Pit Rules and Cajun Rules Variations
for Historical Purposes Only

1. The dimensions of the pit must not be less than 14 x 14 ft., with a height of 2-3 ft. A reasonable scratch-line can be imaginary. Flooring should be carpeted or cushioned. Railings (optional) can be added around, at least 2 feet from the walls. There should be a balanced and adequate lighting.

2. The two parties must agree on a referee/judge before weigh-in and washing. The judge shall oversee the implementation of the rules and all of the mutually agreed terms and conditions. Judge's decisions are FINAL.

3. The winner of the toss-coin will choose his corner and decide whose dog will be washed first; this is all done in the presence of the selected judge of the match.

4. Both parties shall agree on a designated timekeeper, chosen by the referee or the Club. The timekeeper will be the one to record the start of the match, the time a turn called or an out-of-holds count was made. The timekeeper will also be responsible for the thirty second (25-5) Corner-Count and the ten second TO-COMPLETE Scratch. The timekeeper will be the one (if needed/asked) to remind the judge whose dog it is to scratch. The timekeeper's count will be the one officially recognized by the judge, if he did not do the counting himself.

5. Both parties must deposit an agreed forfeit amount to a stake/forfeit holder or to the club to make the match binding and must hand-over the stake/bet before the match. The club's standards of forfeits are:

a. Php22,000 for Default B

b. Php5, 000-7,000 per half libra or a fraction of it, as penalty for over-weight (5t for big dogs & 7t for small dogs), with option to abort or renegotiate at the pleasure of the party who is on weight.

6. The weigh-in and washing will be supervised by the designated judge and handled by your opponent, fifteen (15) to thirty (30) minutes before the match or depending on what the parties have agreed upon (a convention could set a time frame for weigh-ins of participants for practical convenience). "JOY" detergent can be used. The handler/s should wash their hands up to their elbows. Towels can be allowed to dry the dogs. After the wash, NO object, no person from anywhere or anything not directly related to the actual match, must touch or get into contact with both the washed dog and the handler until the match is decided. Bottled drinks, towels, cigar, etc. must be coursed thru the judge and can be inspected by your opponent's side. Any violation of these rules can be called a FOUL. It is advised that collar and leash are removed during the wash and to be worn only AFTER the match.

7. The handler is allowed up to two (2) persons with him. One to act as his 2nd or corner man and other on the opponent's corner. They can also be the ones assigned to wash the opponent's dog.

8. The dog/s once brought inside the pit has to be faced against their opponent (not facing his corner). The referee will then ask both handlers if they are "READY?" and will give the command to RELEASE your dog by shouting "PIT!".

9. The match, basically, is an "alternating scratch" contest to determine the winner. The first dog to make a "turn" will be the first to scratch, alternating with the other dog until one fails to "complete" his scratch within the count of ten (10) seconds and lose the match.

10. A "turn" is granted by the judge when a dog turns his head and shoulder, at the least, away from an opponent in an obvious attempt to walk/run away from the fight, with or without hold/s. The judge can only grant a "turn" when any or both handlers requested one, even on his own dog. All or any "turns" made AFTER the 1st granted turn has no bearing on the match.

11. Handlers are not allowed to make contact with or handle ANY dogs (including its own) during the match. They have to wait until the judge commands them. e.g. "Handle your dogs" or "HANDLE when FREE-OF-HOLDS", etc. Only then can they handle the dogs. In which case, a handler should handle only his OWN dog.

12. Handlers must pick up their dogs whenever they are "FREE-OF-HOLDS" whether or not being told to do so by the judge, as long as there is already a "TURN" granted or "OUT-OF-HOLDS" called by the judge. Handling is done when neither dog has a hold. In case either dog makes a hold while being picked up, the handler must automatically let go of his dog and wait for another opportunity.

13. A FOUL can be called on a handler who intentionally delays or refuse to pick up his dog. A handler has the right to protect himself or his dog when the other fails to pick up his dog.

14. After a handle on both or either dog is made, the 30-second corner-count starts. Both dogs are then brought to their respective corners facing the wall. The judge will remind the handlers whose turn it is to scratch. At the count of twenty-five (25), the judge will command the handlers to "FACE YOUR DOGS" and at the count of thirty (30), will order the one to scratch to "RELEASE!" his dog. After the release, the handler is NOT ALLOWED to touch his dog or step out of his corner. The dog is given ten (10) seconds TO COMPLETE his scratch by either by TAKING HOLD (bite) or RAMMING the other dog in the corner.

