General Cosplay Rules and Guidelines

You don't have to compete to cosplay! ACross invites attendees to wear their costumes or favorite anime gear around the con. For everyone's safety and enjoyment, please observe the following. (Please note that these rules apply to ALL ATTENDEES, whether or not you are actually wearing a costume!)

Cosplayer Interaction Policy

* Do not touch another person, or his/her costume, without permission. Uninvited glomping, hugging, grabbing, or roughhousing will not be tolerated. Repeat violators will be ejected from the convention.
* Be respectful of others. No harassment, catcalling, verbal abuse, or stalking will be tolerated.
* Do not block hallways or public areas while taking photos. If you are taking a photo, please move to one side of the hallway or go outside.

Costume Coverage Policy

* This is a family-friendly event; please dress appropriately. Laws of public decency apply -- if you could not wear it to the post office, do not wear it at the con. If your costume calls for a thong, pasties or other below-minimum-coverage elements, please wear a body suit beneath it. No nudity or adult-themed props/paraphernalia is permitted.
* ACross staff reserves the right to make final judgment calls on what is "decent" and what is not. If staff feels that your costume is indecent or inappropriate in any way, you will be asked to change or cover it.
* Appropriate footwear is required at all times. If your costume calls for bare feet, you may wear flip-flops or ballet slippers, but the soles of your feet should not come in contact with the floor.

Weapons Policy

ALL WEAPONS must be inspected and approved by Security prior to being carried or displayed in public areas. If you are found to be in violation of this policy, your weapon will be confiscated and you may be ejected from the convention.

* No projectile weapons of any kind, active or disabled, are permitted. This includes, but is not limited to:
- real firearms
- pellet/BB guns
- paint-ball guns
- air guns
- water guns
- cap guns
- dart guns
- bows or crossbows
(The ONLY exception to this policy is if the person carrying the weapon is an on-duty member of law enforcement. Please present credentials to Security upon arrival.)
* Artificial and replica guns will be permitted, pending inspection by Security, if they meet the following criteria:
- they can not, and have never been able to, fire a projectile
- they have a non-removable orange tip
* No live steel (edged metal weapons) will be permitted. Replica weapons must be made of a non-metal, non-sharp material, must be no more than 48 inches in length, and must be approved by Security. Metal is permitted on a costume garment, provided it does not present a safety hazard, as determined by ACross staff.
* Commercial weapon replicas purchased in the dealer room must remain peace-bonded at all times and must be taken directly to your hotel room or car after purchase. They may not be carried around the convention. Noncompliant weapons in convention areas will be confiscated by Security.

Props & Accessories Policy

* Props carried in public areas must be no more than 48 inches in length. This is for the safety of all attendees, as well as to prevent damage to personal property. If your prop is larger than 48 inches, please do not bring it into public areas. (Large props which break down are permitted, but please handle them responsibly!)
* If you are using a large prop for a special event, such as the Masquerade or for purposes of demonstration in a panel, you may have the prop approved for temporary use in those areas only. The prop must be returned to your hotel room or car immediately when the event is over.
* Use caution when carrying or displaying large props. If you are seen wielding a large prop in a reckless or dangerous manner, your prop may be confiscated.
* If ACross staff feels that your prop poses a risk to others, you will be asked to remove the item from public areas, or it may be confiscated.

Prohibited Materials

* Inflammable materials such as candles, fireworks, sparklers, liquid fuels, or other fire hazards are strictly prohibited. Small personal smoking paraphernalia (cigarettes, lighter, etc.) may be carried, but may NOT be used in indoor public convention areas as per local law.
* Your costume should not shed. Please avoid loose materials such as sand, glitter, confetti, flower petals or other items that are designed to fall, scatter or otherwise separate from your costume. We want to be welcomed back for next year!

Signs Policy

* Signs are not permitted unless they are an intrinsic part of your character's costume. Personal message signs, fandom signs (such as "Will Glomp For Pocky," etc.) and similar signs are prohibited.
* Clothing that displays messages deemed to be inappropriate or offensive to others (including, but not limited to, explicit language and sexually suggestive or racially offensive material) will not be permitted. ACross staff reserves the right to ask attendees to change or cover offensive clothing. Failure to comply will result in your badge being confiscated.

Back