Introduction
We understand and acknowledge that there are Cosplay Costumes that use weapons, props and items. We would like people to enjoy Cosplay but also ask that everyone be respectful of the Law and to help ensure that everyone enjoys a safe Anime Revolution Convention experience. This weapons policy guide is written policies to provide a fun experience while trying to keep a safe environment for all attendees. We don’t want to see anyone get hurt. Please refer to the following policies, rules and regulations below.
General Rules
This policy section will outline Anime Revolution‘s policies, rules and regulations for Weapons, and Prop items brought to the convention by the attendees. As there are too many weapons/ props/ items to define the following outlines and guidelines for the weapons, props and items, and how they will be handled at the convention are as follows:
- Any weapon / prop or item that is deemed to be illegal, inappropriate, unsafe, a hazard, or dangerous as per the discretion of the Peace Bonding table, any Staff Member or Executive Staff Member will be asked to leave the item at guest services to be picked up at the end of the day or the con, whichever is best for the attendee. Failure to comply with this will result in denied entrance to the convention.
- NO Attendee may use his or her weapon in any way, shape or form to physically assault, intimidate, harass or threaten anyone. This will result in ejection from the convention. As well as the proper authorities may be contacted.
- All weapons/ props and items will be subject to being assessed on a case to case basis at ANY time by a Staff Member.
Peace Bonding
All Weapons (of ANY kind, including any props and items deemed as a weapon) MUST, and will, be peace bonded at the Peace Bonding table before entering the convention. The Peace Bonding must remain on your weapon, prop or item while in the convention and on convention grounds. If the Peace Bonding comes off, falls off, or detaches in any way, please find a Staff Member or go to the Peace Bonding Table and advise them. You will receive a new peace bond.
Please note: If you are caught to be deliberately removing, or walking around without your peace bond, especially after being directed to the Peace Bonding table you will be given a Strike/ Warning. If you are warned for the second time the Operations Staff will seize or confiscate your weapon or ask you to leave your weapon outside of the convention.
REMEMBER ALL WEAPONS MUST BE PEACEBONDED BEFORE ENTRY!
Strike / Warnings
Anime Revolution Staff would like all attendees to act appropriately and within the law at the convention. If an attendee’s behavior is deemed inappropriate, dangerous, or unsafe, they may be given a Strike or Warning by a Staff.
Anime Revolution has a Three Strikes/ Warning rule for all attendees:
1st Strike or Warning: The attendee is given a strict warning to cease whatever action they were doing that caused the strike or warning immediately or face further consequences. Any Staff Member can give a strike or warning and mark your badge once.
2nd Strike or Warning: This will involve a Senior Staff Member. The attendee is given a second strict warning to cease whatever action they were doing that caused the strike or warning or face further consequences. Only a Senior Staff Member can mark your badge for a second time and a second warning will be given.
3rd Strike or Warning (Final Strike): This will involve the Operations Supervisor and an Executive Member. The attendee is given a strict warning to cease whatever action they were doing that caused the strike or warning, immediately. They will then upon the decision of the Operations Supervisor or Executive Member mark your badge for a third time and revoke it. The Operations Supervisor or Executive Member will talk to and inform the attendee why he is having his badge hold punched and taken away and that he must leave the convention immediately. The attendee will be escorted out of the convention and off convention grounds by the Operations Supervisor, Senior Staff Members and an Executive Member. The person will then be banned for the rest of the Anime Revolution Convention and will not be permitted to return.
Weapons – Major Violations of Policy, Rules and Regulations
Any attendee who violates the weapons, props, and items policies, rules and regulations or the direction/warning of a Staff Member may be given a strike or warning and have their badge marked. If the offence is serious enough or deemed serious by any Staff or Executive Member the attendee may be ejected and may have their badge revoked depending on the severity of the situation and upon the decision of the Supervisor and/or Executive Member.
Breaking the Law
Any Attendee, who is found to be breaking the Law will have their badge revoked, will be turned over to the proper authorities and will be banned from the Anime Revolution Convention.
