CATEGORY RULES

 

JUNIORS:

Ages 6 – 15 are welcome to enter in this category. It will be judged by a panel of 3 judges who will score the costume accordingly, as well as the presentation and being in character aspect. Costumes can be a mix of bought, crafted and sourced parts, as long as the kids had a hand in about 50% of the costume construction. The judges will be stricter on the crafting depending on the age of the contestant. Costumes must be from the world of anime/manga, games, movies,TV,comics.

 

GENIN BEGINNER

This category is open to all new cosplayers and those who haven’t entered contests before. Costumes will be judged by a panel of 3 judges who will look at both construction and presentation. At least 50% of the costume has to be crafted by the cosplayer. 

  1. Costumes must be from the worlds of comics/anime/manga/gaming/movies and TV.
  2. Costumes may be entered that are based on variations of existing characters (e.g. genderbend, mashups). NO original characters are allowed.
  3. Costumes may be assembled from a mix of self-made parts & accessories, as well as bought or hired items.
  4. Costumes may NOT include real weapons ( see weapon rules below ), but only replicas thereof.
  5. A reference picture of characters is mandatory and an A4 colour printout of a reference picture must be mailed or brought to the registration desk at the event (no cell phone/flash stick images).
  6. No nudity or sexually explicit costumes are allowed and no swearing or lewd behaviour on stage as this is a family event.  ( See rules of conduct below ).
  7. If any part of a costume is deemed a safety or health/safety hazard, it will not be allowed and the entrant may face disqualification.
  8. Entrants must make themselves available for stage judging, on the designated day, in their allotted time slot.

CHUUNIN – INTERMEDIATE

This category is open to slightly more experienced cosplayers, who are not yet classified as semi professional and have not won major awards. Costumes will be judges by a panel of 3 judges who will look at both construction and character presentation. At least 75% of the costume needs to be constructed by the cosplayer.

  1. The competition will be judged by a panel of 3 judges, who will score entrants on creativity, craftsmanship, accuracy, attention to detail , and presentation. Pre-judging will take place at a determined date or time. Judges decision is final. No late entries will be allowed.
  2. Entrants must be 16 years or older to enter.
  3. Costumes must be from the worlds of comics/anime/manga/gaming/movies &TV. Costumes may be entered that are based on variations of existing characters ( e.g. genderbend, mashups ). NO original characters are allowed.
  4. Costumes may not be bought or hired. Particular parts, accessories and props may be purchased, but the costume must be at least 75% self-made.
  5. Costumes that have won, or placed in any position in previous cosplay competitions, will not be allowed.
  6. Costumes may NOT include real weapons, but only bought or made replicas thereof.
  7. Handmade weapon replicas and props will be judged with the costume.
  8. If any part of a costume is deemed a safety or health hazard, it will not be allowed and the entrant may face disqualification.
  9. Reference pics of characters is mandatory. Entrants must bring at least three A4 colour printouts of reference pictures to the event, showing front, side & back ( no cellphone/flash stick images ).
  10. No nudity or sexually explicit costumes are allowed as this is a family event ( See rules of conduct below ).
  11. The second round of judging will take place during the stage performance section of the competition.
  12. Entrants must make themselves available for pre-judging, on the designated day, in their allotted time slot.
  13.  Entrants must make themselves available for stage judging, on the designated day, in their allotted time slot.

KAGE MASTER

This is an advanced competition recommended for semi professional and professional cosplayers, but open to all. As this is a masters contest, the panel of 3 judges will be strict and meticulous in the judging process. At least 90% of the costume has to be constructed. 

