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Cosplay & Prop Guidelines

While no convention is complete without cosplay, Senshi Con’s goal is to host a family friendly event where everyone has a great time. As such, staff, guests, vendors, artists, and attendees are all expected to follow the guidelines listed below with regards to decency, attire, and props. All policies are gender neutral, and Senshi Con reserves the right to deem a costume unacceptable and violation of the following rules can result in being asked to change. Repeated or egregious violations of the following policies will result in removal from venue with no allowance for readmission at the expense of the attendee.

 

Senshi Con will not be responsible for storing or watching any part of an attendee’s costume for any amount of time.

 

DECENCY & ATTIRE

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  • No Excessive Swearing

    • Senshi Con is a PG-13 event. As such, swearing and other offensive dialogue should be kept to a minimum - This includes written text on attire, props, accessories, ect.. Excessive use or display of such will result in being asked to leave the event.

  • No Offensive or Discriminatory Attire

    • Attendees cannot wear costumes that can be construed as discriminatory. This includes clothing that emulates Nazi or Neo-Nazi themes and iconography, other hate groups, gang signs, shock costumes, or costumes which have the sole purpose of offending and disrespecting other individuals, cultures, or religions in any way. 

    • If attendees intend to wear a military or police uniform that appears realistic, there must be something that distinguishes it as a costume. Any attendee in a costume that is not easily distinguishable may be asked to change

  • No Nudity or Implied Nudity

    • As a general rule, costumes should cover at least that of a modest Bikini. Garments must fully cover the full nipple and genitals and the majority of the breast, pectoral, and buttocks area. 

      • Visible underwear must not be translucent, transparent, or in any way see-through. 

    • Additionally, attire may not present a formfit or otherwise clear and discernable outline of any genitalia, even if the material is opaque.

    • Attire may not give the illusion of nudity (such as a towel without clear visibility of clothing under it, cotton balls taped to a flesh-colored bodysuit, etc.).

      • No attendee may be completely topless or wear attire that simulates toplessness, regardless of gender

  • No Sexual Content or Implied Sexual Content

    • Attendees may NOT wear explicit content on their body or on signs they carry (eg: “ahegao” faces and other sexual or violent material).

    • No adult-themed props/paraphernalia are permitted.

  • Footwear Must We Worn At All Times

    • Due to public health and safety requirements, all attendees are required to wear approved footwear while attending the convention or in the convention space.

    • Foot covering does not have to be a traditional shoe, but the bottom of the foot must be completely covered by a rubber or other appropriately hard-soled material so that the bottom of the foot does not come in contact with the floor.

    • Socks, slippers, morphsuit ect. by themselves are not allowed unless they have been altered to include the appropriate sole material

    • Skates may not be worn or used in the convention area. Sneaker skates/Heelys, many only be worn in sneaker form.

  • Size, Vision, and Mobility

    • Attendees must be able to get through a standard size door unaided.

    • Attendees in costumes that extend more than 24 inches out from their body must be accompanied by a handler at all times.

      • This includes costumes such as those with oversized wings or long trains.

      • We have no restrictions on tails or train length, but ask attendees to be aware in busy areas to avoid becoming a trip or slip hazard

    • Attendees in costumes that significantly limit vision must be accompanied by a handler at all times.

      • Attendees must have a clear line of sight while in cosplay; this includes peripheral vision. Other cosplayers with masks or heads do not qualify as a handler.

    • Attendees in costumes that significantly limit mobility must be accompanied by a handler at all times.

  • Bodypaint & Makeup

    • Body makeup that easily smears or transfers to any person or property cannot not be worn. 

      • Please properly seal and set all makeup so that does not happen. Staff reserves the right to “smear test” for proper setting of blood or makeup. If an attendee’s makeup does not comply they will be asked to remove it.

    • Body makeup may not be worn on the palms of the hands due to the potential for damage to other persons or property.

      • Consider arm socks, gloves, and/or a bodysuit.

  • Masks & Helmets

    • All masks and/or helmets shall be removed upon receiving/purchasing entrance into the convention. Attendees are allowed to wear a mask at any other time during the convention. However, Security may require the removal of a mask during the convention for safety and identification purposes. Failure to comply with this policy may result in denial or removal from the venue and Senshi Con.

  • Props

    • Props carried in public areas must be no more than 72 inches in length. This is for the safety of all con goers, as well as to prevent damage to personal property.

      • If a prop is larger than 72 inches, please do not bring it into public areas. Props larger than 72 inches total must break down into pieces no larger than 72 inches while on the convention floor. An oversized prop may be assembled for photos if it is completely out of the flow of traffic and there is room to do so.

    • Metal props may not be carried in public areas. 

      • Metal is permitted on the costume itself, provided it extends no more than 2 inches from the body in any direction, is in no way sharp, and does not present a safety hazard, as determined by convention staff.

    • Use caution when carrying or displaying large props. If an attendee is seen wielding a large prop in a reckless or dangerous manner, the prop may be confiscated.

      • All props will be checked at the door before entry into the venue and any items that do not adhere to the rules above will not be allowed into the event. Staff cannot store any banned props.

    • See the “Weapons” section for further guidelines


 

WEAPONS

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  • Prop weapons will need to be peace-bound upon entry. Peace-bonding signifies that the attendee will not draw the weapon (except in the case of posting for a photo), nor use it in any way that could be unsafe or threatening to other attendees. Failing to follow these  guidelines may result in removal from the convention and possible legal action. 

    • If vendors sell weapons or props that are not in compliance, the purchased item MUST be taken to a car or off premises immediately.

  • All weapons and weapon-like items brought to the convention must be fake and part of the attendee’s costume. These prop weapons must be made of wood, plastic, foam, aluminum foil, or similar material. Metal will not be permitted. 

  • Many members of the public find weapons offensive – When traveling to and from the venue or simply relaxing outside, be mindful that not everyone knows about cosplay. Realistic props could cause worry or concern for the safety of the public. Keep in mind, local law enforcement will assume all drawn weapons or props are functional, and will act accordingly. In the event of a mass violent event, such as a shooting, attendees should immediately drop and abandon props to prevent confusion when law enforcement arrives.

  • Not Allowed

    • Live Projectile Weapons

      • No working firearms or live ammunition of any kind will be allowed. This applies to individuals who possess a weapons permit. Anyone found in possession of such a weapon will immediately be turned over to security and local authorities.

      • Dart guns, BB guns, or Slingshots

      • Realistic Replica Firearms

      • Unsecured whips

      • Functional bows or crossbows

      • Pyrotechnics/explosives (including glitter and smoke bombs)

    • Metal Weapons

      • All weapon props made of heavy metal with ANY blade, containing any live steel or deemed to be a blunt force object are strictly prohibited. Light metals with no sharp edges will be accepted.

  • Allowed

    • Non realistic weapons

    • Replica firearms with a red/orange tip. The tip must be clear and visible from a distance Realistic guns are not allowed to have any functional parts, and must not be usable. 

      • Nerf guns and water guns are permitted as long as they do not have ammunition.

      •  AIRSOFT GUNS ARE NOT ALLOWED, REGARDLESS IF LOADED OR NOT. 

      • NEVER point any gun prop at oneself or another attendee.

    • Unstrung or loosely strung bow

      • Prop bows are allowed and may be strung for photo purposes, but under no circumstances should they be drawn. Arrows etc. may be a part of the costume, but may NOT contain metal or sharp edges. Real bows are not allowed on campus, strung or unstrung.

    • Coiled and secured whips

    • Plastic/Foam/LARP weapons

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