Buying Weapons in the Dealers Hall
Vendors at the Dealer’s Hall sometimes sell weapons that are banned or prohibited at the Anime Revolution convention for use or display. We allow the sale of these weapons at dealer’s hall with the following rules: If an attendee decides to buy a weapon or weapons, from an authorized vendor at the Dealer’s Hall they may carry their bought weapon(s) with them as long as the weapon(s) stays in the original box it came in and is sealed/ taped/ or secured. The box must also be peace bonded to show that it is a weapon. No attendee may take the weapon(s) bought from a vendor out of the original box it was sealed in. No Attendee may display or “Brandish” the weapon for photo opportunities or for any other reason on convention grounds.
If a person is caught removing the peace bond, original packaging, is caught brandishing the weapon(s) or if the attendee is acting or using the weapon in a manner deemed to be inappropriate, unsafe, dangerous or hazardous, they may have their badge hole-punched or revoked and may be asked to leave the convention with the possibility of being escorted off convention grounds upon the decision of the Supervisor and an Executive Member and depending on the severity of the situation.
Vendors: Selling Weapons
Vendors must have either the original box or packaging that can safely secure the weapon(s) that the vendor is selling as to ensure the attendee or buyer is not walking around with the weapon(s) visible or displaying them in an inappropriate, unsafe or dangerous manner.
Weapons Policy
Banned and Prohibited Weapons, Props or Items
Banned Weapons / Props / Items
- No Attendee will be permitted to carry any kind of functional projectile weapon. This includes thrown weaponry. No throwing any weapons, props or items of any kind.
- Yaoi Paddles are banned
- Real Swords are banned
- No functioning Crossbows – Although homemade crossbows that are Non-Functioning and cannot fire any type of projectile, may be assessed on a case by case basis.
- No Collars of any type that is attached to any type of leash. No leashes of any kind attached to costumes that are intended for being a “pet” or being pulled by another attendee.
- No attendee shall bring any weapon or projectile that is meant to be fired, or thrown at anyone.
- Any weapon that is deemed unsafe, inappropriate or dangerous by Staff.
Prohibited and/or Illegal Weapons
Any attendee who brings a prohibited and/ or illegal weapon such as but not limited to: Asp Batons, Pepper Spray, Grenades, Incendiary Devices and Explosives of any kind, etc. will be asked to leave the convention immediately and the proper Law Enforcement Agencies will be contacted.
There are
NO EXCEPTIONS to these Banned and Prohibited Weapons
Homemade Weapons, Props and Items
Generally Acceptable Weapon Materials
The following is a list of generally accepted weapon materials:
- Wood
- Paper/ Cardboard
- PVC/ Plastic
- High Density Foams
- Metal – On a case-by-case basis. For example, a metal handle may be generally accepted but a metal sword will not be.
Forbidden Weapon Materials (With Exceptions)
The following is a list of materials that are forbidden
- Glass
- Ceramics
- Metal – On a case-by-case basis. For example, a metal handle may be generally accepted but a metal sword will not be.
Bladed Weapons – Swords, Katanas, Broadswords, Etc.
Any Attendee may bring a sword as long as it is made out of the Generally Accepted Materials. NO bladed part of the weapon may be metal. The exception to this is if the handle of the sword is metal.
Please note NO fully metal swords, katanas, broadswords or real swords allowed. This includes weapons bought at a vendor(s) at the Dealers Hall.
Archery Bows and Arrows
An attendee may bring a bow or homemade bow as long as the bow is not strung nor has string. For photo opportunities, the attendee may string the bow but MAY NOT place, notch or cock an arrow, or any type of projectile in the bow string as if it were to be fired.
An attendee may bring arrows or homemade arrows as long as they are not capped. If the arrows are homemade then please refer to the Generally Accepted Materials above. Please note that NO attendee shall bring metal arrows.
Firearms – Replicas, Guns, Airsoft, Paintball, Toy guns, Nerf, Cap Guns, Homemade etc.
As stated at the beginning, we understand and acknowledge that there are Cosplay Costumes that use firearms, guns, rifles, pistols, homemade weapons, exotic weapons, etc. We would like people to enjoy Cosplaying while being respectful of the Law and making sure that everyone enjoys a safe Anime Revolution Convention Experience. We take this into consideration when writing policies to provide a fun experience while trying to keep a safe environment for all attendees. We don’t want to see anyone get hurt. Please refer to the following policies, rules and regulations below.
