Cosplay Contest Rules & Participation Waiver

Cosplay Contest Rules & Participation Waiver

The KimoKawaii Cosplay Contest celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, performance, and the passion of the cosplay community. Whether you are creating your first costume or showcasing years of experience, we welcome cosplayers of all skill levels to participate.

These rules apply to all KimoKawaii Cosplay Contest events hosted by Silverback Events LLC, including all current and future locations. Contest details, categories, schedules, and registration deadlines may vary by event and will be announced for each individual convention.

Contest Eligibility

The cosplay contest is open to registered KimoKawaii attendees. Participants may enter as an individual or a group. Participants under the age of 18 must have permission from a parent or legal guardian to participate. By registering a minor participant, the parent or legal guardian acknowledges and accepts the terms of participation on their behalf.

Registration Requirements

Participants must complete all required registration information before the deadline. Registration information must be accurate and complete. Participants may be required to provide costume details, references, craftsmanship information, music files, performance details, or other information requested by KimoKawaii.

Contest Categories

Cosplay categories are designed to allow participants to compete with others at similar experience levels. Our categories are Kids, Teens and Adults. Final categories and eligibility requirements will be announced for each event. KimoKawaii reserves the right to adjust categories based on the number of participants and entries received.

Costume Craftsmanship & Eligibility

Craftsmanship judging focuses on costumes created, constructed, modified, or significantly altered by the participant. Participants must be honest about their costume creation process during registration and judging. If portions of a costume were purchased, commissioned, or created by another person, participants must disclose this information during check-in.

Judging Criteria

Judges may evaluate entries based on the following criteria:
Craftsmanship and construction quality
Accuracy to the original character or design
Creativity and interpretation
Difficulty and complexity
Attention to detail
Performance and stage presence
Overall presentation

Judges' decisions are final. KimoKawaii reserves the right to determine award recipients based on the judging criteria and contest guidelines.

Stage Rules & Presentation

Participants must follow all stage instructions provided by event staff. Stage presentations must: Remain within assigned time limits, be appropriate for a family-friendly audience, avoid damaging the stage or venue, follow all safety requirements.

Costume & Content Guidelines

KimoKawaii is a family-friendly event. All costumes, performances, props, and displays must be appropriate for a general audience. Costumes or performances that are excessively revealing, sexually explicit, hateful, discriminatory, or otherwise inappropriate may be denied participation at the discretion of event staff. KimoKawaii reserves the right to request costume adjustments or remove an entry that does not meet event standards.

Props & Safety Rules

All cosplay props must comply with the KimoKawaii Props Policy and venue safety requirements. Props must be carried, transported, and handled safely at all times. Participants may not display, swing, activate, or use props in a manner that creates a safety concern.

The following are prohibited:
Functional weapons
Live steel weapons
Firearms or realistic functioning replicas
Projectile weapons
Open flames
Hazardous materials
Props that could damage the venue or harm others

Participants are responsible for ensuring their costumes and props allow safe movement, visibility, and interaction with others. Event staff and security reserve the right to inspect, restrict, or remove any costume or prop deemed unsafe.

Contest Participant Conduct

Contest participants are expected to treat fellow contestants, judges, staff, volunteers, and attendees with respect. Harassment, unsportsmanlike behavior, intimidation, cheating, or attempts to interfere with another participant’s entry will not be tolerated.

Disqualification & Removal

KimoKawaii reserves the right to disqualify or remove any participant who:
Violates contest rules
Violates the KimoKawaii Code of Conduct
Fails to follow staff instructions
Uses unsafe costumes or props
Provides false information during registration
Creates an unsafe or disruptive environment

Removal from the contest or event may occur without refund.

Cosplay Contest Participation Waiver & Acknowledgment

By submitting registration for the KimoKawaii Cosplay Contest, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

Assumption of Risk

Participation in the Cosplay Contest may involve stage performances, walking, movement, costumes, props, and interaction with other participants, staff, and attendees.

You voluntarily assume all risks associated with participation, including but not limited to:
Slips and falls
Accidents
Costume or prop malfunction
Minor or serious injury
Damage, loss, or theft of personal property
Liability Waiver

To the fullest extent permitted by law, you agree to release and hold harmless Silverback Events LLC, KimoKawaii Anime Experience & Convention, event venues, employees, volunteers, sponsors, contractors, and affiliates from any claims, liabilities, damages, or losses arising from your participation in the Cosplay Contest or related activities.

Photography & Media Release

By participating in the KimoKawaii Cosplay Contest, you acknowledge that photography, video, and audio recording may take place during the event. You grant Silverback Events LLC and KimoKawaii Anime Experience & Convention permission to capture, use, reproduce, publish, and distribute your image, likeness, voice, costume, and performance for promotional, marketing, archival, educational, and other lawful purposes without compensation. This includes images or recordings captured before, during, or after the contest in public event areas.

Participant Responsibility

By entering the contest, you confirm that:
You have read and understand these rules
Your costume and props comply with event policies
You accept responsibility for your participation
You agree to follow all instructions from KimoKawaii staff and judges
Parent/Guardian Consent for Minors

Participants under the age of 18 Parent or legal guardian acknowledges and accepts terms on their behalf.

By approving participation, the parent or legal guardian confirms they understand the risks involved and authorize the minor to participate in the KimoKawaii Cosplay Contest.

Final Acknowledgment

By submitting your cosplay contest registration, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to follow the KimoKawaii Cosplay Contest Rules and Participation Waiver.

Thank you for helping us celebrate creativity, craftsmanship, and the amazing cosplay community at KimoKawaii Anime Experience & Convention!