Cosplay is all about creativity, passion, and self-expression, but when it comes to entering a cosplay contest, understanding the rules is just as important as the costume itself. Whether you’re a seasoned cosplayer or entering your first competition, each event has its own set of guidelines that can make or break your chances of winning. From costume craftsmanship to performance requirements, knowing the dos and don’ts is key to a smooth experience. In this blog, we’ll break down the essential cosplay contest rules you need to keep in mind so you can focus on what really matters—having fun and crafting the best cosplay possible!
Your objectives should be the following:
- Engaging for the audience
- Fair to all contestants
- No longer than two hours
These three objectives are the framework behind the rules outlined below. You want to keep the audience engaged so make sure your Emcee understands your rules as well as the judges. Making sure they know how to pronounce your contestants names. Having a uniform set of standards will keep everything fair to all contestants. Last but not least, keeping it under two hours will keep your audience from getting restless.
We are going to break down the cosplay contest rules that are featured in our store. These are free rules that we wrote after helping several conventions across the midwest, and have been edited, changed, thrown out, re-written, and modified over the past several years. These rules have stood against several appeals, and although they don’t cover everything, it is a great template to start from.
HOW TO USE THIS TEMPLATE: Use your favorite Word Processor (Word, Google) and utilize the “Find and Replace” function. CONTEST is to be replaced with the name of your event’s Contest. You can edit it from there to your heart’s content.
Random Note:
Use these rules as a start for your cosplay contest or masquerade. Every contest/masquerade is different, and these rules were created so convention organizers can start and scale from here. Do not take these as gospel, and check back often, we will be changing them as more use them.
So, lets get right into it…
1. Entry age
All entrants must be 18 or older
We put this rule in for several reasons, most of all because we consider these rules to be a contract. By competing, the contestant agrees to these rules and accepts any and all rulings from the judges. If you want to have a division that is open to the teenage entrants, you can utilize the “Fashion show” rules, or you can remove this rule.
2. Sign up time
Sign-ups begin at opening of EVENT (TIME) and end thirty minutes before prejudging starts
It’s good to have a specific time slot for when sign-ups can begin, and when they end. You can adjust this if you want to have on-line signups, or no prejudging. But you want to make sure to outline WHEN your contestants can sign up, and WHEN the sign up ends.
3. Sign-up sheets
Sign-up sheets must be completely filled out in order to be given a pre-judging slot.
This covers you in case someone comes back to you regarding their sign-up, or if they are a no-show during some part of the contest (Pre-judging, awards presentation, etc). Last thing you want is someone claiming they won, but didn’t get their prize because they were not there for awards presentation. Or the Emcee butchers the pronunciation of their Character. Making sure all of the sign-up sheet is filled saves a lot of headaches.
4. Conflict of interest
Employees, staff, crew or guests of Promoter or any associated company and their immediate families, and persons connected with CONTEST (e.g. prize sponsors or judges and their agents) are not eligible to enter CONTEST.
This avoids any variety of Favoritism from anyone entering your contest/masquerade. It also stops your sponsors from trying to hijack the contest itself (Yes. It happens)
Categories and Divisions
If you have a larger event (more than one thousand attendees) you should consider utilizing classes based on craftsmanship and experience. You want to be as welcoming as possible (Within reason – this is still a competition) to contestants. Breaking up your contestants into divisions will require additional prizes, but will bring in more contestants as well.
5. Skill category and divisions
CONTEST is open to cosplayers of all skill levels. For the sake of fairness, contestants will be separated into divisions based on skill and experience. Contestants are expected to register under the division they believe fits them best. However, if the judges believe your work/experience dictates that you should be in a different category or division, they reserve the right to move contestants to a different category or division. Deciding factors can include hours invested in the costume’s construction, techniques utilized, and years of cosplay/crafting experience
This further breaks down into each specific Division. As I had said in rule #1, you can remove the “18 and over” rule, and add a “Junior” division as well.
