The combat observes strict rules similar to those in martial art championships. Geese are not allowed to peck their opponents in the head or feet. The fight goes on until severe pain makes one of the fighters run.
Thus, the winner is not the strongest one – but the one with the highest pain threshold.
I am not entirely sure how the referee is supposed to enforce fair play – although the geese seem to know the rules. it isn’t that violent TBH, somewhat like judo for geese.
Centuries-old goose scuffle alive and kicking — RT
