23. Old gladiators knew the ‘rules’ of the arena best and would be on hand with whips to ensure they were obeyed
Some retired gladiators went on to become officials. These were the umpires who ensured that gladiators fought properly and according to the ‘rules’ in the arena. They carried whips to keep the men in line and batons with which they could point out infractions to the head official, or editor. The very best former gladiators would become summa rudis. These were the very elite officials and wore white tunics with purple borders – an imperial color. They even had the power to decide a fallen fighter’s fate or to stop a bout.