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Costume Roleplay Rules and Regulations.

1. Costumes must be based on Anime characters or have a Japanese slant.

2. All contestants must arrive 15 minutes before the event starts so that pre-judging criteria can be met. (i.e. entrance name and character name can be taken down and an order established.)

3. We will allow the cosplayer to perform a skit. A time limit of 2 minutes applies to individuals, whilst there is a 4 minute limit for groups. We do allow a few extra seconds for the contestants to get on and off the stage. Please note there are no exceptions to the time limit. If your music and prerecorded routine is longer than the allowed time limit (even for 5 seconds), we will trim it to accommodate the allowed time limit. This rule is in place so that everyone gets a chance to be seen.

4. Although people may dress up as part of a group the Judges will look at the individual, there are no group prizes.

5. Weapons are not allowed due to state legislation. Display weapons are allowed if appropriate to the costume. Display means display, live steel (metal) will not be allowed under any circumstances. If you have any questions concerning what qualifies as "live steel", please ask the Cosplay Coordinator raith@bigpond.net.au ahead of time. There will be no exceptions to this rule. Please bring your weapons when you check in to ensure its safety and conform to law regulations.

6. No fire, flash powder, lasers, explosives or open flame of any kind will be allowed. Electronic flashes will be permitted provided that you notify the Cosplay Coordinator in advance, and it must be announced in your MC introduction to protect those who may be affected by the flashing lights.

7. Nothing is allowed that would be banned in a "PG-13"-rated film. Actions, dress or mannerisms that would not be allowed on a public street or thoroughfare should be avoided. Specifically the following should be avoided: explicit sexual gestures, nudity, and explicit swearing. Violating these rules will disqualify you, and possibly result in your being escorted off the premises.

8. No messy substances that might ruin the costume of another contestant will be allowed. If you are wearing body paint or make-up, please make sure it will not come off in casual contact with others. Do not leave anything on-stage that cannot be picked up by the stage ninjas in a few seconds.

9. Feel free to surprise the audience, but not the Cosplay Coordinator. If you are planning something "unique", please let us know in advance.

10. The same costume can not win the competition on both days. A Cosplayer can enter the Cosplay event on both Saturday and Sunday, however if they wish to be eligible for a prize they must wear a different costume on the second day should they win on the first. I.E. Jane Doe enters as Sailor Moon on Saturday and wins third, she can enter on Sunday (As Sailor Moon again) and get a commendation but she will not receive a prize. However if Jane Doe came on Sunday as Nuku Nuku then she is eligible to receive a prize should she win.

11. Those wishing to have background music must submit 2 copies of the music to the Information Desk one hour before the event is held. Copies should be clearly labelled and named.

12. Judging will be based on Accuracy of Costume (Given Earthly Physics), ability to Roleplay character and knowledge of character as well as general attitude. Cosplayers should be advised that the Judges and the MC may have questions for the Cosplayer to answer in Characters so come prepared.

13. The Judges' decision is final.