorded weight by more than thirty-five (35) but not more than fifty (50) grams and the recorded or actual weight of its opponent, whichever is higher, the errant entry shall pay its opponent a fine of five thousand pesos (php 5,000) and the fight as scheduled shall proceed. If the actual weight of a cock exceeds or is below its recorded weight by more than fifty (50) grams and the recorded or actual weight of its opponent, whichever is higher, the errant entry shall pay a fine of ten thousand pesos (php10,000 for national derby and five thousand (php5,000.00) for local derby; and shall be obliged to use a substitute cock, weighing equal to or less by not more than 35 grams than the recorded or actual weight of its opponent, whichever is higher; and the fight shall be re-scheduled within the limit set in section (qq) rule no. 1 . ( 2 hours or after 16 fights whichever applies) Examples: 1900 vs 1935 = good 1900 vs 1940 =bad 1900 vs 1955 = change stag/bullstag/cock c. If the cocks are mutually in bad weight and difference in weight between them does not exceed thirty five

b.

23

DERBY PROPER

RULE NO. 18

DERBY PROPER

(35) grams, the fight shall proceed as scheduled; otherwise, if the difference in weight exceeds thirty five (35) grams, the fight shall be cancelled and neither party earns a point, indicated by the letter x in the score board/sheet.

RULE NO. 19
BAD SHAPE; EFFECTS

The instances and effects of a cock in bad shape are the following: a. Limping and b. Hesitation to fight In cases of either limping and hesitation to fight they will only be allowed re-heeling for the second time, they either change stag/bullstag/cock or continue with the same bird. If they elect to change they pay their opponent the fine of php 2,500(delaying) and the rule 1 section (qq) applies. If the cock still limps on re-heeling, it shall be replaced with a substitute cock weighing not more than the actual weight of the opponent taken when presented for heeling or reheeling, whichever is higher; nor one of lesser weight by more than thirty five (35) grams. The entry pays its opponent a fine equal to one-half (1/2) of the minimum center bet and the fight shall be rescheduled within the limit set in section (qq) rule no. 1. If the substitute cock also limps, or is in any other form of bad shape, the entry it belongs to shall suffer the consequences provided in sections (a) and (d), rule no. 13; and rule no. 44 shall be followed within the limit set in section (qq) rule no. 1 to determine the score of the opponent. a. If a cock/stag manifests any sign of hesitation to fight, such as raised feathers behind the head, depressed body feathers, or moving away in the presence of another cock; or indisposition, such as droopiness, shivering,

24

b. In a situation where both cocks have been released in the pit, and one cock/stag refuses to fight before any actual contact have been inflicted, the match will be considered a no match contest. Under such condition, rule 19 paragraph (b) shall govern. If the entry, whose stag manifested hesitation to fight, persisted in fighting/showing said stag, despite the opportunity given him to replace the same within period stated in sec qq of rule no 1, he shall be penalized five thousand pesos, and suffer the penalty provided for under sec (d) rule 13. Under the given circumstance, rule 44 shall be followed within the limit set in section (qq) rule no. 1 to determine the score of the opponent. If a substitute cock/stag is fielded, and it also hesitates to fight or is in any other form of bad shape, the entry it belongs to shall suffer the consequences provided in sec (a) and (c), rule no. 13; and he shall be given another chance to put up another substitute cock or stag. If after the two chances to replace the cock/stag also refuses to fight, the entry shall suffer the consequences of sec (c) and (d), rule no. 13 and rule no. 44 shall be followed within the limit set in section (qq) rule no. 1 to determine the score of the opponent.

25

DERBY PROPER

injury, or quitting before being hit by its opponent; or any other similar conditions, a substitute cock shall be used, weighing equal to or less by not more than thirty five (35) grams than the actual weight of the opponent taken when presented for heeling or re-heeling, whichever is higher, and the fight shall be re-scheduled within the limit set in section (qq) rule no.1 to determine the score of its opponent. Without penalty.