  1. The competition will be judged by a panel of 3 judges, who will score entrants on creativity, craftsmanship, accuracy, attention to detail and presentation. Pre-judging will take place at a determined date or time. Judges decision is final. No late entries will be allowed.
  2. Entrants must be 16 years or older to enter.
  3. Costumes must be from the worlds of comics/anime/manga/gaming/movies and TV. Costumes may be entered that are based on variations of existing characters ( e.g. genderbend, mashups ). NO original characters are allowed.
  4. Costumes may not be bought or hired. Particular parts, accessories and props may be purchased, but the costume as a whole must be self-made (at least 90%).
  5. Costumes that have won, or placed in any position in previous cosplay competitions, will not be allowed.
  6. Costumes may NOT include real weapons, but only hand made or bought replicas thereof.
  7. Handmade weapon replicas and props will be judged with the costume.
  8. If any part of a costume is deemed a safety or health hazard, it will not be allowed and the entrant may face disqualification.
  9. Reference pics of characters is mandatory. Entrants must bring at least three A4 colour printouts of reference pictures to the event, showing front, side and back ( no cellphone/flash stick images ). In  addition they may also bring WIP (work in progress) pics.
  10. No nudity or sexually explicit costumes are allowed as this is a family event ( See rules of conduct below ).
  11. The second round of judging will take place during the skit or performance section of the competition.
  12. Entrants must make themselves available for pre-judging, on the designated day, in their allotted time slot.
  13. Entrants must make themselves available for stage judging, on the designated day, in their allotted time slot.

COMPETITION RULES

Any cosplayer/entrant that contravenes the rules may face disqualification from the competition. Cosplayers risking the health and safety of other show goers may be escorted off the show grounds.

Allowed Weapons:

  • Imitation weapons made from foam, rubber, cardboard and soft materials.
  • LARP weapons, generally made from foam or latex, with a stabilizing core.
  • Non-functional bows with strings and quivers with fake arrows.
  • Imitation weapons made from a combination of wood/plastic/soft materials. The wood may not be a dominant component.
  • Projectile weapons of soft and flexible materials without a solid core.
  • Riding crops and whips no longer than 1 meter. 
  • Banned Weapons:
  • Airsoft/paintball guns, even if non-functional. 
  • Blank or gas guns.
  • Pyrotechnics, explosives and fireworks.
  • Corrosive liquids.
  • Throwing weapons e.g. throwing stars, darts, knives.
  • Cutting or stabbing weapons with or without sharp blades.
  • Real or ornamental swords.
  • Nunchakus.
  • Real arrows.
  • Riding crops or whips longer than 1 metre.
  • Tanto knives, ornamental katanas and sabres and metal swords.

Costumes

  • May not be too revealing, meaning the upper body, genital area, and posterior must be covered adequately and respectfully.
  • Pieces of armour made from metal must be firmly attached to the main body of the costume. 
  • Spiked neck bands and wrist bands may not be longer than 5cm, and must be blunt.
  • Metal chains may not be worn loosely, and must be attached to the costume.
  • 3D printed items cannot exceed 50% of the costume for the Chuunin or Kage competition categories.
  • No external power sources may be used in costumes.
  • No costume entered into previous competition may be entered into the Chuunin or Kage competition categories.
  • Any mechanical props or costume augmentations must be declared to the judges and must be safe.
  • No pyrotechnics or corrosive substances.
  • All visitors carrying imitation weapons will be held liable for any damaged caused by force to persons or property.
  • Weapons and costumes are worn at the risk of the cosplayer.
  • Any cosplayer entrant that is found to be under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol will immediately be disqualified. 

Stage Judging

Entrants will not be required to do a skit. They will only be required to walk on and off stage to show off their costumes for the benefit of the judges and audience. 

  • The following substances are banned on stage

– Powder and all types of confetti
 – Smoke
– Water or other liquids
– Crackers
– Pyrotechnics
– Corrosive substances
– Flammable liquids
– Slime
– Stink bombs
– Aerosol sprays
– Open flames 

 Rules of Conduct

  • Cosplayers are forbidden from alcohol or drug abuse during competition.
  • Cosplayers are to conduct themselves respectfully during the competition.
  • Judges decision is final and any misconduct post the competition will be regarded as unsportsmanlike. 

 Good luck to all our contestants. Let your geek flag fly high, and remember to have enjoy yourself because it’s not called cosPLAY for nothing.