* In the event that a dog scratches, but fails to "take hold" of his opponent after ten (10) seconds because the other dog ran away, the judge will consider this a COMPLETE scratch with no winner yet and a resulting scratch-in-turn will ensue.

15. During scratching, a handler must release his dog with ALL FOUR (4) feet firmly PLANTED on the ground and with the hands supporting only the dog's chest. A handler is not allowed the following during scratching:

a) Pushing, lifting, throwing, kneeing or making any motion to make the dog scratch.

b) Covering the dog by any means to prevent the other dog from seeing it; this includes covering the eyes or turning his dog's head away from the scratching dog. Hands on the dog's chest only.

c) Leaving his corner BEFORE his dog makes contact with the opposing dog.

16. It is up to the "receiving" handler, AFTER the command to release, to decide when to let go of his dog, so long as he make sure to release his dog upon contact.

17. During the match, banging on the pit walls, stomping on the floor or making too much unnecessary noise or anything that causes distraction to both dogs and handlers are not allowed. Only voice command, slapping the floor, snapping the fingers or clapping are allowed to cheer the dog. Excessive catcalling, heckling or making derogatory remarks against both dogs and handlers are not permitted. It is the sole responsibility of the handler to tell his side of followers to cooperate with the rules or be slapped a FOUL. Cameras with flash are not allowed to take photos during the match. Any video or photo taking must have permissions from the handlers and judge or from the club.

18. Any dog that quits by jumping the pit is automatically declared the loser, and no scratching is necessary. Likewise, any person found guilty of using "rubs" and the likes, will automatically lose the match at any stage (with lifetime sanction by the club).

19. In case of a dog being "FANGED" the referee will order the handlers to HOLD their dogs while he defangs the dog using whatever means applicable (usually a pencil or ballpoint pen). If this is not possible, he will BREAK UP the dogs using a "break stick" and after defanging, will order to face the dogs two (2) feet apart and released simultaneously. This is not considered a turn or out-of-holds.

20. An "Out-of-Holds" is called when a "turn" is NOT YET called and both dogs were counted-out not in holds for thirty (30) seconds. A dog snapping or a fang snagging a skin but not in hold is not considered a hold. In an event of an out-of-hold count, the referee will ask both handlers if they want the match to be declared a DRAW, if they don't agree, the "DOWN DOG" WILL SCRATCH FIRST (SCRATCH-TO-CONTINUE). If he fails, the other dog must complete his scratch to win (SCRATCH-TO-WIN). In an event that both dogs cannot complete their scratch, the match is declared a DRAW. If the "down dog" makes his scratch the first time, then the match continue with ALTERNATE SCRATCHING, until one fails to complete a scratch and is declared the loser.

* In the event that there is an out-of-hold count in progress, in which case THERE IS a down dog, that dog will automatically be the one to scratch after thirty (30) seconds, regardless if the dogs changed position at the completion of the count.

* In the event that BOTH dogs are DOWN or STANDING from the start of the OUT-OF-HOLDS count, the judge will decide who is the "more AGGRESSIVE or ahead in points" and will consider that dog to be the "TOP DOG".

* If the down dog did not complete his scratch, the referee will then order the handlers to handle their dogs and then count another 30 seconds before releasing the other dog for a scratch-to-win.

21. The club will ACCEPT sponging or any other addition and/or variation/s to these rules as long as BOTH parties agreed to it mutually. Anything that can not be or was not agreed upon can be decided on a toss coin BEFORE the said match.

22. Anyone caught violating any of these rules is automatically FOULED-OUT or DISQUALIFIED. However, it's up to the judge's discretion to give a WARNING or two to the offending party if he thinks it is just an infraction or unintentional. E.g. the referee has the right to INVALIDATE a scratch, break up the dogs or make the dog repeat the scratch. As long as the offense will not affect the outcome of the match.

23. A match or a result will not be recognized unless judged by a dog man accredited by the club.

24. A party may substitute any dog and NOT PAY forfeit as long as he is on an OPEN WEIGHT basis with his/her opponent. In a Semi-Open basis, a "change/substitute of dog" from a specified one will cost you a penalty of Php11, 000 (or you can set a higher/lower mutually agreed penalty), but the match MUST PUSH -THRU. All PURE Strictly-Specific matches (can not change dog) basis will now be considered as OTC only.

25. In an event that the match cannot continue due to some unforeseen circumstances, the match is declared a "NO CONTEST" and the Club will determine another date and place for it, as agreed upon by both parties.

