Rules of bullfighting: All you need to know about this extreme sport

The rules of bullfighting have evolved over the years. As the extreme sport continues to attract significant masses globally, more individuals are keen to learn the intricate details of the sport to give them a complete experience as they enjoy the thrill. Here are the guidelines you should know about bullfighting.

The history of bullfighting dates back to about 2000 BC when the Iberian tribes in Spain organized events where bulls confronted human beings. Today, the sport is widely practised in other countries, including France, Portugal, Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, and Ecuador.

What are the basic rules of bullfighting?

Several countries follow Spain's bullfighting rules and guidelines for the sport, giving it structure and a standard procedure. The sport doubles up as a competition and a show, with the fighters entertaining the audience with their impeccable dodging and attacking skills.

Most of the terms used in bullfighting are in Spanish. Here are some common ones that will give you a better understanding as you watch the shows:

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• Matador - Bullfighter
• Picador - Armed man on horseback
• Tericos - Bullfighting acts
• Cuadrilla - Team
• Banderillas - Decorated wooden sticks with spiked ends.
• Plaza de toros - Bullring
• Paseillo - Order of seniority

A bullfight is commonly referred to as a spectacle and is divided into three parts that last approximately 20 minutes each. The three parts are as follows:

1. Picadors

During the first stage, the matador’s assistants provoke the bull using large colourful capes to study its ring movements and patterns. The president presides over the fight and signals the picadors to enter the ring. Their role is to pierce the bull using a barbed lance, which injures the bull to prohibit sudden movements.

2. Tercio de banderillas

The purpose of the second act is to revive and liven up the bull's attack from the first act's action and injuries. The matadors fight the bull to the point of near death before proceeding to the third round.

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3. Tercio de muerte

The last stage is also known as the ''Third of death.'' In the final phase, the matador has 10 minutes to end the bull's life. If he fails to meet this target, the president gives him an extra five minutes.

What are the rules of bullfighting?

As the participants go through these stages, they must follow the game's rules. The rules of bullfighting in Spain are adopted from the 1992 Royal Decree 176/1992, Bullfighting Regulations, which apply to several other countries globally. These rules include the following:

• All fights follow the same structure and pattern.
• The president has the highest authority in the ring, ensuring all participants follow the rules.
• The two circle lines painted on the sand indicate the distance for the picador to perform.
• The three bullfighters' procession is in order of seniority (parse illo). The most veteran stays on the right side, the novice in the middle, and the matador with intermediate experience stays on the left.
• Once the bull enters the ring (tercio de varas), there are two picadors. One is responsible for wounding the bull, while the second guards the opposite gate, preventing the bull from escaping.
• The second stage is performed by the three banderilleros of the bullfighter’s team, and only two of them who make up the cuadrilla place the banderillas.
• The president gives handkerchiefs in different colours to communicate to those in the bullring. These colours are; white (marking the start of the contest), green (symbolizing the bull's return to the corals), red (extra punishment to the bull), blue (return of the bull to the arena), and orange (that recognizes the bull's bravery).

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How are bulls treated before a bullfight?

Unknown to several netizens, bullfighting animals are specifically bred for this purpose. They are raised to be slow and easy to predict, making them easy to control. Hours before the fight, the bull is isolated in a small, dark room, making it confused and anxious.

What are some reasons to ban bullfighting?

Some animal welfare bodies have condemned the cruelty the bulls face before the fight. They are exposed to physical and mental torture before facing their ultimate slaughter, jeopardizing their quality of life. Some countries that have banned this sport include Argentina, Canada, Cuba, Denmark, Italy and the United Kingdom.

The rules of bullfighting have been standardized across almost all countries, ensuring the audience enjoys their experience in the arena. As more countries describe the sport as an inhumane way to slaughter animals, fans will be keen to see which ones will retain the practice.

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