COSPLAY CONTEST RULES AND GUIDELINES:

Contestants will be entered in one category, Novice- Someone who is new to crafting and has not received any awards, Intermediate- Someone who has previously won awards or placed Best/1st in the Novice category in any cosplay contest, Master- Someone who has previously won more than 3 awards or placed Best/1st in a Intermediate/Journeyman category in any cosplay contest, or Exhibitionist- Someone who just wants to walk the stage.

All participants must have Convention band or badge (this includes Vendor, Press, and other specialty badges). Members of the convention staff and convention guests are ineligible to compete.
All costumes must abide by the rules of the convention, including but not limited to the conventions Weapons and Harassment policies. If a policy violation is discovered, that entry will be disqualified immediately. Weapons must also follow Texas state laws regarding their usage.
Your costume must cover swimsuit areas – no nudity. Body-paint costumes are not eligible for craftsmanship.
Professionally crafted or rented costumes are prohibited, you must show proof of your designs. Detailed crafting notes as well as progress pictures are highly encouraged.
To be eligible for craftsmanship prizes all costumes MUST be at least 50% handmade OR altered. Commissioned costumes will only be allowed if the creator is present. (NOTE: It is at the discretion of the judges to decide if costumes are at least 50% handmade or altered).

Pictures will be taken during judging and throughout the costume contest of all participants and will be the property of the convention. If you do not agree, you will not be allowed to participate.
Participants must pre-register at the convention or online before 3:30pm Saturday. Onsite registration will take place at the information table. There will be a limited number of slots so it is best to register early if you can.

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, 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 no swing weapons and props around and if you are carrying a large prop please be aware of your surroundings to avoid hitting people or equipment.

5. If it is illegal outside the hotel, it is illegal inside the hotel.

6. Prop guns should not look realistic, please mark and seal the tips with orange tape or paint.

7. Items Purchased on site: Attendees who purchase imitation or replica weapon 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

JUDGING:
They will be judged based on the following 3 criteria…

1. Craftsmanship – How the entrant made their costume, use of materials and creativity.
2. Likeness/Detail – How close the contestant resembles the character they are cosplaying/detail on costume.
3. Presentation – How the entrant presents their costume to the judges in pre-judging and how the entrant showcases their costume on stage during the contest.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Costumes that have won any major awards at any convention may not be entered in the contest unless major (75% or more) work has been improved or worked over with photographic proof of the changes.

No glitter, confetti, pyrotechnics, live flame, or smoke generators of any kind are allowed in the event for the stage performances.
No electrical power connections will be provided. If your costume requires power, it must be a part of your costume design.
All judges’ decisions of the costume contest are final. Decisions are not made on personal bias and will reflect the overall performance and craftsmanship of the winners. 
Have fun and keep everything PG (profanity or crude language will result in disqualification from the contest).
The throwing of anything at the audience is not allowed. This will result in disqualification from the contest.

DURING THE CONTEST:
Contestants are asked to arrive at least 45 Minutes before the contest begins. At this time, the organizer will introduce the emcee and judges and give general instructions.
Contestants will be introduced on stage by the emcee, who will announce their name, character and where the character is from.
Contestants will be allowed a 30-second walk on stage. All entrants MUST be in costume during the contest.
Entrants in costumes unable to go onstage due to size or maneuverability will be given directions at the contest as to where they will be going.
Entrants do not provide music for the contest.
Once the last contestant in the contest has left the stage, the judges will deliberate.