26. Anyone notoriously and consistently violating any of these rules, especially those unscrupulous ones who fail to pay forfeits or made attempt to RUB, will be BANNED from competing and attending future activities of the Club.

IGNORANCE OF THE RULE IS NOT AN EXCUSE! IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO KNOW THE RULES.

CAJUN RULES by G.A.(Gaboon) Trahan

GENTLEMEN

THIS CONTEST IS CAJUN RULES AS I UNDERSTAND

This is a set of rules that was set out by G. A. (Gaboon) Trahan. Called Cajun rules. I know of one more set of rules called the same thing or very little different. But there is enough that if you ever match under these rules, make sure you and the other handler get with the referee before the match and get everything clear. I will point out the rules that I try to get clear at the end of these rules. Word for word by Gaboon Trahan in black ink. My understanding as I was taught in Old English. One rule in green ink that I amended because two cur dogs can�t produce a draw. Neither dog can produce a contest, what a shame!

RULE 1

Size of pit, optional; to be square with sides 2 feet high, scratch line 14 feet apart.

Optional meaning larger than 16 foot square, not smaller because you wouldn�t have enough room for dogs and Handlers.

RULE 2

Referee to be chosen before the dogs are weighed in or washed and referee to conduct the contest according to these Rules and his decision is final.

Simple understanding of that rule as long as referee can and does line out, direct in sequence the procedures so as to control the contest.

RULE 3

Referee to see the dogs weighed at time agreed on and if either dog is over top weight agreed on he loses the forfeit money.

Forfeit taker has the option to not fight or renegotiate the wager because of the forfeit [example: $750 to 1,000] contest negotiations to continue as if there was no infraction or foul.

RULE 4

Parties to toss coin to see who shall wash first, each party to furnish two clean towels and a blanket.

Simple understanding. The referee should indicate to the winner of the toss to weigh his dog first. Then the loser of the toss to weigh his dog next, then to the wash tub then to the pit. (Two towels, baking soda, milk and soap have been provided for each opponent for the last 30 years)

RULE 5

If requested to do so the referee shall search the person named to wash the dog and then have him bare his arm to the elbow and wash both dogs in the same warm water and rinse them each in his half of the warm clean water provided for that purpose.

Simple understanding, if requested. I personally wash my hands, bare my arms, if my opponent doesn�t or says I don�t have to wash my dog?? I will wash him myself.

RULE 6

As the dogs are washed clean and dried they shall be turned over to their handlers and at once taken to their corners of the pit as designated by the referee and the referee must search handlers for means of foul play and see that he bares his arms to the elbow before he receives his dog and must keep his arms bare in such a manner during the contest.

When I referee I allow the first dog to the contest to choose his corner. The rest of the rule stands as written.

RULE 7

The dog�s owner or his representative shall be allowed at all times to be near his dog and watch to see that no harm is done him, and each owner shall be allowed to name a man or himself watch his opponent�s dog and handler at all times to see he is given no unfair advantage.

Understandable.

RULE 8

Either dog�s owner, handler or watcher if he sees anything wrong must at once appeal to the referee and get his decision. And if any handler, watcher or owner violates any of these rules and thereby favors either dog the dog so favored must at once be declared the loser.

Understandable.

RULE 9

The interested parties shall choose a timekeeper at the pit side.

Understandable.

RULE 10

The dogs are placed in their corners of the pit, opposite corners, faces turned from each other and only the dog and their handlers inside the pit. Then the referee shall say, (Face your dogs) each handler must always show his dog full head and shoulders between his legs. The referee says (Let�s go), but the handler must never push or shove their dogs and handlers shall not leave their corners until the dogs are together.

Understanding that both front feet on the scratch line to support his own weight.

RULE 11

No when one of the dogs turns his head and shoulders away from his opponent after the fight is on it is a turn, whether they are in holds or free, and the handler must claim the turn and the referee must allow the claim if he believes it is a turn or the referee must call the first fair turn he sees whether the handler claims it or not and when the referee calls a turn he shall say (Handle your dogs) and each handler must pick up his dog as soon as he can without breaking a hold. Handlers carry their dogs to their respective corners immediately on picking them up, keeping the dogs face turned away from the center of the pit. Twenty-five seconds after the dogs are carried to their corners the referee shall say (Face your dogs) then the handlers must show their dogs head and shoulders between their legs, facing the center of the pit. The dog that turns first must scratch first. In five seconds more the referee shall say (Let Go!), then the dog that made the first turn must be turned loose by his handler and this dog must go across and mouth the other dog. If, when he is turned loose he refuses to start at once or if he stops on the way over, or if he fails to reach his opponent, he has lost the fight and the referee must declare his opponent the winner. A handler is allowed to release his dog at any time he sees fit after the dog whose turn it is to cross has started over. He must turn him loose when the dogs touch each other.