Divisions:
Novice Division
For Beginners Just Starting Their Cosplay Journey.
The Novice division is designed for newcomers to the cosplay world—whether you’re just starting to create costumes or are entering your very first competition. This category is perfect for anyone who has little to no experience with cosplay competitions or has only crafted a few costumes. Contestants who have not placed in a Novice or Beginner category at any previous competition are eligible to compete here. This is a fantastic opportunity to test your skills, receive feedback, and celebrate your progress as you begin your cosplay journey!
The Novice division is specifically set up for your entry-level contestants. You want to attempt to enforce whether they have placed in a show before, and make sure your judges and staff understand they have the leeway to “bump someone up” to a higher division if they stand out too much in this division.
Journeyman Division
For intermediate Cosplayers with a growing skill set.
The Journeyman division is for those who have been cosplaying for a few years and have gained a solid understanding of costume creation. Contestants in this category typically have 3 to 5 years of experience and have crafted a number of costumes, with a focus on developing intermediate-level techniques such as patterning, sewing, and prop making. If you’ve competed before but have yet to place in the Novice or Journeyman divisions, or if you’ve created multiple costumes and are looking for a more competitive level, this division is for you. It’s a great opportunity to show off your improving skills and receive constructive feedback from judges and peers!
The Journeyman division will always be the category that has the most contestants. Most cosplayers believe they are to be considered in this division. Feel free to “bump” contestants up to the master division if they have never placed before, but their craftsmanship stands out.
Master Division
For Expert Cosplayers Who Have Refined Their Craft.
Master division is the highest level of competition and is reserved for cosplayers who have honed their craft over many years. Contestants in this category typically have five-plus years of experience and are skilled in advanced costume construction techniques such as complex armor-making, elaborate prop creation, detailed sewing, or intricate special effects. If you’ve created multiple high-level costumes or have professional-level skills, this division is where you’ll want to compete. While prior competition experience is not required, your costume must demonstrate advanced techniques and exceptional craftsmanship. The Master division is a space for seasoned cosplayers to push the limits of their creativity and expertise.
Finally, you have the master division. Your contestants are going to be intimidated by this division, as they will believe the competition will be deemed ‘Too High’ for them to try to compete in this division. You can encourage contestants to join this division by making sure the prize is dramatically better than the other two categories.
Divisions help keep things fair, and encourage cosplayers of every level of experience to compete.
6. Groups
Group entries are welcome, and members can belong to any skill division. When registering, groups should select the skill division that best represents the overall skill level of the entire group. However, if the judges determine that the group is better suited for a different category, they reserve the right to move the group to another division at their discretion.
This allows groups to enter, but doesn’t require a group division. I have seen these rules be used in two ways; you can mix the groups among divisions, so each group is rated as a single entry to a division, or you can award groups based on what divisions they are in. For example, you can have a “Best group” award for each division, or you can have a “best in division” and include group entries.
7. Entrants must comply with the Event cosplay, weapons and props rules and will be subject to security checks on entry to event.
This rule is there for contestants to understand that they need to comply with the weapons and prop policies to compete. I have seen several occasions where cosplayers will bring “Extra props or weapons” to a show, yet not bring them out until they compete. This allows you as a show to point out that the rules of the event are the same as the rules of the contest.
8. Crafting
Entrant’s cosplay must be at least PERCENTAGE% crafted by themselves. In Terms of these rules, “Crafted” is described as: Combining or modification of raw materials into a complete cosplay.
a. It is acceptable to use bought wigs, shoes, and small accessories such as spectacles, greebles, and small props. Simple, largely insignificant base layers such as a leotard or pantyhose are similarly permitted.
b. All significant parts of the cosplay must be constructed entirely by entrant. if a part of construction is deemed unsafe or impossible without assistance, then assistance (i.e. holding a part in place) is allowed.
