It's nothing like the systems of today. It was basically like a PK room, except you didn't drop items or lose AP. Prior to sparring rooms if you died during a "spar" which were unofficial, you still dropped bombs/arrows/rupees as well and you lost AP. There was no "start" timer or bomb or anything like that, just go in and have fun without fear of losing anything. There was an honor system and such, you know, players would say ready/set/go.