ESports and Cosplay Contests and Rules

 

Cosplay Contest (Saturday, February 7 at 3 p.m.)

There will be a cosplay contest on the Main Stage at Gator Con!

We will have 3 categories: Novice (Beginner), Journeyman (Intermediate), Master (Expert)

You will be judged on the following: Craftsmanship, Accuracy & Design, Presentation & Performance, and X-Factor

Remember this is a competitive, family-friendly celebration of fandom and creativity.

Sign up at the check-in for the category you want to win!

 

Costumes, Props & Cosplay Policy

Applies to all attendees, exhibitors, guests, staff, and volunteers in all Gator Con spaces. Final interpretation/enforcement is at staff discretion in coordination with UHD Police (UHDPD).

Harassment of any kind is prohibited. Always ask before taking photos or touching someone’s costume; respect “no.” Report issues to staff or UHDPD immediately.

Family-friendly coverage required; shoes in public areas; no profane/graphic sexual imagery. No hazardous effects (open flame, pyrotechnics, powders, liquids, strong odors, aerosols).

• Real weapons of any kind; live ammunition; explosives. Wellness and Success Center isa Gun-Free Area.
• Functional projectile weapons (airsoft/BB/cap/paintball guns; bows/crossbows that can fire; slingshots; water guns; “silly string”).
• Metal-bladed weapons (swords, knives, axes, kunai, shuriken, etc.).
• Hard bats/clubs and heavy striking implements.

   Allowed With Restrictions (Prop Check REQUIRED)

• Foam/plastic/resin props (swords, shields, staffs, wands) that cannot injure on contact.
• Bows must have no string tension; no arrows carried.
• Oversized props must not impede aisles, exits, or visibility; staff may restrict or remove at any time.

“Looks Real = Treated as Real”

Any item that could reasonably be mistaken for a real weapon will be denied—even if foam/3D-printed.

• Pass Prop Check at the WSC entrance,
• Receive a distinctive security marking/peace-bond applied by staff, and
• display a permanent orange tip while on site.

7. Prop Check — Location & Hours

• Where:  At the Wellness & Success Center entrance, immediately after ticket check-in.
• When: All day for the duration of the event (open → close, 10a-4p).
• Staffing: Gator Con staff operate Prop Check; UHDPD available for support/secondary review.

• Maximum prop length: 6 feet.
• Carry vertically in crowded areas and corridors; do not obstruct views during seated events.

Keep props sheathed/holstered or pointed safely; no swinging/brandishing/jabbing; no mock combat in aisles. Photos are fine if you don’t block traffic; staff may move/stop shoots to maintain flow.

Ask before photographing. Do not block aisles, fire lanes, stairs, or doors. Designated photo zones will be marked, please use them for posed shots/groups.

Not permitted. Props must be carried by hand; no scooters, hoverboards, skateboards, bikes, or rideable contraptions on site. We can store them safely, if necessary.

None scheduled. Any future stage/fight demo would require pre-approval and stunt-safe props only.

Enforcement ladder: Warning → Tag removal/prop denied → Removal from event → UHDPD involvement as needed. Decisions at the door are at staff discretion; serious/repeat violations may result in removal without refund.

• Texas Campus Carry allows licensed individuals to carry concealed handguns in permitted campus areas; open carry is not permitted.
• This event policy governs props and replicas and does not override state law or UHD policy. Visible realistic firearm props are prohibited inside Gator Con spaces.