COSPLAY CONTEST

COSPLAY RULES & GUIDELINES

General Cosplay Rules​

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1. Family-Friendly Event:

• All costumes at Meadowlark Comic Con must be appropriate for a family-friendly environment. "Swimsuit areas" must be covered at all times, and no nudity or offensive attire is allowed.

• Full body-paint costumes are permitted but will not be eligible for craftsmanship judging.

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2. Weapons & Props Policy:

• Real weapons are strictly prohibited. This includes firearms, sharp blades, airsoft guns, and other potentially dangerous items.

• Allowed props: Foam or plastic non-functional prop weapons and lightweight replicas. Prop firearms are permitted only if they are clearly distinguishable from real weapons and must have an orange tip. Prop bows are allowed as long as all arrows have soft tips and are not intended to be shot. 

• Prohibited items: metal blades whether sharp or blunt e.g. swords, axes, and knives; actual guns, rifles, or artillery; heavy bats; toughened plastic training sword; explosives and incendiary devices; functional strung bows or crossbows, sharp arrows or bolts; heavy gas canisters; protruding nails or other sharp items; laser pointers. All props must be safe to be worn and/or carried around in public. 

• All prop weapons must be inspected and peace-bonded by staff upon entry. Non-compliant items will be confiscated or must be removed from the premises.

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3. Uniforms:

• If you plan to wear a uniform that looks highly realistic, please make sure it is clearly identifiable as a costume. Costumes that could be mistaken for local law enforcement, emergency services, or military personnel are not allowed. Official uniforms or any attempt to impersonate these professionals are strictly prohibited.

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4. Costume Safety:

• Costumes must not restrict movement or vision in a way that could endanger the wearer or others.

• Avoid costumes that could cause a hazard, such as overly large wings, long trains, or heavy materials that may obstruct pathways and/or could damage property or injure others.

• Any assistants or handlers needed for your cosplay will be required to purchase their own admission.

• No vapes, smoke machines, or fog machines. Anything that produces smoke or vapors is not allowed.

• Shoes must be worn at all times. Even if your character is barefoot, attendees must wear appropriate footwear for safety.

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5. Behavior & Conduct:

• Cosplay is not consent. Always ask before touching or taking photos or videos of others' costumes.

• Harassment, inappropriate behavior, or hate speech will not be tolerated. Any costume intended to harass, provoke, or intimidate isn’t allowed. Any violations will result in immediate removal from the event.

• Respect other attendees and their personal space. Remember, we're all here to enjoy the convention.

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6. Respect the Venue, Vendors, and Attendees:

• Avoid using substances like glitter, confetti, or any material that may cause damage or leave a mess.

• Be mindful of delicate props or materials near venue fixtures, artwork, and merchandise.

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Cosplay Contest Rules​

1. Cosplay Contest Eligibility

• Cosplays that have won Cosplay Champion, or equivalent top awards at previous Meadowlark Comic Con events may not compete again with the same costume.

• Minor repairs and upgrades do not constitute a new costume.

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2. Original Ownership

• Contestants must have created or substantially modified the costume they are entering in the Master Craft category.

• Costumes commissioned from another maker must be entered in the Rising Star category unless the creator is present and registered as the entrant.

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3. Accuracy of Information

• Contestants must provide truthful information regarding construction methods and materials.

• Misrepresentation may result in disqualification.

4. Craftsmanship Rules

• Master Craft contestants should bring progress photos, build books, or other documentation of their work for prejudging.

• Digital photos on a phone or tablet are acceptable.

• Purchased wigs, shoes, accessories, and base garments are permitted.

• Judging will focus on the craftsmanship, modification, and creation performed by the contestant.

• Contestants must disclose if significant portions of the costume were generated through AI design tools or 3D printing.

• 3D printing is permitted; judging will consider finishing, assembly, painting, and modification work.

5. Stage Rules

• Each contestant or group will have up to 30 seconds on stage.

• Contest organizers may shorten presentations if necessary to maintain schedule.

• To keep the contest running on schedule and ensure a fair experience for all contestants, Meadowlark Comic Con does not permit custom music or audio during cosplay contest presentations.

• No running, jumping from the stage, mock combat involving physical contact, or actions that may endanger participants or spectators.

• Contestants may not enter the audience area or approach judges during presentations.

• Everything brought on stage must leave the stage with the contestant.

• No dropping, throwing, launching, spraying, or leaving items behind.​

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6. Conduct Rules

• Contestants are expected to display respectful conduct toward judges, staff, and fellow competitors.

• Unsportsmanlike conduct may result in disqualification.

• All judging decisions are final.

• Judges are not required to provide individual scoring sheets or explanations after the contest.

• Contestants who engage in harassment, intimidation, stalking, or disruptive behavior may be removed from the contest and convention without refund.

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7. Check-In & Lineup Procedures

• All contestants must check in at the designated cosplay contest registration table (Cosplay Zone) prior to the contest.

• Upon check-in, each contestant or group will be assigned a walking number.

• Walking numbers determine the order in which contestants will appear on stage.

• Contestants must keep track of their assigned walking number and be prepared when their number is called.

• Meadowlark Comic Con reserves the right to modify the stage order, combine entries, or adjust walking numbers as needed for scheduling, safety, or operational reasons.

• Contestants who fail to check in before the announced deadline may forfeit their contest entry and stage appearance.

• Contestants who miss prejudging or lineup times may be disqualified.

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All rules are subject to change without prior notice. 

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