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Cosplay Rules and Contests

Cosplay and Contests

 
Costumes, Props & Cosplay Policy
 
1) Scope
Applies to all attendees, exhibitors, guests, staff, and volunteers in all Gator Con spaces. Final interpretation/enforcement is at staff discretion in coordination with UHD Police (UHDPD).
 

2) “Cosplay Is Not Consent”
Harassment of any kind is prohibited. Always ask before taking photos or touching someone’s costume; respect “no.” Report issues to staff or UHDPD immediately.
 

3) Costume Decency & Effects
Family-friendly coverage required; shoes in public areas; no profane/graphic sexual imagery. No hazardous effects (open flame, pyrotechnics, powders, liquids, strong odors, aerosols).
 

4) Masks/Helmets
Allowed inside event areas, but you must briefly remove them at security, ID checks, or upon request.
 

5) Prop & Weapons Policy
Absolutely Prohibited
    • Real weapons of any kind; live ammunition; explosives. Wellness and Success Center is a Gun-Free Area.
    • Functional projectile weapons (airsoft/BB/cap/paintball guns; bows/crossbows that can fire; slingshots; water guns; “silly string”).
    • Metal-bladed weapons (swords, knives, axes, kunai, shuriken, etc.).
    • Hard bats/clubs and heavy striking implements.

Allowed With Restrictions (Prop Check REQUIRED)
    • Foam/plastic/resin props (swords, shields, staffs, wands) that cannot injure on contact.
    • Bows must have no string tension; no arrows carried.
    • Oversized props must not impede aisles, exits, or visibility; staff may restrict or remove at any time.
“Looks Real = Treated as Real”
Any item that could reasonably be mistaken for a real weapon will be denied—even if foam/3D-printed.
 

6) Prop Firearms — Marking & Tips
To enter, every prop firearm must:
  1. Pass Prop Check at the WSC entrance,
  2. Receive a distinctive security marking/peace-bond applied by staff, and
  3. display a permanent orange tip while on site.

7) Prop Check — Location & Hours
  • Where: At the Wellness & Success Center entrance, immediately after ticket check-in.
  • When: All day for the duration of the event (open → close, 10a-4p).
  • Staffing: Gator Con staff operate Prop Check; UHDPD available for support/secondary review.
 
8) Size/Length & Carry Rules
  • Maximum prop length: 6 feet.
  • Carry vertically in crowded areas and corridors; do not obstruct views during seated events.
 
9) Handling & Transport
Keep props sheathed/holstered or pointed safely; no swinging/brandishing/jabbing; no mock combat in aisles. Photos are fine if you don’t block traffic; staff may move/stop shoots to maintain flow.
 
 
10) Photography Etiquette & Zones
Ask before photographing. Do not block aisles, fire lanes, stairs, or doors. Designated photo zones will be marked, please use them for posed shots/groups.
 
 
11) Wheeled / Rideable Props
Not permitted. Props must be carried by hand; no scooters, hoverboards, skateboards, bikes, or rideable contraptions on site. We can store them safely, if necessary.
 
 
12) Stage/Fight Demos
None scheduled. Any future stage/fight demo would require pre-approval and stunt-safe props only.
 
 
13) Enforcement
Enforcement ladder: Warning → Tag removal/prop denied → Removal from event → UHDPD involvement as needed. Decisions at the door are at staff discretion; serious/repeat violations may result in removal without refund.
 
 
14) Campus Carry Alignment (UHD)
  • Texas Campus Carry allows licensed individuals to carry concealed handguns in permitted campus areas; open carry is not permitted.
  • This event policy governs props and replicas and does not override state law or UHD policy. Visible realistic firearm props are prohibited inside Gator Con spaces.
 
Esports Contests and Cosplay Contest are being finalized and will be added soon!!

 

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