DERBY PROPER

To test if a cock hesitates to fight; the derby committee may direct that the cock shall be leashed and held at its end by its handler while the referee or one designated by the derby committee holds before it another cock at a distance close enough to provoke a reaction from the cock. c. If the cock s appearance has been drastically altered (for instance, the neck feathers were cut to simulate the likeness of a vulture, or the feathers were dyed with colors different from what is natural to the cock, or any other similar alteration), the errant entry shall suffer the same penalties and consequences provided in the second paragraph of section (b) above. Bad shape shall be determined by the derby committee at the pit or elsewhere, depending upon its discretion. a. If the cock is in any other condition or circumstance that will or tends to impair its natural ability to fight or that of its opponents, the errant entry shall suffer the penalties in sections (a) and (d) of rule no. 13; and as a consequence, rule no. 44 shall be followed within the limit set in section (qq) rule no. 1 to determine the score of its opponent. Hennies shall not be accepted in derbies held by the NFGB.

RULE NO. 20
TiME LiMiT TO LiMBER

26

Ample time shall be allowed an entry to limber its cock before being summoned to heel for a scheduled or rescheduled fight. Thereafter and within one (1) minute from receiving notice to heel, it shall forthwith present the cock for weighing and proceed to heel the cock. (see rule 17(b) for penalties.

WEiGHiNG SCALE

Only the weighing scale of the federation or that provided by the owner/operator of the venue of the derby and acceptable to the derby committee shall be used to take the actual weights.

RULE NO. 22
WEiGHiNG AND HEELiNG

Weighing and heeling shall be done in the place designated for the purpose by the derby committee. (see rule 17 a&b for penalties)

RULE NO. 23
CENTER BET LiMiTS

The minimum and maximum limits of a center bet that may be laid for a derby fight shall be determined by the federation for each particular derby promotion, the same to be indicated in the corresponding invitation, publication, announcement, and other forms of disseminations.

RULE NO. 24
ACCEPTABiLiTY OF KNiVES AND PARAPHERNALiA

The knives and paraphernalia to be used for heeling shall be subject to inspection and subjected to reasonable procedures by authorized personnel of the derby committee, to determine conformance with section (n) rule no. 1 and to be able to neutralize any harmful substance that may be present in them.

27

DERBY PROPER

RULE NO. 21

DERBY PROPER

RULE NO. 25
CONTROL OF PiT MANAGER OVER COCKS AT ARENA; EFFECTS OF UNAUTHORiZED REMOVAL

Once a cock is brought to the pit for its scheduled fight, it shall not be removed therefrom by whomsoever without the prior approval of the pit manager. The owner or co-owner of the entry, or his handler or employee, or any one authorized to act on his behalf or under his influence. Whoever violates this rule shall be directed to return the cock within one (1) minute of the action. If he complies, the fight shall proceed; if he does not comply, the following penalties shall be imposed against him: a. His entry loses the right to proceed with the fight b. His entry gets no point for the aborted fight indicated in the score board/sheet by the capital letter x. c. He forfeits the minimum center bet in favor of his opponent; d. He shall be warned that a repetition of the same offense during the same or subsequent derby of the federation shall subject him to the same sections (a), (b) and (c) above; and he shall be barred from further participation in derbies of the federation. As a consequence of the aborted fight, rule no. 44 shall be followed within the limit set in section (qq), rule no. 1 to determine the score of its opponent.

RULE NO. 26
CASH OR CHECK FOR FEES, BETS, PENALTiES

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Fees, center bets, solicited bets (pagos), fines, penalties and all moneys due or payable to or thru the federation may be paid in cash or by check. If payment is made in check, the drawer must be a derby participant and the amount of the check drawn must not be more than the account to be settled. However, an aficionado whose pago was solicited may pay his pago with his personal check.

WARM-UP

After the center bets are squared, the handlers shall be allowed a limited time to warm-up their fighting cocks, thereafter, they shall release their cocks upon the signal of the referee.

RULE NO. 28
NO SiDE BETS iN THE PiT

No person shall call for or take side bets inside the arena.

RULE NO. 29
PERSONS iN THE PiT

The number of persons in the pit shall not exceed five (5) including the handlers and the referee.

