Hawaii Pop Con Cosplay Rules

Event Information
When: Sunday, January 12th
Time: TBA

Categories:

• Youth: 12 and under
• Beginner: New to costume making or no prior cosplay awards
• Expert: Previous cosplay award winners or advanced skill level

Prizes:
A $200 gift card will be awarded to the winner of each category.

General Rules

Registration:
All contestants must register at the designated booth or online by the stated deadline.

Age & Skill Categories:
Participants must choose the category that matches their age or experience level. Judges may reassign categories if needed.

Code of Conduct:

• Costumes must be family-friendly. Overly revealing or offensive costumes are not allowed.
• Props must follow the convention’s weapons policy (no real weapons, sharp objects, or harmful items).
• Contestants must treat other participants, staff, and attendees with respect.

Costume Requirements:

• Handmade costumes are encouraged but not mandatory.
• Store-bought costumes will be judged primarily on presentation rather than craftsmanship.
• Any purchased costume elements must be disclosed during registration.

On-Stage Performance:

• Each contestant has up to 1 minute on stage.
• Skits, poses, or audience interaction are welcome, but no pyrotechnics, glitter, or confetti.

Liability:

• Hawaii Pop Con is not responsible for damage to costumes, props, or personal belongings.
• Contestants participate at their own risk.

Safety Rules

Props:

• All props must be inspected at the Prop Check station.
• Prohibited items include but not limited functional firearms, explosives, sharp blades, and metal weapons.

Costume Visibility & Mobility:

• Costumes must allow clear vision and safe movement.
• Oversized costumes or accessories must not obstruct walkways or create hazards.

Footwear:

• Appropriate footwear is required. Barefoot costumes are not allowed unless footwear is integrated into the costume design.

Emergency Situations:

• In an emergency, follow staff instructions and exit promptly.

Fire Safety:

• No open flames, candles, or heated elements are allowed.

Judging Criteria

Youth Category:

• Creativity (30%): Originality and imagination
• Effort (40%): Amount of work put into creation or assembly
• Stage Presence (30%): Confidence in presentation

Beginner Category:

• Craftsmanship (40%): Quality of construction and materials
• Creativity (30%): Original design and concept
• Stage Presence (30%): Engagement, confidence, and audience interaction

Expert Category:

• Craftsmanship (50%): High-level skill and technique
• Creativity (30%): Unique, innovative concepts and materials
• Stage Presence (20%): Poise and performance on stage

Disqualification

• Contestants may be disqualified for violating any cosplay rules (e.g., offensive costumes, unsafe props).
• Disruptive behavior or conduct that goes against the event’s guidelines may also result in removal.
• Event organizers reserve the right to remove any contestant from the contest at any time, for any reason.

Judges’ decisions are final and cannot be appealed.

For Questions or Registration Assistance
Email: hawaiipopcon@gmail.com
Visit the Cosplay Registration Booth during the convention.