The crafting level clause is there to make sure the contestants are making their own cosplays, and sharing their own craftsmanship. This keeps the “Pay-to-win”(individuals that compete with prop or cosplay commissions) contestants from competing. Add your own percentages based on what you believe should be appropriate. Most start at about 50%, but I have seen it as high as 80% (or 100% – Crown, I am looking at you). The subclauses leave room for certain things that are allowed – undergarments, shoes, accessories, etc. It also allows for “Helpers” to hold parts and whatnot in case someone believes that they are the ONLY person allowed to touch their props – keeps your Private messages and event discord open to other questions.
9. Entry
Entrants may only enter one cosplay or group per event contest. Any entrant will be disqualified if found entering multiple cosplays or groups. You will only be judged once per contest. If a cosplay “transforms” (i.e. One form of a character to another) It must be the same cosplay.
This keeps people from entering multiple classes with multiple cosplays. Sounds redundant, but redundancy is good in contest rules.
10. Cosplay size
Any cosplay entered may not exceed SIZE feet in any dimension. Cosplayer must be able to walk in cosplay with limited to no assistance (that is not deemed necessary
due to any disability/physical impediment). Cosplayer must be able to get on and off of stage under their own power. CONTEST judges and event staff reserve the right to intervene should they believe a cosplay is not safe to participate on stage.
Cosplays can get VERY BIG. Although most cosplays should be celebrated, some can get too big to handle in a contest environment. Hence, this rule. Change the size to whatever you feel comfortable with, I suggest somewhere around eight or nine feet. Keep in mind, this dimension is both directions of a costume. For example, and Ainz Ooal Gown Cosplay could be nine feet in width, and it wouldn’t be as big as you would think, as it’s shoulders are four to four-and-a-half feet per side.
11.Coverage
All cosplays should provide enough coverage to be worn in public and in good taste that is in tune with a family-friendly show. CONTEST Judges and event staff reserve the right to intervene if a cosplay is deemed unfriendly to a family-friendly event. All cosplays must meet all local/state/federal laws involving obscenity/nudity.
This rule clarifies the coverage a cosplay must have to compete. It keeps the “Spicy Cosplays” from competing. If there is an outcry, consider having an after-hours cosplay contest/masquerade, where NFSW cosplays are encouraged.
12. Offensive Material
Cosplays must not be obscene or offensive to any group, individual, or organization. This includes any insensitive or unnecessary use of makeup, nor should any cosplays endorse any form of hate or any group deemed “Hateful”. Encouragement of Graphic violence or any element deemed objectionable by CONTEST staff or event staff will be disqualified.
This rule helps ensure that your cosplay contest fosters a respectful, inclusive, and safe environment for all participants and attendees. This rule prevents the promotion of offensive, harmful, or discriminatory content, allowing your event to focus on celebrating creativity and craftsmanship without causing distress or harm to others. It also creates an environment where everyone can express their talents without concern.
13. Dangerous Material
Cosplays cannot promote any form of drugs, tobacco, firearms/weapons, or any activities that may appear unsafe or dangerous to a political agenda or message.
An expansion to rule # 12, this rule is in place to ensure safety, respect, and an, inclusive environment for all participants. It prevents harm, avoids controversial or offensive messages, and helps ensure that everyone—regardless of age or background—can enjoy the event without being exposed to dangerous or harmful content. By maintaining these standards, organizers uphold the event’s reputation and encourage creative expression that is both safe and responsible.
14. Material Detrimental to Event
Cosplays must not defame, misrepresent, or contain disparaging remarks to any event, promoter and their products or sponsor of CONTEST or associated event. Anattempt to communicate messages or images inconsistent with the positive imagesand/or goodwill of CONTEST will be met with disqualification.
This rule is designed to protect the reputation and integrity of your cosplay contest and anyone associated with it (organizers, sponsors, and partners). This will ensure your event maintains a positive, respectful, and professional atmosphere that fosters creativity and inclusivity.
