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Cockfighting has developed its own lexicon, roles, and customs. Among these, the “gaffer” holds a distinct place in the traditional cockfighting hierarchy.
While often overlooked in modern discussions about the sport, the gaffer’s role has evolved considerably over time, reflecting broader shifts in the practice, cultural values, and regulatory landscapes surrounding cockfighting.
Early Origins and Responsibilities
The term “gaffer” in cockfighting emerged during the sport’s structured rise in England in the 17th and 18th centuries, although similar roles existed long before in ancient cockfighting traditions of Persia, India, and Southeast Asia.
The gaffer’s earliest role was that of a handler and match supervisor. In these early days, cockfighting was both a common entertainment and a gentleman’s pastime. Gaffers were often entrusted with overseeing the condition of the birds, ensuring they were fit to fight, and maintaining the fairness of the matches.
One of the primary tasks of the gaffer was to affix the “gaffs,” which are metal spurs or blades, to the legs of the birds before combat. These artificial weapons were introduced to increase the intensity and speed of the fights.
Attaching gaffs required skill, precision, and an understanding of the birds’ strengths and fighting styles. A gaffer who excelled in this could sway the outcome of a match, making the position one of both trust and technical mastery.
The Gaffer as a Central Figure in Organized Cockpits
By the 18th and 19th centuries, as cockpits became formal venues and cockfighting was institutionalized through clubs and betting networks, the gaffer’s role expanded. No longer just a handler, the gaffer became a key figure in the competitive and financial aspects of the sport.
In many ways, he was the equivalent of a trainer and corner man in modern combat sports. He managed the training regimen of the birds, oversaw their diet and grooming, and developed tactics based on known opponents.
During this time, the gaffer also became responsible for negotiating terms with other parties before the fight. These negotiations could include agreements on the weight of the birds, the type of gaffs used (long heel vs. short heel, for instance), and the amount wagered.
As cockfighting gained popularity in the Americas and the Philippines, the gaffer adapted to regional customs and styles, but the central responsibility remained: to prepare and represent the fighting bird.
Decline and Shifts Due to Legal and Cultural Change
Cockfighting began to face increasing opposition by the mid-19th century, particularly in Western nations where animal welfare movements gained momentum. The Cruelty to Animals Act of 1835 in Britain marked a significant turn, criminalizing many blood sports, including cockfighting. This forced the practice underground, and with it, the gaffer’s role took on a more clandestine dimension.
In areas where cockfighting remained legal or culturally embedded, such as parts of Latin America and Southeast Asia, the gaffer continued to play an important role. However, the professionalization of the sport in these regions often led to specialization. Veterinary care, breeding, and training were sometimes delegated to other roles, narrowing the gaffer’s scope to fight-day preparation and gaff attachment.
In the Philippines, for instance, cockfighting (locally known as sabong) is regulated and widely practiced. The gaffer, called a mananari, is a respected figure whose expertise can make or break a match. There, the craft of the gaffer includes not only technical skill but also cultural knowledge passed down through generations.
The Modern Gaffer in Legal and Illegal Contexts
Today, the gaffer’s role exists in both regulated and illicit forms of cockfighting. In countries where the sport is banned, gaffers often operate in secrecy, and the practice has become more fragmented and localized.
In contrast, in places with official cockfighting arenas and governing bodies, the gaffer’s position is formalized. Some even receive certification or are known throughout the region for their skill and reliability.
Final Note
The gaffer has long been a central figure in cockfighting, evolving from a simple handler to a technical expert and strategic partner. The role reflects the history of cockfighting itself, a blend of cultural tradition, sport, and controversy.
As global perspectives on animal welfare continue to shift, the gaffer’s future remains uncertain in many parts of the world. Nonetheless, the historical evolution of the role stands as a testament to the enduring and often conflicted relationship between humans and their blood sports.
