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BotCon Cosplay Contest Rules

Registration is Required!

Online registration closes June 1. On-site registration closes June 12, if space permits.

Registration Information

  • Pre-registration is required unless otherwise stated.
  • Walk-in entries are allowed but are not guaranteed a spot.
  • Children under a certain age must have a guardian present at all times.
  • Large or complex costumes must provide their own handler. BotCon will NOT provide handlers.
  • If assistance is needed for getting on or off stage, please bring your own helper.

General Rules

  • All costumes must be at least PG-13 rated.
  • No nudity, excessive gore, or offensive imagery (e.g., hate symbols, vulgar language, or inappropriate references).
  • Costumes must represent a character from the Transformers continuity.
  • This includes characters from official TV shows, movies, comics, and games.

Performance Rules

  • No vulgar language, offensive gestures, or inappropriate behavior during your performance or stage appearance.
  • No throwing items, jumping off the stage, or performing dangerous stunts.
  • Walk-ons are limited to 30–60 seconds.
  • Please keep your presentation brief and respectful of time limits.

Prop & Weapon Rules

  • All props must be convention-safe.
  • Props must be peace-bonded, lightweight, and non-functional.
  • No real or functional projectiles (e.g., Nerf darts, arrows, airsoft guns, etc.).
  • If a Nerf gun is being used, please remove all projectiles.
  • All bladed props must be dull and made of safe materials (foam, plastic, etc.).
  • No pyrotechnics, liquids, smoke effects, or open flames are permitted on stage.
  • No strobing effects are allowed on weapons or costume pieces (for safety and accessibility reasons).

Grounds for Disqualification

Participants may be disqualified from the contest for any of the following reasons:

Behavior & Conduct

  • Harassment or bullying of fellow contestants, staff, judges, or audience members.
  • Use of vulgar, obscene, or discriminatory language on or off stage.
  • Inappropriate gestures, lewd behavior, or excessive suggestive content.
  • Disregard of staff instructions or refusal to follow cosplay area rules.

Costume Violations

  • Costumes that violate PG-13 standards, including:
    • Nudity, sexual content, or overly revealing outfits
    • Graphic violence or gore
    • Offensive imagery (e.g., hate symbols, slurs)

Performance Misconduct

  • Dangerous stunts or reckless behavior (e.g., jumping off stage, throwing objects, aggressive movement).
  • Use of any pyrotechnics, smoke, fire, liquids, or strobe effects.
  • Performance exceeds the time limit without prior approval.

Prop & Weapon Violations

  • Bringing real weapons.
  • Use of sharp, unblunted blades or unsafe props.
  • Launching projectiles (e.g., Nerf darts, arrows, etc.) during the contest.

Dishonesty or Cheating

  • Entering a costume that was not built or significantly altered by the contestant, while claiming it as original work.
  • Entering under multiple names or categories in the same contest.
  • Tampering with judging, or contest process.

Automatic Disqualification

  • Threatening or endangering others’ safety.
  • Use of drugs or alcohol during contest hours.
  • Breaking venue rules or local laws.

Tiers & Awards

Overall Winner

10″ Trophy

Advanced

8″ Trophy

Novice

8″ Trophy

Kids

8″ Trophy

Runner-ups will receive certificates

Category Prizes

Cosplay Adult Scout

  • 1st Place: $50 AgaBucks* and item from Prize Table
  • 2nd Place: Item from Prize Table

Cosplay Adult Elite Guard

  • 1st Place: $50 AgaBucks* and item from Prize Table
  • 2nd Place: Item from Prize Table

Cosplay Youth Protoform

  • 1st Place: $25 AgaBucks* and item from Prize Table
  • 2nd Place: Item from Prize Table

Additional Information

  • *”AgaBucks” have no cash value, and must be redeemed by close of the show on Sunday.

Past Cosplay Highlights

Check out these amazing cosplays from previous BotCon events!