15. Material against the law
Cosplays cannot depict and cannot themselves be in violation of any applicable law associated with the state/province or governing body where event is held.
This rule ensures your event is compliant with the laws of your state/city/country/etc you are associated with. Check with your local city/state/Country attorney for additional clarification. By enforcing this rule, you ensure that the focus stays on creativity and community enjoyment while avoiding any issues related to illegal activities or unsafe behaviors.
16. Footwear
Contestants must always have full footwear on while on stage and during pre-judging. This is for the health and safety of Contestants, judges, and attendees. Full footwear is described in this case as anything that completely covers the bottom of a contestant’s foot with some variety of solid sole.
The footwear rule exists to ensure safety, comfort, and professionalism. It protects contestants from injury, ensures that the your environment is safe for everyone involved, and maintains a high standard of presentation. Keep in mind the health considerations as well.
17. Models: Contestants may model a Cosplay made by another individual. The original creator of said costume must be present during the entire judging process. Cosplay must adhere to all rules. Points earned from any contestant “winning” at an event will go to the creator. Creators can enter only one cosplay per event.
The “Models” rule is in place to ensure that the original creators of cosplays are properly recognized for their work, even if someone else is modeling the costume. It promotes fairness, transparency, and safety in the judging process, ensuring that the right person is credited for their craftsmanship. Additionally, the rule fosters a sense of collaboration within the cosplay community and helps maintain the contest’s focus on the quality and creativity of the costumes themselves.
Prejudging
Prejudging is an integral part of any cosplay contest. There is no way to admire the level of craftsmanship a cosplayer puts into their cosplay while they walk across stage. To remedy this, you can have a several-hour block where several of your judges take part in pre-judging for contestants. Set aside a panel room the day of the contest, make sure you have an extra volunteer to help the judges (keeping time can be a lifesaver). Remember to put pre-judging in your contract for your judges/guests.
17. Prejudging: All entrants must take part in prejudging the day of the contest.
Pre-judging MUST take place the day of the contest. No Cosplayer wants to go through the effort of putting together a competition-level cosplay (makeup, setup, wigs, repairs, etc) on any day but the day of the contest.
i. Either a CONTEST representative or event staff will notify contestant during sign-up of their designated time slot for Prejudging.
During sign-up, schedule contestants for pre-judging. It is recommended you assign them a time slot, and not let them make an “appointment” for their prejudging, as you will end up with empty spaces, and a lot of complaining.
ii. Each event will have a finite amount of time slots available. Please note the communicated times when sign-ups start, so you can sign up before all slots are filled.
This rule helps ensure that the contest runs smoothly and on time, gives all participants a fair chance to compete, and allows you to manage resources effectively. It encourages contestants to sign up early, so that they do not arrive to only find out they cannot compete. This also avoids cosplayers from creating a concern from spending the entire day of the event in line waiting to be prejudged.
iii. All entrants are encouraged to arrive to pre-judging five minutes before their scheduled time slot. All members of a group must be present for the full length of prejudging during your allotted time slot. If a group, cosplay, model, or creator is more than one minute late for their assigned prejudging slot, they will be considered disqualified.
Prejudging must stay on time. The schedule is going to be rough, but if you end up running over, it will burn the judges out, and you will not be able to start the contest on time. As you can imagine, this can also upset the contestants for the event.
iv. Contestant must arrive to prejudging in cosplay they are competing with at their designated time of pre-judging. Failure to arrive at prejudging in your completed cosplay will result in disqualification due to incomplete costume.
Contestants must show up to prejudging in the same way they are going to be during the cosplay contest. If you do not clarify this, contestants can and will assume that they can show up to prejudging still trying to crunch, only for a completely different cosplay to show up during the stage event.
v. All accepted entrants may bring a “Build Book” documenting their cosplays. This build book can be printed, or handmade.