RULE NO. 30
FiGHT DiSTANCE

The cocks shall be allowed to fight for not more than ten (10) minutes, counted from the time a cock makes a pass over

29

DERBY PROPER

RULE NO. 27

DERBY PROPER

or hits the other, or when they hit each other simultaneously. The fight shall be considered finished when the referee renders a decision on the outcome of the fight within the period allowed; provided, that a carreo in progress when the time is up, shall continue to determine its outcome .

RULE NO. 31
REFEREES AUTHORiTY

From the start of a fight and until a decision thereon is reached, the referee has full control and authority over the arena and the proceedings therein. In the exercise thereof and whenever in his judgment events or circumstances so require, he may call for the assistance of the persons in the arena.

RULE NO. 32
iMPARTiAL REFEREE

In cockfighting, much depends upon the conduct of the refereeit can cut either way, a plus or a minus to fairplay. This is not acceptable to the federation. The referee must be trustworthy, his integrity intact and beyond suspicion. He might not be able to keep his uprightness by himself. Therefore, the cockfighters, aficionados, especially the derby-ists themselves, must be supportive of a referees respectability but, at the same time vigilant against any act or omission of the referee that might be inimical to the sport. To help him protect his impartiality, the following must be observed: a. The number of derby fighters shall be apportioned among the referees who shall officiate by turn determined by lottery (like bola or the toss of a coin) or any other fair and suitable means.

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c. A referee shall be paid on a per-fight basis, and his compensation rate shall be fixed by the federation according to his reputation, talent, experience and other merits, but in no case shall his total compensation be less than what he is paid for a similar service in any other competitive venue. On his part, the referee must know by heart the standards of conduct in annex b of the unified derby rules of the federaton.

RULE NO. 33
PROPER RELEASE BY HANDLER

Like the referee, much depends upon the conduct of the handler in defining sportsmanship in sabong, of the basic instructions in annex c of the rules, he must be specially conscious of no. 2, which reads: He shall release his cock only upon the signal of the Referee on the designated release area and at the sametime as the other handler. (walang subuan) Violation of this rule makes the handler liable to a fine equal to the minimum center bet in that derby and any

31

DERBY PROPER

b. No participant may choose a particular referee to officate a particular fight, nor object to the assignment of one made in accordance with the rules.

DERBY PROPER

other penalties the derby committee may impose on the exercise of its discretion. The entry using the services of the errant handler is solidarily liable for the fine and any other pecuniary liabilities of the handler.

RULE NO. 34
TiMER AND STANDBY GENERATOR

The timing device to measure the fight period shall be provided by the owner/operator of the venue of derbies of the federation, they shall also provide a stand-by generator.

RULE NO. 35
iNTERVENTiON iN BAD SHAPE

From the moment the cocks are released to fight, the referee must be ready for a timely intervention should conditions of bad shape manifests in any of the cocks in combat.

RULE NO. 36
EXECUTiON OF CARREO

If at any time during the fight period one or both cocks cease fighting, the referee shall immediately execute the carreo or confrontation by applying the 3-up-3-down system discussed in annex a of the rules.

RULE NO. 37
CARREO AT CENTER OF ARENA

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As much as possible, the referee shall execute the carreo at the center of the arena.

STRAY COCK

If at any time during the fight period a cock strays from the arena, it shall be retrieved by the referee or done under his supervision, in order for the fight to continue inside the arena. If the cocks continue fighting outside the arena, the fight shall be allowed to proceed to its logical conclusion. Until a carreo is executed and there is a clear opportunity to relocate the cocks to the arena.

RULE NO. 39
DECLARATiON OF WiNNER

To be declared the winner, a cock must take two (2) pecks (whether connecting or not) or one (1) hit (whether connecting or not) directed at but not necessarily touching the opponent, and the latter neither pecked nor hit back during the carreo procedure.

RULE NO. 40
PRESUMPTiON OF GOOD FAiTH

In the performance of his task, good faith on the part of the referee and regularity in his actions are presumed.

