Cosplay Rules
WE ARE GLAD YOU ARE HERE. WE WANT TO SUPPORT YOU. PLEASE HELP US MAKE THIS A GREAT EVENT BY FOLLOWING THE RULES!
The Cosplay Contest is open to all ticketed attendees ages 13 and older as long as you attend pre-judging and meet all requirements as determined by our judges.
RetroX Cosplay Contest is Rated PG-13. There will be families and children in the audience. If you think your Cosplay might violate the “family-friendly” event, please contact us so we may determine if it will be permitted.
Foul Language, nudity, obscene gestures, etc. will not be tolerated in this competition and will lead to disqualification and possible expulsion from the event.
Participants that are minors need the consent and accompaniment of a parent or guardian to participate in the Cosplay Contest. (Needs a signature for cosplay sign-up form, and a physical guardian at time of competition.)
Group entries will be judged as a group. Group cap will be 6 people or under.
Entrants can only participate once per year in the competition and in only one category, either individually or as a member of a group.
Participants are encouraged to create and bring a “Build Book” or Portfolio filled with documentation of the creation process of your cosplay. Please limit the length to 6 pages, or 12 for a group. This is not mandatory, but highly appreciated.
Please have a photo of your character prepared to show the judges during pre-judging. If your cosplay is not from an existing media (Eg. entirely original characters, TTRPG OC’s, non-canon fan designs for existing characters, etc.), then we ask that you provide any available reference material for the design. If the reference image is not something you created, please include the name or username and platform of the original creator, as well.
You will not be disqualified if you do not bring a photo of your character, but it is very helpful to the judges and may affect your overall score.
You can not enter a cosplay to be judged that has previously won an award at a RetroX cosplay competition within the last 3 years.
70% of your cosplay must be designed, crafted and/or modified by you. Elements that were purchased (including patterns and STL files) must be disclosed at the start of pre-judging.
If the judges determine your skill level to be different from the tier of competition you signed up for, they may move you into a different category at their discretion with your consent.
Judges may handle, “flip”, or inspect elements of your cosplay, props, etc. during the pre-judging process. If there are any parts of your cosplay that you do not wish to be handled, it is your responsibility to disclose that at the start of your pre-judging. We are not responsible for damages.
Judges will make their decisions based on the following criteria within their fields of expertise: craftsmanship, presentation, accuracy to the character or design.
Contestants must arrive in their costumes and are responsible for their own belongings. We do not have a dressing area.
By participating in the Cosplay Contest, you acknowledge and agree to be photographed, filmed, recorded, etc. You also understand and agree that your image and likeness may be used for promotional purposes including digital and printed marketing.
RetroX event staff and judges reserve the right to refuse entry and deny participation to anyone for any reason without explanation. By participating in this contest you agree to read and abide by all rules posted for RetroX and the competition. Failure to follow the rules could result in disqualification and possible expulsion.
Cosplay Logistics
Participants will attend Pre-judging in their costume to determine their eligibility for competing. Pre-judging on Saturday June 21st is as follows: 10-11am for the Youth category, 11am-12pm for the Novice, 12-1pm for the Journeyman, 1-2pm for Masters, 2-3pm for Groups.
Pre-judging will be a 2-minute timed appointment with the judges where they will ask questions, inspect your cosplay, and determine if your cosplay meets the criteria for the competition.
Participant(s) will enter the stage via the steps, walk down it briefly in-character, stop in the center front of the stage for photo op, and finally exit the stage. There will not be any skits, but in-character moments or interactions within a group are encouraged and may affect your score.
Entrants with Disabilities are welcome to provide their own handler or request assistance from RetroX staff if needed.
The stage is 8' wide and 16' long. Running on, or jumping on or off from the stage is prohibited.
The building does not have an elevator.
No metal weapons, no water, no fire or pyrotechnics, no pointing guns into the crowd or at non group participants (if applicable). No projectiles or glitter.
Prejudging will take place on the lower level of the building, and final judging of the contest will take place on the main stage upstairs.
[Journeymen and Master participants may request specific music in advance for their time on stage during the competition. Music must be approved in advance.]
Contestants will be issued a registration number for the competition and will not be able to participate without it.
Be respectful of other entrants, attendees, judges, and staff. Poor sportsmanship will not be tolerated.
Have FUN! Treat others how you want to be treated. Be supportive and respectful.