Build books are a thing. They document the entire build of a cosplay, and give contestants the ability to prove they made everything. This allows judges to confirm the construction of a prop, or cosplay with absolute confirmation. Although this allows cosplayers to not compete with a build book, to win you are required to have one.
vi. Each contestant will be given NUBMER minutes for Pre-judging. Any contestant attempting to distract, disrupt, or request more time with the judges during prejudging will be disqualified.
To keep the contest as fair as possible, cosplayers must be given the same amount of time to be pre-judged. It also helps you with logistically keeping everything together so your judges don’t burn out (and they will). I suggest anywhere from three to five minutes. Keep in mind, five minutes in a fifty contestant show is over four hours of Pre-judging.
vii. During Prejudging, a contestant’s cosplay is scored by the following: Technique, Ambition, Originality, Build book and craftsmanship. This is sixty percent of the entrant’s overall score.
This shows your contestants what they will be judged on in the rubric for their cosplay during prejudging. Having 60% of the score in prejudging shows that there is more of a focus on the craftsmanship of the costume. Please change the categories as you wish.
viii. All questions must be answered truthfully to the best of the Contestant and collaborator’s knowledge at the time of pre-judging. Any information found to be incorrect due to misleading the judges will be met with disqualification.
This keeps the contestants honest. Although it is rare that a cosplayer is going to BS their way into an award, it can happen. This rule adds an extra layer of caution to those that would consider trying.
Stage Presentation
Stage presentation is a tough one. Presentations and skits are becoming so well choreographed, that it has spawned it’s own division of cosplay contests and culture. Bearing the fact that some skits choreography can be dangerous to the cosplayer and the audience, I have added clarifications into these rules that keep a lid on skits/presentations as a whole. Feel free to remove this to your content.
If you decide to edit these rules for presentations, please make sure you notate length of skits, allowed music, and presentation materials submission. Candidly speaking, for the amount of time you will have invested in the cosplay contest itself, I would suggest that you have a separate contest specifically for skits and presentations. Very few of your attendees are going to want to sit in one place for more than two hours at one time.
18. Stage presentation:
Entrants are not required to prepare a choreographed skit or performance. However, contestant is expected to prepare a brief series or poses or set of movements to showcase their cosplay on stage.
This is a compromise between having a fully choreographed skit or performance , but still being required to have poses that match the cosplay. This gives the show’s photographer enough time to shoot the cosplay and put their cosplay in their best light.
i. Each entrant will be on stage for a minimum of one minute, and no more than two minutes.
This keeps the show moving, but also keeps cosplayers from running across the stage. Once again, most of your attendees want an engaging cosplay contest that lasts for less than two hours. This allows that while still requiring cosplayers to have some sort of stage presence.
ii. During your stage presentation, a contestant’s cosplay is scored by the following: Adaptation, creativity, and stage presence. This is Forty percent of the entrant’s overall score
This rule allows judges to assess how well contestants embody their characters, the creativity they used to create to cosplay, and how effectively they engage the judges and audience while on stage. It encourages participants to showcase both their craftsmanship and their ability to perform, creating an overall better cosplay contest.
iii. Presentations must be suitable for a family audience
This rule keeps contestants from committing disruptive or offensive material to your audience. It also keeps everything safe for everyone attending.
iv. Entrants will be provided music. No music is allowed to be submitted.
Although this can be edited, not having music specific to the cosplayer makes it a lot easier to organize, and is one less thing your sound team needs to concern themselves with. However, if you so choose to change this so audio can be submitted, make sure you add subclauses to the rule, fleshing out exactly how they can submit music, outlining will be approved/disqualified, and length of time for the music. Remember the objectives of this cosplay competition when creating these subclauses.
v. All Props must comply with rule seven: Props and weapons. In addition, any solid projectiles, pyrotechnics, or items that can be “shot” from any cosplay or props is prohibited.