RULE NO. 41
FiNALiTY OF DECiSiON

The decision of the referee rendered in accordance with the rules is final and binding to all parties concerned.

RULE NO. 41-A

REViEW/REVERSAL OF REFEREES DECiSiON

The Board of Directors, in a meeting called for the purpose, may upon a vote of of members present, may reverse

33

DERBY PROPER

RULE NO. 38

DERBY PROPER

the decision of the referee upon : a. Receipt of a formal complaint by an aggrieved party in an NFGB derby shall be entertained only within an hour of the disputed fight. Review of video footage of controversial decision; Recommendation made by the derby committee; Concurrence of a majority of Association Presidents present.

b. c. d.

RULE NO. 42
RECORDiNG OF FiGHTS

As much as possible, every derby fight of the federation shall be recorded in video tapes or similar devices. In case the referees decision is doubtful and becomes controversial, the derby committee shall review the video tape and make a determination on whether or not the referee has conformed with rule no. 33 and conducted himself in accordance with annex b of the rules. In the pendency of the controversial decision, the referee shall be suspended from his duties, unless the derby committee directs otherwise.

RULE NO. 43
OBLiGATiON TO PUT UP SUBSTiTUTE COCK

In a substitution case where a matched entry cannot provide the replacement cock, the obligation shall devolve in this order: a. b. c. To the entry leading in points scored in that derby. To the entry leading in total points scored in the circuit. To the derby committee.

34

Where there are two (2) or more entries obliged to provide the substitute cock, the matter shall be resolved by lottery.

ACCEPTABiLiTY OF SUBSTiTUTE COCK

The replacement cock in a substitution case must be acceptable to the derby committee and must be legbanded immediately after its acceptance.

RULE NO. 45
RE-SCHEDULED FiGHT

A re-scheduled fight shall be subject to the time allowed in section (qq), rule no. 1.

RULE NO. 46
DiSTRiBUTiON OF POT MONEY

Unless otherwise proclaimed by the federation before the start of a derby, the pot money, after deducting 10% thereof for the nfgb, shall be allocated and distributed as follows: a. b. c. d. Fifty percent (50%) to the champion/s; Ten percent (10%) to the second placer/s; Thirty. Percent (35%) to the other places; and Five percent (5%) to the handler and heeler, shared 3:2, in favor of the former.

The champion/s and second placer/s shall participate in the allocaton/s for the other placers.

RULE NO. 47
NO-BEARiNG FiGHTS

No-bearing fights shall be canceled and all other programmed fights shall proceed as scheduled, except in cases where the rules allow re-scheduling of fights.

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DERBY PROPER

RULE NO. 44

DERBY PROPER

RULE NO. 48
CHARGES ACCRUE TO OPERATiNG FUND

Unless otherwise stipulated, all fines, forfeitures, and other charges shall accrue to the operating fund of the federation.

RULE NO. 49
TiCKET TO ENTER COCKPiT

No person shall be allowed access into the venue of derbies of the federation without first obtaining a ticket for the purpose, except derby and security personnnel and accredited side-bet callers/takers properly identified and wearing the prescribed uniform. Each entry is entitled, free of charge, to three (3) tickets for himself and his guests, and another four (4) such tickets or their substitutes for the heeler, handler and other personnel of the entry. Any further need for tickets shall be paid for. The president shall have at his disposal such number of tickets as are necessary for the use, free of charge, of personalities whose presence will, in his opinion, serve the interest and goodwill of the association.

RULE NO. 50
EXiT PASS

No entry shall be allowed to exit from the cockpit premises without first obtaining a pass for the purpose from the person designated by the federation.

RULE NO. 51
CHEATiNG

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Any form of cheating and acts prejudicial to the interests of sabong, the federation, the derby-ists and/or the aficionados

RULE NO. 52
EXCEPTiON TO 2 HOURS/16 FiGHTS REGULATiON

If the 2 hours/16 fights regulation cannot be applied for lack of material time or number of fights left in the derby, re-scheduling of the fights thereby affected shall be done on the next derby day; or, if the incident happens on the last derby day, the parties affected shall endeavor to reach a compromise arrangement, failing which, the derby committee shall decide on the matter.

