Cosplay Contest Rules
Online Registration will open at the end of May
General Rules:
1. Costumes must be from Anime, Fantasy, Gaming, or any fandom genre. Original character designs are allowed.
2. Contestants must have shoes on at all times.
3. No project tile props/weapons or throwing objects at the audience during skits and walk ons that could cause harm to someone else. Props will be rechecked before going on stage.
4. No metal/live/ real weapons on stage
5. Keep it PG!! This is a family-friendly event!! No NSFW conduct/ nudity/ profanity allowed
6. No running into the audience during the performance
7. All forms of unsportsmanlike conduct will result in a warning and then disqualification.
8. Anyone under the age of 18 will NOT be allowed to compete in cosplays from adult media!! Examples: (Hazbin Hotel or Panty and Stocking)
Walk On Rules:
This is your time to shine and show off your cosplay!!
1. Walk-Ons are no more than 30 seconds
2. No custom audio music
3. Groups can be no more than 4 people
Walk On Categories include: Kids, Novice, Advanced, Masters, and Exhibition
Skit Rules:
We will only be accepting three skits this year. Please provide your audio to cosplaycoordinator@ba-con.live before June 28th, 2024
1. The skit can be no longer than 5 minutes.
2. Cosplays can be made or bought
3. Handmade cosplays will qualify for craftsmanship awards if the competitor chooses
4. No profane or vulgar acts or audio can be included in the skit
Craftsmanship Rules: (Designated by category)
Your cosplay will be judged based on its craftsmanship. You will receive a designated pre-judging time for Saturday of the con.
Bought cosplays are not allowed in these categories!! All bought cosplays will be put in the Exhibition category.
You MUST show up to your designated pre-judging time! This is so the judges can look at your work and craftsmanship. Not participating in pre-judging will disqualify you from craftsmanship awards.
Build books and reference photos are not required but HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! This helps the judges to see your progress further and how you built your cosplay.
Ba-Con has the right to deny your entry depending on if you have continually entered competitions with the same costume, which has won awards already. This is called sandbagging and is highly looked down upon in the cosplay community.
During pre-judging, you will have up to 5 minutes to show your work to the judges and explain your craftsmanship. We will let you know when your time starts!
CATEGORIES:
Kids (Ages 12 and under):
Cosplay can be made or bought (1ST COME, 1ST SERVE!) We will only be accepting 10 entries.
Kids must be supervised by an adult!
Novice (13 and up): We will be accepting up to 15 novice entries
This category is dedicated to those who have never won a major award in craftsmanship.
Anyone 13 and up who has made 50% of their cosplay may enter this category. They will qualify for pre-judging on Saturday before the contest.
Modifying regular clothing and props is allowed as long as 50% of the cosplay is made by you.
Advanced (13 and up): We will be accepting up to 12 advanced entries!
This category is dedicated to those who have won awards in the novice category in craftsmanship or 1-2 major awards before. This category will include Intermediate level contestants.
Anyone 13 and up who has made 75% of their cosplay may enter this category. They will qualify for pre-judging on Saturday before the contest.
Modifying regular clothing and props is allowed as long as 75% of the cosplay is made by you.
Masters (13 and up): We will be accepting up to 7 master entries!
This category is dedicated to those who have won awards in the intermediate level category or 3+ major awards before.
Anyone 13 and up who has made 75% of their cosplay may enter this category. They will qualify for pre-judging on Saturday before the contest.
Modifying regular clothing and props is allowed as long as 75% of the cosplay is made by you.
Non Craftsmanship Cosplays (adults):
All Non crafted/ bought cosplays can enter into the exhibition category
We will be accepting up to 12 Exhibition entries!
Exhibition contestants will qualify for People’s Choice.
Awards:
Three judges awards: Certificate +2 tickets to next year
People’s Choice: Certificate +2 tickets to next year
Best Craftsmanship: GC to Joanns, Lowes, and Arda +certificate
Best Wig: GC to Arda Wigs +certificate
Best in Kids: Certificate and Family Pack of tickets four tickets to next year
Best Skit: Certificate and cash prize: $75
Best Novice (major award): Certificate and $75 cash prize
Best Advanced (major award): Certificate and $100 cash prize + tickets to next year's show
Best Masters (major award): Certificate and $200 cash prize + guesting spot next year
Best in Show (major award) Certificate and $500 cash prize + guesting spot next year
Weapons Policy
1. Firearms are strictly prohibited.
2. No sharp points or sharp blades on weapons/props. (Swords, Knives, Axes, etc.)Live-Steel weapons such as Swords, Knives, and Axes are not allowed. All Prop Weapons will need to be approved by weapons check. Approved weapons will be marked with a zip tie.
3. Prop guns should not look realistic; please mark and seal the tips with orange tape or paint.
4. Be considerate of other attendees and visitors. We don’t want anyone accidentally hurt. Do not swing weapons and props around; if you are carrying a large prop, please be aware of your surroundings to avoid hitting people or equipment.
5. Metal swords, metal knives, and other active weapons will not be allowed to be brought onto the convention grounds. Express consent must be cleared with Ba-Con before the event for displaying props for panels or demonstrations and authorized by local law enforcement.
6. Items Purchased on site: Attendees who purchase imitation or replica weapons such as metal movie swords or knives from the Vendors/Exhibitors Hall must not remove items from their original packaging until they have been secured away from the convention grounds