This rule is for the safety of attendees of your contest. Not to say that a cosplayer competing wants to harm anyone by shooting something from their cosplay, but it will happen either way. In terms of Vape smoke, glitter, and bubbles….see below.
vi. Any smoke, glitter, bubbles, or item that dissipates must be completely cleared from stage within the time allotted for each presentation. Any materials that are left on stage after the two minute mark will be subject to disqualification of the offending cosplayer.
This is a compromise for the projectile rule, and how you can enforce it. If the stage is not in the same state is was before the cosplayer walks on, then they are disqualified. It also gives cosplayers a creative outlet for how they can work their cosplay into these rules.
vii. CONTEST, Judges, venue, security and event staff reserve the right to interrupt any performance due to safety reasons.
This allows your judges, staff, and security to interrupt a performance for safety considerations, but restricts the interruption for any other reason, reducing disruptions.
Terms and Conditions of Entry
While rules set the framework for how contestants should behave and what the judges will evaluate, Terms and Conditions provide the legal context for being a participant. These terms and conditions protect both you (the Convention organizer and staff) by addressing legal issues, managing risks, ensuring transparency, and setting clear expectations for everyone involved. Terms and conditions help to formalize the contest as a legitimate event, ensuring that the process is fair, safe, and legally sound for everyone involved. Please note: I AM NOT A LAWER, nor do I try to play one on the internet. I implore you: Have an attorney on retainer to help you navigate through your event’s Terms and conditions.
Note: Please make sure on your sign-up sheet you have notated that they agree to these rules, and the terms and conditions of the contest. Have your rules available somewhere online within a few months before your show.
By Entering the contest, you agree to the following:
a. All selected entrants are responsible for all expenses related to competing in any contest run by CONTEST, including all admission to event, food, lodging and travel to and from the event venue. This includes costs associated with construction of any and all cosplays entered.
Keeps you from having to field requests for potential contestants from requesting you to help them in their cosplay journey. If you do get attendees inquiring about this, suggest them to apply as a cosplay guest.
b. All entrants must have a badge valid for the day of the event where the contest and pre-judging are held. No vendor, sponsor, or guest badge will be allowed to enter. CONTEST does not charge for entry to its contests.
This keeps the playing field fair, and absolves any conflict of interest with your event and its cosplay contest. Charging for a cosplay contest can be lucrative and an easy way for prize winning, but it will restrict entrants from entering due to cost-issues (yes, even if it is five dollars). Not to mention, now you have to handle payments and everything that comes with that. Do your event a favor, and do not charge for your Cosplay Contest. If you need help raising funds for prizes, consider sponsorship.
c. Entrants are responsible for their own belongings. CONTEST or event promoteris unable to provide a secure area for personal items.
Saves you from being liable if someone’s prop or cosplay part goes missing.
d. Judges decisions are final on the day of event. There is no obligation on CONTEST, event promoter or the judges to provide feedback at any time.
Cosplayers will inquire as to why they didn’t win. some may even take their concerns to social media. It’s easier to remind them in those cases of this term they agreed to at signup. Not to say that judges shouldn’t share their critique of a cosplay in comparison to the other – It shares goodwill with the community when they do.
e. The safety of the audience, staff, and other participants must not be compromised. Any projectile, flame, explosion (physical or chemical) or liquid must be assessed by a CONTEST representative and event staff before it is used on stage. If you are using a chemical outside of water, you must provide CONTEST Staff with an applicable SDS sheet for all chemicals used in this way.
This covers you completely when it comes to props. Keep in mind, most venues (and possibly your insurance) will require something like this in your T and C. A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is an informational article (every country is different with these – check your local regulations) regarding the health and safety of a specific chemical.
f. Each entrant grants to Promoter, its employees, agents, and assignees, the absolute and irrevocable right and permission to photograph, film, reproduce, portray and/or otherwise exploit the name, voice, appearance, photograph, image and/or likeness of such entrant in the Competition(collectively, “Likeness”), and to use the results and proceeds, without limitation, in materials produced by the Promoter in all media, in perpetuity. Entrant hereby waives any claim to compensation for use of such Likeness. Entrant agrees that Management owns the images, and all rights related to them. The images may be used by the Promoter in any manner or media without notifying the Entrant, such as the CONTEST website, publications, promotions, broadcasts, advertisements, and posters, for advertising or other related purposes. Entrant waives any right to inspector approve the finished images or any printed or electronic matter that maybe used with them.