RULE NO. 53
OPTiONS iF MATCHED ENTRY iS DiSQUALiFiED

If a matched entry is disqualified to proceed with the derby for a cause recognized in the rules, the opponents of the disqualified entry shall be: a. Matched against each other, subject to the give or take provisions in sections (a) and (b), rule no. 9 and the no double fights in rule no. 10; or, Matched against jokers; or, Matched by a combination of sections (a) and (b) above; or,

b. c.

d. A re-matching shall be done. Any or a combination of these options shall be employed depending on the discretion of the derby committee.

RULE NO. 54
COUNTDOWN TO RELEASE COCK; PENALTY FOR ViOLATiON

From and after the pit manager shall have evened up the center bets, the countdown begins.

37

NFGB DERBY RULES

shall subject the perpetrator/s to the severest penalties in the rules aside from criminal prosecution if warranted.

NFGB DERBY RULES

The handler and his assistant who are not yet done teasing their cocks upon expiration of the countdown shall suffer from these penalties: a. A fine equal to twenty percent (20%) of the minimum center bet for every 10 seconds delay or fraction thereof; b. A repetition of the same infraction in section (a) in the same or subsequent derby of the federation shall be similarly penalized; and, c. As a consequence of section (b), the handler and his assistant shall be barred from participating in whatever capacity, in derbies of the federation. d. Handlers shall act in a gentlemanly manner in execution of their task, and shall be in proper clothes and wear shoes in the pit to ensure safety in releasing their feathered warriors. The entry using the services of the handler and his assistant is solidarily liable for the pecuniary liabilities of the handler and his assistant.

RULE NO. 55
CHANGES iN THE RULES

Any amendments, modifications, additions or other changes that may be made by the federation in the unified derby rules shall be furnished to each member association.

RULE NO. 56
AUTHORiTY OF DERBY COMMiTTEE

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Decisions of the derby committee are final and binding to all parties concerned on all disputes involving the application of the rules and controverted matters not provided therein.

ANNEX A

CARREO PROCEDURE (3-UP-3-DOWN SYSTEM)

The referee shall execute the carreo as follows: 1. Hold the cocks by their back feathers (including the hackle feathers), or if one or both are on the verge of death, or are battered or limp), on the breasts, whichever is appropriate, given the physical conditions of the cocks at the time; 2. Lift and bring them face to face (beak to beak) within p e c k i n g distance (about five inches or closer if the cocks are battered) of one another, their toes at about six (6) inches from the ground; and, 3. Release hold so the cocks drop on their toes freely to the ground, face to face;

The foregoing three steps are repeated three (3) times. (hence the term 3-up-3-down, the traditional way of doing the carreo), unless a decision is reached sooner or a break intervenes. The interval between the down positions of the carreo shall be two (2) to six (6) seconds, depending on the physical conditions of the cocks at the time, as when one or both are on the verge of death.

39

NFGB DERBY RULES

NFGB DERBY RULES

4.

If both cocks peck or hit, the carreo is arrested and forthwith set the cocks face to face about 1 meter apart or closer, depending on the physical conditions of the cocks, to continue with the fight. If a cock pecks twice or hits once, the referee shall give the other a chance to retaliate by holding the first cock by its back and hackle feathers to prevent it from unnecessarily hitting or pecking the other; and, during

5.

the up position of the carreo, if the other cock is battered and limp, its head must be positioned about 2 inches above (not directly but at 2 or 10 oclock position, depending on whether the cock is on the right or left side of the referee) that of the opponent to afford it a better opportunity to sense or notice its opponent. 5.1 if the other cock pecks or hits, whether connecting or not, break intervenes, and step no. 4 shall be repeated. 5.2 if the other cock no longer pecks or hits within three (3) seconds (indicated by the up and down motion of the

