Cosplay Contest Policies

BABSCon Cosplay Contest Rules and Policies

These rules apply to all contestants. Please read the rules to the very end as some of your questions may be answered further down. If they are not or if you have any questions regarding the rules please email the Cosplay Coordinator at cosplay@babscon.com.

  • Cosplay coordinator has final say!
  • This costume contest is for My Little Pony cosplays only. Background Ponies, OC’s, Previous Generation characters, and Fandom Characters are all allowed…And no, Deadpool is not a pony.
  • The judge’s decisions are final, any arguing or harassing them will result in immediate disqualification.
  • Entrants are required to attend prejudging either Friday night or Saturday morning.
  • Nudity, even the illusion of such, is strictly forbidden.
  • BABSCon cosplay contest is rated TVPG (Parental Guidance Suggested). All standard convention rules are in effect, and will be followed, during the contest.
  • If you are cosplaying any character outside of Friendship is Magic, a reference is required. If you do not have a reference, you will be disqualified. Characters exclusive the comics and toy lines do need a reference, but it is suggested so the judges not familiar with those characters can better judge your cosplay.
  • Reference images will not be returned, so please do not bring anything you would not be ok with us keeping.
  • Pre-Judging is not open to the public, only entrants and handlers are permitted.
  • If you require a handler, please circle the “Handler” note on the form. They must be pre-approved either online or at check-in (TBD). They do not have to be pre-registered for the convention but we will need their full name.
  • Children may only have 1 parent or guardian accompanying them backstage.
  • Parents are required to accompany their children to pre-judging.
  • Parents are more than welcome to accompany their children on stage.
  • You must be registered with the convention to participate in the cosplay contest.
  • All members of an entry must individually sign the BABSCon Cosplay Contest Form (legal liability, publicity waiver). You will be assigned a number after turning the form. Number assignments are non-transferable.
  • A limited number of registration forms will be available at the door.
  • Please have your printed form with you and filled out before lining up for pre-judging.
  • If you are part of a group, please use the group registration form.
  • Anything that goes on stage with you must go off stage with you as well.
  • If any contestant becomes unruly and disrupts or interferes with the Costume Contest at any time, they will be disqualified and may be subject to further penalties.
  • Only one entry per person. You cannot compete in more than one category (i.e.  Group and individual)
  • If you did not make your cosplay, you are only allowed to enter if the person who made it is present at pre-judging and the cosplay contest.  If the costume wins, they will be the one who receives the credit and awards.
  • Participants can only sign up for one slot in the contest walk-in.
  • If entering the group category, 50% of each cosplay must be personally crafted by one or more members of the group.
  • Cosplayers ages 12 and under are not required to compete in the youth category
  • You may not throw or whip props around. You may not take or use any sort of spray paint, silly string, fire works, water or any other items on stage that could mar the stage or leave a mess. You may not run onstage or run/jump offstage or perform any other acrobatics. You may not use signs in costume contest. Doing any of these things will immediately disqualified and you will be held responsible for any and all damages and/or medical bills that may occur as a result.
  • Peace Bonded weapons are allowed to be brought on stage, however, they may not be brandished at the audience, judges, or emcee.
  • Closet Cosplay entrants are not required to attend pre-judging

Categories

Youth - 12 and under

This category is for children 12 and under. We do not require a certain percentage of the cosplay to be handmade, but we would prefer children to take an active part in the construction of their cosplay.

Beginner - 50% or more of the cosplay personally crafted

This category is for people who are just starting off in the cosplay world, or who do not feel comfortable enough entering a higher category. 50% or more of your cosplay must be handmade. If you have won any previous major awards in the past, this category is not for you.

Intermediate - 70% or more of cosplay personally crafted

This category is for people who have made 75% of their cosplay or more. If you have won more than three major awards, please enter at the Master level.

Master - 90% or more of the cosplay personally crafted

This category is for master craftsmen, professional cosplayers, or anyone who feels comfortable enough to enter. You must have made 90%, or more, of your cosplay to compete at this level.

Group - Two or more cosplayers

Closet - 70% or more of the cosplay made up of “street clothes”

 

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