This gives you license to use people’s likenesses for commercial purposes (marketing).
g. By accepting a prize, each winner agrees to release and hold harmless Promoter and its direct and indirect subsidiaries, suppliers, distributors, advertising/promotion agencies, and prize suppliers (if any), and each of their
respective parent companies and each such company’s officers, directors, employees and agents, from and against any claim or cause of action, including, but not limited to, personal injury, death, or damage to or loss of property, arising out of participation in the CONTEST or receipt or use or misuse of any prize.
This covers you in case there is an issue with the prize. You do not want to be held liable for an accident involving a sewing machine that you awarded a best-in-show.
h. Promoter reserves the right to cancel, suspend and/or modify CONTEST or any part of it, if any fraud or technical failures or any other factor beyond Promoter’s reasonable control impairs the integrity or proper functioning of the CONTEST, as determined by promoter in its sole discretion.
This is in case you have to reschedule or interrupt the cosplay contest, due to issues out of your control.
i. Event promo and CONTEST staff reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of CONTEST or to be acting in violation of the Rules or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. This includes any tampering or damaging another entrant’s cosplay in a malicious manner. Any attempt by any person to deliberately undermine the legitimate operation of the CONTEST may be a violation of criminal and civil law, and should such an attempt be made, Promoter reserves the right to fully seek damages from any such person permitted by law. Promoter’s failure to enforce any term of these Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.
This gives you the ability to disqualify a contestant for an assortment of reasons. This also keeps you from liability because another infraction is missed.
j. Limitation of Liability: Promoter or CONTEST Staff is not responsible for: (1) any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by entrants, typographical errors, printing errors or by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized in event; (2) technical failures of any kind, including but not limited to malfunctions, interruptions, or disconnections in phone lines or network hardware or software; (3) unauthorized human intervention in any part of the entry process or CONTEST; (4) technical or human error which may occur in the administration of CONTEST or the processing of entries; or (5) any injury or damage to persons or property which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from an entrant’s participation in the CONTEST or receipt or use or misuse of any prize (provided always that Promoter or its employees or contractors are not negligent in any way in relation to such injury or damage). If, for any reason, an entrant’s entry is confirmed to have been erroneously deleted, lost or otherwise destroyed or corrupted, that entrant’s sole remedy is another entry in CONTEST, if feasible. If CONTEST, or any part of it, is discontinued for any reason, Promoter, in its sole discretion, may elect to hold a random draw from among all eligible entries received up to the date of discontinuance for the prize(s) offered herein.
oh, this is a bit of a long one…
To boil it down, this one protects you from liability due to various concerns. It also outlines what you will do if something does happen that creates a scenario where you are unable to complete the contest, or in case someone’s registration is lost due to error.
k. In the event of any dispute arising, these Rules are to be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the country where the contest takes place.
This outlines where a dispute with the rules can happen. This protects you from a competitor who is from outside of your home country to attempt to get a more favorable outcome from their event.
Understanding these rules is essential for ensuring a smooth and fair experience for all participants. These guidelines will help you maintain the integrity of the competition. They will also provide clear expectations for cosplayers, ensuring that everyone has a chance to showcase their creativity and craftsmanship in a safe and enjoyable environment. By following these rules, contestants can focus on what matters most: bringing their favorite characters to life. No matter what rules you use…make sure to keep the audience engaged, the contest fair to all, and under two hours. You will have a successful cosplay contest that your attendees will celebrate for years to come.
Need some help setting up your cosplay contest? Schedule a consultation. We can help you with your rules and terms so you have the most successful cosplay contest yet!
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