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ANNEX B

REFEREES DEMEANOR
Given the attribute of fairplay that characterizes the filipino sport of sabong, the referee must ever be mindful that a cock should win its fight solely on its own meritnothing more. 1. During his watch, he shall officiate cockfights, nothing more. (dont play kristo for the big bettors or anybody else, or pit their cocks or do them any similar favors that might be perceivedrightly or wronglyas currying to their sense of generosity.) He shall maintain absolute impartiality in the performance of his duty. If he does not or cannot measure up to this standard, either by misconduct or incompetence, he shallnot be allowed to officiate the derbies of the federatoin. Before he directs the handlers to release their cocks, he shall first ascertain that the handlers, the pit personnel and facilities are in readiness to meet the requirements of the event. He shall instruct the handlers to release their cocks on the designated area at the same time (walang subuan) and to retire to their respective corners to stay there until a decision is reached, unless otherwise instructed by him.

2.

3.

4.

41

NFGB DERBY RULES

hand, the same pace and gesture as the execution of the 10 counts in boxing) after the third down position of the carreo, the first cock wins the fight and the referee shall so indicate by raising the winner and leaving the loser on the ground.

NFGB DERBY RULES

5.

During the fight he shall maintain appropriate deportment and distance from the cocks according to the speciific demand of events as they unfold (kung hindi kailangan, huwag lumapit sa naglalabang mga manokmabubulabog sila), to the end that cocks are left undistrurbed to do battle in their own terms. In the performance of his task, he shall proceed without undue haste or delay, given the physical conditions of the cocks at the time. He shall exercise due care to the end that neither cock in unnecessarily disadvantaged at any stage of the fight. In this regard, before he executes the carreo, he shall free the cocks from conditions that might impair their capability to fight, such as a leg entangles with the other, or the knife hooked to a wing, but any foreign body that might have stuck to a cocks head or any other part of his body like feathers, blood or dirt, shall be left undisturbed.

6.

Non-observance of any of the foregoing, or any act or omission determined by the derby committee as constituting a misconduct or incompetence, shall be penalized by reprimand, suspension, fine or removal, depending upon the wise discretion of the derby committee. In executing the carreo, the referee must always be conscious of his standard of conduct defined in annex b of the rules. While doing the carreo, the referee shall vocalize thru a microphone provided for the purpose of his perceptions of the actions occurring during the carreo.

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ANNEX C

HANDLERS CONDUCT
The handler must always bear in mind that the tradition of sabong requires him to observe the basic rules of fairplay and gentlemanly conduct. 1. He must take due care that his conduct will not cause undue disadvantage to the other handler who might be less initiated in the art of pitting the fighting cock. He shall release his cock only upon the signal of the referee on the designed release area and at the same time as the other handler (walang subuan); and, After releasing his cock, he shall wtihdraw forthwith to his corner or assigned station and remain thereat until the fight is over, unless the referee directs otherwise.

2.

3.

Non-observance of any of the foregoing, or any act or omission perceived by the derby committee as a misconduct shall be penalized by a fine of five thousand pesos (p5,000.00), (p2,000.00 in stag derby) and/or reprimand, suspension, disqualification from further releasing cocks at the discretion of the derby committee. The entry using the services of the errant handler is solidarily liable for any fine and other pecuniary liabilities imposed on the latter.

43

NFGB DERBY RULES

NFGB DERBY RULES

ANNEX D

HEELERS COMMiTMENTS
By the very act of heeling, the heeler (mananari) represents that he has been initiated in the art and technique of properly setting the knife. Additionally, he represents that: 1. The knives (tari) he uses in his trade conform with the requirements of section (n) rule no. 1, are made of materials accepted in his trade as excellent in quality, and are free of defects and harmful substances. The knife he uses for a particular cock is appropriate for the cock and is properly set and aligned; and, He conducts himself in a manner that does not compromise the integrity of his profession.

2.

3.

If he violates any of his commitments, he shall be denied access to the venue of derbies of the association, apart from any other penalties that the derby committee may impose on him for his infraction; and, if fines and other pecuniary liabilities are components of the penalty imposed, the entry that employed his services is solidarily liable for the payment thereof.

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