Please remember while transporting any firearm look-a-like or replica that it should be in a case until you get to the convention grounds. When leaving the convention DO NOT take your replicas with you, put them back in the case, or leave them with customer service, do not be the one to ruin it for everyone. Remember that outside the convention we have no control over what the public or the Vancouver Police Department, perceive of your costume or the prop weapons you decide to bring. If you are unsure, please ask or don’t risk it.
All Airsoft, Paintball, Replica Firearms, and Firearm look-a-likes, including but not limited to: Toy Guns, Cap Guns, Homemade Weapons, Nerf Guns, Props, etc. will be approved on a case-by-case basis only AFTER certain requirements have been met, as outlined below
Replica Firearms, Toy Guns, Cap Guns, Homemade Guns, Etc.
All Replica Firearms, Toy Guns, Cap Guns, Nerf, Homemade Guns, Etc. and gun-like props are allowed as long as they are Non-Functioning and unable to fire projectiles of any type. They MUST have a barrel blocking device, a blaze orange tip, and/or are clearly not a real firearm, eg. Lady gun from devil may cry.
Paintball Markers
All paintball markers MUST have no air attached to them as well no hoppers and/or magazines or paintballs, in the marker. A barrel blocking device MUST be on at all times, unless at a approved photo session, or location.
Airsoft Guns/Markers
All Airsoft Guns/Markers MUST have a transparent upper body and/or a blaze orange tip. A barrel blocking device MUST be used at all times. An airsoft weapon must be Non-Functioning. By this we mean the weapon must not be able to accidentally discharge, as well there is to Never be a magazine or BB’S in the airsoft weapon, unless at an approved photo session or location.
Airsoft pistols are to stay in a holster as much as possible with exceptions of photo taking at approved photo shoots or locations. It is recommended that Airsoft Rifles be attached to a sling of some type. If you have any questions about your airsoft, paintball, replica firearms, and firearm look-a-likes, including but not limited to toy guns, cap guns, homemade weapons, etc. do not hesitate to ask.
Real, Illegal, Prohibited Firearms, Inert Firearms, and Inert Ammunition
Real, Illegal, Prohibited Firearms, Inert Firearms, and Inert Ammunition of ANY kind are NOT PERMITTED in any shape or form. There is no discussion to this. You will be denied entrance to the convention. Case Closed.
Remember each Airsoft, Paintball, Replica Firearms, and Firearm look-a-likes, including but not limited to Toy Guns, Cap Guns, Homemade Weapons, Props, etc. will be assessed on a case to case basis at the Peace Bonding table.
NO Attendee shall point any type of firearm, replica, airsoft, paintball, etc. at anyone, with the exception of a photo shoot where all attendees in the photo give their consent for the poses taking place with the firearms weapons, props or items.
Exotic Weapons, Props and Items
Any attendee that brings exotic weapons, props, or items will be dealt with on a case by case basis. Please refer to the Generally Accepted Materials for homemade exotic weapons, props or items.
Handcuffs, Restraints, Chains, Collars, Etc.
Any attendee that brings any type of handcuffs, restraints, or chains, etc. may have them on their person if it is part of their cosplay or costume, but NO Attendee may handcuff, restrain or tie up anyone.
In the past, some attendees of conventions have worn collars, homemade or chain collars. An attendee may wear a collar if it is part of their cosplay or costume with the exception that NO Attendee may wear a collar that is attached to any kind of leash. This includes all types of collars attached to any type of leash. There have been too many instances at other conventions where a leash or collar has choked an attendee or caused serious injury to an attendee.
Final Thoughts on Weapons, Props and Items
It is the aim of everyone affiliated with Anime Revolution to create a safe, enjoyable experience for both the attendees and for the staff members. We ask that attendees please use common sense and safety when bringing any types of weapons, props, or items. If you have any questions please feel free to ask ahead of time.
All Anime Revolution: Weapons, Props and Items Policy, Rules and Regulations are subject to change at any time.
Thank you! We hope you enjoy Anime Revolution!
