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Weapons Policy

COSPLAY AT ANI-JAM 

One of the best things at an Anime convention is all the wonderful cosplay (short for "costume play") you will see! The staff of Ani-Jam encourages our fans to dress up and take lots of photos but we do have a few rules regarding what we can allow into the convention. Please be sure to read our Weapons and Props policy below and remember that Ani-Jam is for all ages and to keep your Cosplay and costumes as such that all ages can enjoy the work you've put into it!

 

Regarding Cosplay and Costumes (update 08-01-14)

  • All costumes and clothing must cover appropriate (private) parts of the body and shall not expose anything that may be considered indecent exposure under California law.
  • All costumes must be deemed “PG-13” and any possible slippages/costume malfunctions should be prevented and accounted for.
  • You must wear shoes/sandals while on convention center property NO EXCEPTIONS.
  • Costumes that might be confused for law enforcement, military, or other government agencies will not be allowed.
  • Ani-Jam reserves the right to insist on modifications to costumes that do not meet the above requirements.
  • Ani-Jam reserves the right to make changes to this policy as needed to ensure the success of the show.

Regarding Props/Weapons

  • Approved weapons and props must be “peace-bonded” at the discretion of Customer Service W.I.N.G. or Cosplay staff.  “Peace-bonded” means your weapon or prop will receive a zip-tie showing your item was approved for carrying within the convention venue.  By having your item peace-bonded you are agreeing to carry said item responsibly and be aware of your surroundings when posing with it. Rough housing such as play sword fighting or swinging an item around will not be tolerated within the convention and hotel halls and lounge areas. If your weapon or prop poses a hazard or issue you may be asked to return it to your hotel room or car by convention staff. We cannot hold the weapon/item for you.
  • No metal weapons, real firearms, replica/realistic looking firearms or props capable of loading high-velocity projectiles. This includes items such as live steel (real metal swords), paintball guns, pellet guns or other air rifles.  Even if the item is broken or non-functional in some way, it will not be allowed and you will be asked to return it to your hotel room or car. We cannot hold the weapon for you.
  • Other forbidden weapons/props- wooden and metal baseball bats or baseball bats containing a solid core (example- foam covered pipe/metal), Metal items/tools such as crowbars and wrenches, metal pots and pans, glass and plaster items that could shatter if dropped, yaoi/yuri paddles, solicitation signs (example- “Hug me/Free Hugs”, “ Will ______ for ______”). You will be asked to return these items to your hotel room or car. We cannot hold the item for you.
  • Permitted weapons/props/items- Plastic toy weapons. Empty water guns, toy/prop bow and arrows (arrows must have no tips and be in a quiver, bow must have no tension capable of projecting the arrows), Staffs and non-metal swords such as boken and shinai, plastic baseball bats, umbrellas, musical instruments and other props fashioned of paper mache, foam, plastic etc. that are not in violation of this policy.
  • Proper care and respect for any official real world flags will be observed at all times in the hall. Flags should be carried on a flagpole and never worn as clothing or part of a costume. Home-made flags are exempt from this rule
  • Items not listed in this policy will be peace-bonded at the discretion of Ani-Jam 2014 Customer Service W.I.N.G. or Cosplay Staff on a case by case basis. Ani-Jam 2014 reserves the right to make changes to this policy at any time. For any questions or concerns please contact Cosplay Coordinator.

14 Comments

  1. This is my first anime convention I will be going to and I want to make a prop and I was wondering if insulation foam is an acceptable material?

    • Wooden swords should be fine as long as there is no metal or sharp edges but peace bonding will make the final decision after inspecting the item.
      If you have a photo of the sword and want to make sure you may email it to our Cosplay Coordinator.

    • If you mean that the prop gun is made from copper and silver which was painted with wood paint then the prop would not be allowed because it is metal. If, however, the prop gun is painted those three colors and is made from plastic/wood and is, and has never once, been capable of firing projectiles then it should be fine. Our Cosplay Coordinator told me that it will need to have the orange tip as well.

      Please note that, while we offer a general idea here, we are unable to physically see and inspect the prop through the internet and it will still need to be inspected and peace-bonded on site. If the peace-bonders find anything that does not meet the weapons policy you will be asked to return your prop to the car or hotel room.

  6. Hello! I am cosplaying for tomorrow’s convention, and I was wondering what your take is on a plastic pistol spray-painted black. Is that in violation of the above terms? If so, I can easily do without it.

    Many thanks,

    Alexander Steed

    • Our Cosplay Coordinator told me that it will need to have an orange tip as well as never having been able to fire projectiles but if both of those are met then it should be okay. Please note that, while we offer a general idea here, we are unable to physically see and inspect the prop through the internet and it will still need to be inspected and peace-bonded on site. If the peace-bonders find anything that does not meet the weapons policy you will be asked to return your prop to the car or hotel room.

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