Read Before You Compete
Cosplay Rules
Everything you need to know before you suit up and step on stage — dress code, weapons, contest format, and categories. Questions? Reach out to our cosplay coordinators.
Cosplay Is
Not Consent
White River FanCon fully believes that cosplay is not consent. Please be respectful of your fellow congoers — we have no tolerance for harassment.
Staff Authority
White River FanCon staff members have the final say on whether something is appropriate or inappropriate. If it's illegal outside the con, it's illegal inside the con.
General Rules
Required Basic Requirements
- Badges must be visible at all times, regardless of your costume
- This is an all-ages, family-friendly event — content should not go beyond a PG-13 rating
- All cosplay events may be photographed, filmed, or recorded for future galleries or promotions
- Footwear must be worn at all times
Standards Dress Code
- All costumes must cover “swimsuit areas” — no nudity, no nipples visible regardless of gender
- Excessively revealing clothing or costumes are not permitted
- Private areas must be covered with opaque cloth at all times
- Attendees in excessively revealing attire will be asked to change
Prohibited Content
- Offensive language of any kind — no racial or sexual epithets, no profanity
- No sexual activity or contact — real or implied
- No political, religious, insulting, or other demonstrations not related to your entry
Weapons Policy
Prohibited Weapons
- No functioning weapons: guns, projectile weapons, knives, blunt objects
- No explosives: firecrackers, caps, fireworks
- No chemical weapons: mace, pepper spray, etc.
- No live steel: swords, knives, bayonets, cane-swords, star knives / shurikens
- Real guns and stun guns are not permitted
Allowed Replica Weapons
- Replica firearms (airsoft, BB, cap, paintball, pellet guns) must have orange tips
- Water guns are permitted as long as they are not loaded
- All weapons are subject to inspection before entry and at any point during the event
The Contest
Format Contest Rules
- One entry per person: walk-on masquerade or craftsmanship — not both
- Sign-up is first come, first served — spots are limited
- Each contestant gets a short time to present their cosplay
- Brief walk-on time (skits included) — going over your limit results in disqualification
- Line up ahead of the contest — call time posted with the schedule
- All decisions made by the judges are final
WhereMain Stage
WhenAnnounced closer to the con
EntryLimited spots — first come, first served
PrejudgingCraftsmanship — time announced soon
Sign-upDetails with the schedule
On Stage Restrictions
- No throwing anything off the stage or into the crowd
- No pyrotechnics or special effects (fireworks, flash paper, smoke machines)
- No messy substances: confetti, glitter, flower petals, water
- No electrical power provided — power must be part of your costume design
- Everything brought on stage must be removed at the end of your time limit
- You may surprise the audience, but never surprise the staff or judges
Eligibility & Minors
- Costumes that have won major awards at other conventions are ineligible for major awards
- Please be upfront about any awards your costume has won in the past
- Contact the cosplay coordinators with questions about awards or category placement
- Contestants under 18 need a parent or legal guardian present to sign a waiver
Contest Categories
Made by You
You must have made at least 50% of the cosplay yourself.
Wear & Perform
For any outfit that is slightly modified or bought.
Young Cosplayers
If they crafted more than 50%, indicate it on the form.
Consequences. Anyone who violates these rules will be disqualified from the competition and required to leave the event. We reserve the right to remove anyone from this event at any time if their actions pose a threat or hazard to others.
