Anime Torii Con – General Convention Rules
 
Welcome to Anime Torii Con! These rules are designed to create a fun, safe, and welcoming experience for everyone.
Respect Others

• Treat all attendees, guests, staff, volunteers, vendors, and performers with respect.

• Harassment, bullying, discrimination, stalking, or threatening behavior will not be tolerated.

• "Cosplay is Not Consent." Always ask before touching another person or their costume.

Follow Staff Instructions

• Convention staff and volunteers are here to keep everyone safe. Please follow their instructions.

• Failure to comply may result in removal from the event without a refund.

Children

• Children under 13 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

• Parents and guardians are responsible for their children's behavior and supervision.

Photography

• Always ask permission before taking close-up or posed photos of cosplayers.

• Respect anyone who declines to be photographed.

• Do not obstruct hallways or entrances for photos.

Venue Respect

• Do not damage convention property or venue property.

• Clean up after yourself.

• Food and drinks should remain in designated areas when possible.

Prohibited Items
The following are not allowed:

• Illegal substances

• Alcohol not permitted by the venue

• Fireworks or explosives

• Open flames

• Laser pointers directed at people

• Smoke, fog, or pyrotechnic devices

• Dangerous weapons or items that could cause injury

Behavior

• No fighting, horseplay, or unsafe behavior.

• Running inside the venue is prohibited except during designated activities.

• Keep aisles and emergency exits clear.

Sales

• Selling merchandise outside of approved vendor spaces is prohibited.

• Artists may only sell from approved Artist Alley or Vendor Booths.

Personal Property

• Anime Torii Con is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.

• Report found items to the Information Desk.

Consequences
Violation of these rules may result in:

• Warning

• Removal from an activity

• Removal from the convention

• Permanent ban from future Anime Torii Con events

Anime Torii Con – Cosplay Rules

Cosplay is one of the highlights of Anime Torii Con! Help keep it fun, safe, and enjoyable for everyone.
Costume Standards

• Costumes must provide appropriate coverage suitable for a family-friendly event.

• Shoes must be worn at all times unless approved for a stage performance.

• Body paint must be sealed to prevent it from rubbing onto other attendees or venue property.

Weapons and Props
The safety of all attendees is our top priority.
Permitted Props
The following are generally allowed, subject to inspection:

• Foam weapons

• Cardboard props

• Plastic props

• Lightweight wooden props

• Replica weapons that are clearly non-functional

• Peace-tied metal swords and similar replica melee weapons that have been inspected and approved by convention staff

Peace-Tied Weapons

• Any functional-looking weapon that is approved must be peace tied at all times while inside the convention.

• Peace tying is a visible restraint that prevents a weapon from being drawn or used.

• Weapons may not be unsheathed except when authorized by convention staff for inspection or approved cosplay photography areas.

• Convention staff reserve the right to require additional peace ties or deny any weapon they determine to be unsafe.

Prohibited Items
The following are not permitted:

• Functional firearms

• Loaded or operable airsoft, BB, pellet, or paintball guns

• Live ammunition

• Functional bows with arrows capable of being fired

• Explosives or fireworks

• Smoke bombs or flash devices

• Pyrotechnics or open flames

• Sharp throwing weapons

• Any item staff determines presents a safety hazard

Large Costumes

• Large wings, oversized armor, or oversized props may be restricted in crowded areas.

• Be mindful of other attendees and avoid blocking walkways.

Masks

• Masks that fully cover the face are permitted.

• Staff may request temporary removal of a mask to verify identity or for security purposes.

Courtesy

• Keep oversized props under control while walking.

• Do not swing, brandish, or spar with cosplay weapons.

• Do not block hallways or entrances for extended photoshoots.

Special Effects
The following are prohibited:

• Fire effects

• Smoke effects

• Fog machines

• Explosive effects

• Liquids, glitter, or confetti
  
   

Anime Torii Con – Cosplay Competition Rules

Eligibility

• Contestants of all ages are welcome.

• Participants must register before the published registration deadline.

• Contestants must be present during judging and stage presentations.

Costume Requirements

• Handmade, modified, commissioned, and purchased costumes are all welcome.

• Original characters and fan designs are permitted.

• Contestants may only enter one individual competition category. Group entries are judged together when applicable.
   

Judging Criteria

Judges will score contestants based on a combination of:

• Overall visual impact

• Craftsmanship and construction quality

• Creativity and originality

• Accuracy to the source material (when applicable)

• Character portrayal

• Stage presence

• Performance and audience engagement

Stage Performance

• Performances should generally be between 60–90 seconds.

• All performances must remain family-friendly.

• No profanity or explicit content.

• No dangerous stunts.

• No pyrotechnics, fire, smoke, or explosive effects.

• No throwing objects into the audience.

• No liquids, glitter, confetti, or messy materials.

• Contestants must follow all instructions from stage staff.

Audio

• Performance music or audio must be submitted before the stated deadline in the requested format.

• Late submissions may not be accepted.

Sportsmanship

• Treat fellow contestants, judges, and staff with respect.

• Unsportsmanlike conduct, harassment, or interference with other contestants may result in disqualification.

Awards
Overall Awards

• Best in Show – Awarded to the overall highest-scoring cosplay of the competition.

• Best Craftsmanship – Awarded for exceptional costume construction, detailing, and technical skill.

• Best Performance – Awarded for the most entertaining and engaging stage presentation.

• Judge's Choice – Awarded to a contestant selected by the judging panel for outstanding creativity or excellence deserving special recognition.

Youth Division (Ages 17 & Under)

• 🥇 Youth 1st Place

• 🥈 Youth 2nd Place

• 🥉 Youth 3rd Place

Adult Division (Ages 18+)

• 🥇 Adult 1st Place

• 🥈 Adult 2nd Place

• 🥉 Adult 3rd Place

Special Competition

• Iron Cosplay Champion – Awarded to the winner of the Anime Torii Con Iron Cosplay Challenge. Contestants compete by creating or modifying a cosplay within the event's time limit using provided materials and/or challenge requirements. Judging is based on creativity, craftsmanship, problem-solving, and presentation.

Judge Decisions

• All judging decisions are final.

• Judges reserve the right to withhold awards if no entry meets the expected standard of excellence.

Disqualification
Contestants may be disqualified for:

• Violating convention rules

• Using prohibited or unsafe props

• Failing to appear for judging or stage presentation

• Unsportsmanlike conduct

• Presenting unsafe performances

• Falsifying registration information

These rules are designed to ensure a safe, fair, and enjoyable cosplay competition while celebrating the creativity and talent of every participant.