RULE 12

(a) If neither dog has made a turn and they cease to fight after 60 seconds of no action the down dog is to scratch first, if he makes his scratch the fight is on and they shall scratch in turns until the contest is decided.

(b) If the down dog fails to scratch the other dog is to scratch to win. If he fails to scratch the contest shall be declared a draw by the referee.

(c) No handler is to handle his dog until ordered by the referee if he does, it shall be called a foul and he is to forfeit to his opponent.

(d) No flash pictures or hitting on pit side shall be allowed unless agreed upon by the two contestants.

RULE 13

After the dogs are together this time either handler is allowed to pick up his dog when they are not in holds, or ordered by referee. If he tries for a pick up and either dog has a hold he must turn him loose at once. If he catches his dog up free both handlers must handle their dogs at once.

Take their dogs to their corners and proceed same as at the first turn, except this time the dog which went across before is allowed to remain in his corner while his opponent makes a scratch, or goes across, and they alternate or take it�s turn about in this manner until one of them is declared the winner under these rules. The referee pays no attention to the turn after the first scratch.

RULE 14

If one of the dogs fangs himself, that is, if he gets his teeth hung in his own lip, his handler is allowed to unfang him. If the dogs have to be separated for this they are turned loose again, both at the same time within two feet of each other in the center of the pit.

RULE 15

No sponging shall be allowed, and no towels or anything else taken into the pit by the handlers except a bottle of drink for his dog and a fan to cool him with. The handlers must taste their dog�s drink before the referee to show that it contains no poison.

For the past 30 years I have used one bucket and two large sponges. I also give the sponge to the scratching dog first in the rotation.

RULE 16

If the handler of either dog is seen to take anything from anyone on the outside of the pit he is to lose the battle. Each party shall have the right to put a man near his opponent�s corner to watch the handler. Should he see the handler put anything on his dog he may appeal to the referee and if the referee finds anything on the dog he is to lose the battle.

RULE 17

Should either handler leave the pit with his dog before the referee renders his decision he is to lose the battle.

RULE 18

The handlers shall be allowed to encourage their dogs by voice or hand-clapping or snapping of their fingers, but must not touch their dog or use foul, dirty methods by saving their dogs from hard fall or keeping the other handler away from his dog, or in any other way act unfairly. The referee must decide the battle against the one who does so.

RULE 19

Should the police interfere the referee to name the next meeting place.....

Now to point out a few things about these rules.

There has been question lately on how far out the scratch line should be from the corners. The pit should be big enough for the handler to have room to work with his dog and be able to turn around with out being over the scratch line. But the scratch line must always be 14 feet apart.

Rule 11 states a dog must start at once or if he stops on the way over, he has lost. Everyone I know gives a dog the count of 20 to make his scratch, no matter how many times he stops on the way over or when he starts. It also says in rule 11 that a dog must mouth the other dog on his scratch. Then later it says a handler must turn his dog loose when dogs touch each other. You should always get it clear with the handler and the referee that a dog must bite, or touch to complete his scratch.

In rule 12 it states, the down dog to scratch after 60 seconds of no action, this is called and out of hold count. A handler should always have to ask the referee for an out of hold count. And be made clear before the match if it will be a one minute or a two minute count. And Always make it clear before the match that one dog must bite or lick, or touch the other dog with his mouth before the count can be broke.

Rule 14 a handler should always tell the referee when his dog is fang and never touch his dog until the referee tells him to do so.

Because your mind is free to condition your dog, the majority won�t ever read this, the majority will stay as they are with a false ranking and non-professional rating thinking they are above the majority. As you read on I may repeat myself many times because of the many articles I�ve written in the past. I want to help everyone develop an eye for conditioning at home. If you don�t see your dog recover at home, he won�t recover in the contest. You can bring an athlete to a contest, that won�t turn or falter, like my peers that rank as gentlemen and sportsmen. Proven professionalization, if they lose they start all over again with another dog. Most good dog men work a dog as they rest a winner.

by Robert Lemm