Jan 12 2009
Hey! Watch Where You’re Pointing That Thing! (a.k.a. About Convention Weapon Policies)
If you’ve ever attempted to bring a weapon (even a fake one) into a convention’s facility, you probably ended up having a nice chat with security. Most conventions these days have weapon policies in place - even if the weapons in question are completely fake and/or harmless. Now, I’ve never heard of anyone getting shot at a convention (and I’m sure someone will correct me if someone has been), much less getting shot with someone passing off their weapon as fake. But, the rules are the rules, and when you buy your ticket, you’re agreeing to uphold them.
I’ve visited the websites of some of the biggest, and smallest, conventions in the United States, and compiled a list of common weapon policy statements. I’ve also posted some of the stricter policy statements out there. This is so you can get a general idea of what is commonly acceptable, and what is not. If you are attending an upcoming convention, you are highly advised to ask for their specific weapon policy, as some of their rules may differ. If a convention doesn’t have a policy on their website, find a way to ask in advance. You don’t want to have your wonderfully hand sculpted anime sword confiscated by the cops.
Common Weapon Policy Rules and Procedures:
“All weapons must be non-working and peace bonded.” (see below for further explanation of peace-bonding)
“No functioning projectile weapons includes water pistols, silly-string guns, and ping-pong pistols.”
“Bladed weapons must be cased or sheathed at all times.”
“There will be absolutely no play-acting with props allowed outside of the rooms designated for contests.”
“Explosives or chemicals of any kind including, but not limited to, smoke powder, sparklers, and fireworks, are not permitted at the con.”
“Don’t bring anything that would annoy another attendee or set us up for a crazy lawsuit.”
“If a prop or weapon can be broken over the head of the person who brings it, then it is fine; Otherwise, no.”
Some of the Stricter Weapon Policies:
“NO LIVE STEEL at all will be permitted on the premises.”
“NO GUNS of any kind will be permitted.”
“No paddles, of any sort, will be allowed at the convention. This includes, but is not limited to Yaoi/Yuri Paddles.”
“All weapons must be carried into the hall in a bag of some sort.”
“Do not bring real swords, guns or any other type of an authentic weapon!”
As you can see, there is a pretty wide spectrum of rules and regulations, everything from “just don’t annoy anyone” to “absolutely no steel or guns.” The key is to do your homework, and find out the policy before you start making your prop, or selecting your costume’s accessories. You may even want to prepare a few different options, if you intend to wear the costume to different conventions.
Even if a convention allows weapons, most usually require them to be sheathed, or peace bonded. Peace-bonding, for those who may not know, is the act of making it clear that your weapon cannot be used (either by a brightly colored tie, or trigger lock) and that your intentions are peaceful. Some conventions may actually offer a peace-bonding booth, or otherwise have assistance available for those who need it. Again, you need to check with each convention specifically.
There is no doubt that certain characters have iconic weapons, and that the cosplay isn’t quite complete without them. However, when there are thousands of people in a shared space, considerations must be made, right? And although I am hesitant to at all mention the September 11th tragedy, there is the perception that events like these need greater security now, which means cracking down on realistic looking prop weapons.
Are some conventions’ policies too lenient? Too strict? Can there be a happy medium? Where do you stand on the issue?
This is really helpful! As a faire-goer, I’m used to this kind of thing, but I never really thought about it in terms of convention wear. I’ll make sure my phaser is set on stun.
As a former convention organizer, I’ve seen a number of situations which prompted the creation or upgrading of convention weapons security policies. Most of them stem from interactions between the con-goers and hotel staff or guests. Most con-goers are expecting to see weapons, many guests are not…especially the ones who didn’t even know what a sci-fi / gaming / etc convention was when they checked into the hotel. I’ve seen police show up because a guest or hotel employee called 911 to report a “crazy nut with a gun” — when said gun was a couple of mailing tubes, spray paint, and duct tape. I’ve also seen damage to hotel walls, carpets, and furniture caused by silly string, super soakers, and carelessly tossed shurriken.
“No paddles, of any sort, will be allowed at the convention. This includes, but is not limited to Yaoi/Yuri Paddles.”
This is because crazy fangirls were assaulting guys they perceived as “cute”, causing general annoyance and in some cases serious injury or $bigbucks in broken cameras, etc.
“If a prop or weapon can be broken over the head of the person who brings it, then it is fine; Otherwise, no.”
Priceless
“All martial art weapons must be in contact with your costume at all times”
We had someone swing chucks around and broke a hotel TV monitor. I’m sure the guy got a lesson for life when the hotel tried to add an extra $200 onto his bill.
Having had to write the weapons policy for a major Anime convention, it’s really tough to balance safety of the populous, while still allowing cosplayers to express their creativity.
In recent years, more and more cosplayers have been working with convention safety people months before the convention, using more creative materials to achieve some incredible, yet safe results.