Costuming , Props & Weapons: Rules, Policies, & Procedures

NOTE: While we understand that some attendees may feel that some of these rules are too restrictive, they exist for a reason. Those reasons include safety and venue policies; but most importantly, they are enforced so that Ancient City Con may continue to provide an avenue for costume enthusiasts to display their technical skills and personal creativity.

Regarding Props & Weapons

1. Safety comes first in regards to all props and weapons. If your prop or weapon can actually hurt someone please do not bring it to the convention.
2. Keep in mind that given recent national & global events, other people may be sensitive to the display of anything that may seem like a threat. Please use common sense when bringing props and remember that what may be just a prop or toy to you may appear to be a threat by somebody else.
3. No firearms will be allowed. Any real gun (whether it works or not) will not be allowed. ALL guns must be fakes. Anyone found with a firearm will be escorted from the convention by local police regardless of concealed carry permits or federal dealer permits.
4. No Live Steel will be allowed (sharpened or blunt). Do not bring real sharpened swords, knifes or any other bladed weapon. Sharpened, bludgeoning or piercing martial arts/medieval weapons or any other type of non-functional authentic weaponry or functional weaponry that you made or have purchased. Bows need to be non-functional with slack or no strings on them. Arrows may not have any points or nocks on them at all.
5. Only props are allowed, No exceptions! In other words, props may be crafted by you using acceptable materials such as cardboard, thin wood, flexible plastic etc. Items may be painted or foil wrapped. No sharp edges or piercing points will be allowed! If in doubt, please email us pictures and descriptions at ancient_con@yahoo.com . Note: this has nothing to do with contest judging only convention rules compliance.
6. All props & weapons should be carried into the hotel in a bag or some other type of covering. This also applies when leaving the convention premises as well.
7. Upon arrival, ALL props and weapons must be checked in and are subject to approval by Ancient City Con Staff members at registration. Ancient City Con Staff members reserve the right to refuse convention entry to anyone carrying a prop or weapon deemed inappropriate or in violation of these policies and procedures.
8. You may be asked to take further measures in order to make your prop or weapon safe. Please be prepared for this contingency.
9. Staff approved weapons and props will be marked at Registration indicating they may be carried at the convention. Any prop or weapon not marked will need to be taken to Registration for approval to be carried at the convention.
10. Play-acting, play-fighting, horseplay, dueling, running/swinging with props or weapons is NOT ALLOWED anywhere at the hotel or convention premises. Attendees found doing so will be asked to leave the convention without refund of their admission payment.
11. Ancient City Con and its Staff members will not be held liable for any death, damage or injury due to any misuse of any weapon or prop by an attendee.
12. There will not be any “stand alone” prop judging for the costume contest. All props should be worn or carried as a part of your display/presentation. Do not leave props or weapons at registration. Do not lend your prop or weapon to someone else.
13. Airsoft guns may be used as props as long as the participant can demonstrate to an Ancient City Con Staff member that they have been rendered completely inoperable to the point of never being able to fire again. Disabling measures or other forms of temporary disablement are not acceptable. In addition, Barrels must be filled in. Ammo clips must be removed. The Muzzle area must be painted bright orange or red. Airsoft guns must be covered when in all non-convention areas.
14. Weapons that are purchased from a convention dealer must immediately be secured in your vehicle or hotel room. We will be looking for unmarked weapons and will ask you to take appropriate action or to leave the convention without a refund of admission. Note: Dealers will often hold purchased weapons for you with your name on it at their booth/table to be picked up when you are leaving the convention.

Regarding Costumes

1. This is a family oriented event. Please avoid bringing costumes or outfits of a lewd or distasteful nature. Costumes should be of a PG13 nature or below. For example: No “strategically placed” duct tape, liquid latex, body paint, displayed profanity, etc. will be allowed. We do not want to censor anyone, however, it is a public place, and we must also follow the hotel’s rules and regulations.
2. If you are unsure on whether or not a costume/prop/outfit is acceptable, then it “is better to err on the side of caution”, or you may email us a picture for prior approval at ancient_con@yahoo.com. Note: this has nothing to do with contest judging only convention rules compliance.
3. All costumes will be subject to approval by Ancient City Con Staff members at the registration desk. Sign-up for the costume contest will take place there as well. Do not leave costumes at registration. If your costume or apparel is deemed inappropriate by Ancient City Con or a Hotel staff member you will be asked to change clothes or to leave the premises.
4. Even though you are in costume, your convention badge must be visible on your person at all times. If one is not found, you will be asked to purchase a new one or to leave the convention if you refuse.
5. While we will sympathize with you greatly, A.C.C. is not responsible for the loss, theft or damage to any props or costumes throughout the duration of the convention. In regards to loss, check with registration staff to see if anyone may have turned in your missing item.

Violations

1. Ancient City Con Staff members reserve the right to refuse convention entry to anyone they deem wearing a costume or holding a prop or weapon that is inappropriate or in violation of these rules, policies and procedures. Attendees will be given the chance to change clothes or secure props in another location first.
2. Repeat offenders of these rules, policies and procedures will be asked to leave the convention area without refund of their admission payment.
3. Severe violations may involve convention banishment and intervention by local law enforcement.