The President

He is the authority of the bullring. His duty is to interpret and enforce the rules regulating the bullfight. He is the director of the corrida. He determines the timing, he punishes and he gives rewards. Normally he is the representative of the Government in the district or a police officer. His is not an easy job. Frequently, the audience whistles to presidents in order to protest their decisions.

The president has shawls in different colors. He shows them to give orders and transmit them to the ruedo and the callejón.

White Shawl
Used to command the beginning of the corrida, the release of each bull, the changing of a tercio (stage), to warn the bullfighter of an excessive prolongation of the faena and to award the trophies

Green Shawl
To command the return of a bull to the bullpens

Red Shawl
To command the use of banderillas negras (extra large harpoons)

Blue Shawl
To authorize the return of a bull to the ruedo

Orange Shawl
To pardon a bull and command the bullfighter not to kill the animal

The Trophies

First Trophy: An ear is cut out of the carcass and given to the matador as a recognition of his good performance. The president will award this if the majority of the audience claims for it waving their shawls.

Second Trophy:Two ears are cut. The president alone will decide if the performance of the matador deserves this honor. A good performance with the capote and the muleta, as well as killing the bull in a superb way are necessary to receive this distinction.

Third (and maximal) Trophy: Two ears and the tail are cut. The lidia must have been perfect.

Pardon of a Bull

Excellent bulls who have demonstrated superb attributes, courage and strength during the lidia can be pardoned and avoid being killed. A herd of bullocks will enter the ring and drive him out. Pardoned bulls spend the rest of their lives as stallions.