The Insomnia Cosplay Championship – Rulesets

The Insomnia Cosplay Championship – Saturday – ONLINE SIGNUPS CLOSED

It’s time we had the opportunity to wear the costumes we choose and have a platform that celebrates it! Costume and Play want to give you the opportunity to show off your costume skills, perform as your character and enjoy the community experience of costuming together.

Prizes (Insomnia72 Saturday 30^th March 2024)

MAIN AWARDS

HONOUR AWARDS

How can I enter?

The Cosplay Masquerade will be taking place at the Insomnia Gaming Festival on Saturday. You can take part by using the signup form. Please arrive at least half an hour before the competition is due to begin. If you have signed up online you will be sent a confirmation email with all the details you need. We advise popping by the desk nice and early to check through your requirements.

Preparation before the masquerade

How will the competition be judged?

The inclusion of reference images and construction notes on your application will be viewed favourably with additional points awarded towards your overall score.

You can view an example portfolio Provided by Sansanvi Cosplay here 

Craftsmanship and performance are equally weighted within this competition.

Craftsmanship 40%

This category focuses on how the costume, props and accessories are made and the accuracy to the supplied reference or design. The Judges will look at the techniques you have used, their suitability for the piece and the final finish. 

Performance 40%

This category focuses on your stage performance. The judges will look at how well you present the character’s role, use of performance conventions, stage presentation and/or how you interact with the audience. 

Character Concept 5%

Character concept is a ‘bridge’ category and has equal application across the 3 other categories. It links the portfolio (how you communicate your character concept) craftsmanship (how you construct your character concept) and performance (how you express your character concept). An example of this would be you choosing a character with multiple game ‘skins’ or something you have built that has been designed in the costume to be used purely to express something in your performance. 

Cosplay Portfolio 15%

This category is judged based on the level of detail you include within your application form, such as a break-down of materials, techniques used and reference pictures. Construction photos and concise notes explaining these carry the highest weighting in this category.

The Costume Element

• Costumes from any genre of video game, television, film, book, anime, manga etc. may enter the Masquerade. 
• A costume qualifies as handmade if it is 80% your own work. We ask that you provide detail to explain how your costume was made. The application form acts as a framework for you to provide this information. It is highly advisable you include construction photos and reference pictures. 
• Portfolios and additional information must be attached to your email as either a PDF, Word, Powerpoint or standard image files. PDF is the preferred format.
• All applications will be checked over by the Cosplay Team, this will not influence any judges decisions and you will be notified for competition confirmation. Please make sure to bring a spare copy of your cosplay portfolio on the day.
• Any size group may enter the Masquerade. However, if eligible for a prize, this will be split evenly between participants.
• This competition is open to all ages, but if you are under the age of 13 please make sure to get parental consent. If you are under the age of 18 we may need to seek parental consent to award you a prize directly, we may request to send your prize to your parent/guardian in this event.
• If your costume entry has no hand based props, then you may use one stage set prop to be marked on construction and techniques. This prop must be able to be comfortably  taken into costumes up close with you, for the judges to see.
• If you are late for your “Costumes up Close” time, while we will endeavour to do our best to fit you in, we cannot make any guarantee and if this is the case it may lead to you not being seen by the judges. For this reason we really urge you to make your “Costumes up Close” time and to aim to arrive before the time stated.
• A small selection of places will be open to those who wish to present either a costume containing specific handmade components and/or a performance piece. It will be up to the discretion of the cosplay team to allow these entrants and you will be informed if you are eligible to qualify for a prize, depending on your entry. (Basically, if you are worried about qualifying for the 80% drop us an email anyway and we’ll advise you!)

The Performance Element

• The following elements may be included within your performance – Lighting choice, props, set, sound and microphone use. This is broken down on your application form to include. Performance details and requirements should be written on your application form. Any requirements and/or skilled performances need to be reviewed within good time before the show. Your choices within this field will be taken into consideration for judging. Please email us if you have any queries.
• Performances/Skits must be no longer than two minutes in length. Please state the length of your skit time or if you are posing on your application form.
• We highly advise you to visit the cosplay desk no later than two hours before the event is due to start to check through your requirements. If you do not visit the desk, your requirements for your performance may be refused.
• Arrive at the designated area ready NO LATER THAN half an hour before the masquerade is due to start.
• We ask you to fully fill out your application form. This includes confirming any music cues, performance requests and medical conditions.
• If using stage props, items & backdrops, these must be safe and of working standard. As they will be moved quickly by our stage team. Whilst we endeavour to take very good care of your props, it is strongly recommended that you do not use any items that are precious, or delicate. While our team will do our best to care for your items, accidents can happen and our team will not be held responsible for any breakages in this fast-paced environment. If you have any specific handling requirements, please email and provide handling instructions, images and details. If utilizing your own stage assistant, they will be held responsible for any breakages or damage to items.

ALL ENTRANTS MUST COMPLY WITH THE COSPLAY MASQUERADE RULESET AND PROPS RULES.

General Props Ruleset

What are the rules on weapons/props?

Weapons and props must be approved by security staff and/or event staff before being allowed into the convention. This may include checks which will be carried out by the cosplay team. 

Decisions made by the venue, security and/or staff are final and these rules serve as a guide only.

Please be aware that these rules are here to ensure we have a safe event for both staff and attendees. If you have been asked to put your prop away, please do so. In an extreme case, you may be escorted from the event.

If there is any doubt, please send photos and a description of the prop and/or costume to; cosplay@costumeandplay.co.uk. Please note that we cannot definitively suggest that your prop will be allowed into the convention without inspection in person.

Types of props:

• Live weapons (including, but not limited to; deactivated guns, Airsoft, metal knives, swords, axes, live bows or slingshots, bokken, hanbo) are expressly prohibited, whether sheathed or peace-bonded.
• No pyrotechnics, gas canisters, explosives (including cap-guns) or incendiary items.
• You cannot perform any action which may lead event staff, attendees or members of the general public to believe you are in possession of a real live weapon.
• No exceptions will be made regardless of any special licenses, training or memberships!
• ‘If the prop was to hit someone, would it break before they do?’ If your answer is ‘no’ then it means that someone could get hurt and we would recommend you leave your prop at home so you are not disappointed.
• Props cannot be made out of metal or hard woods e.g baseball bats or swords. 
• Props must not be capable of firing any sort of projectile at any point, including foam darts or water. If you have a bow type prop, you must make sure this cannot fire a projectile.
• Props must also be fitted with a visible brightly coloured safety tip and/or panel of colour. This must be clearly visible at all times. It must also be clear at all times that you are not in possession of a real weapon.
• Any sensible material is permitted for use with your prop such as light wood, foam, card, light plastic etc. but make sure your prop contains no sharp, protruding edges. Make sure these are sanded, rounded, padded, covered or otherwise protected adequately.

Transport of costumes/props

• When outside of the convention hall, please make sure you have a safe way to transport your props and that they are sufficiently covered. Be extra careful when travelling through high traffic areas such as the airport and railway stations, so as not to cause alarm or issue to others.
• If your prop is made out of light wood, this cannot be too heavy, large or unwieldy (i.e blocking corridors/doorways or is likely to hit, hurt or inconvenience others.)
• If your costume is large and/or has trails/trains of fabric, please make sure you are aware of how you will travel to and from the venue and in high traffic areas of the convention. Costumes cannot block isles/gangways, or act as a trip hazard.
• In all cases, the weapon or prop must be no longer than 1.6 m (5’2”).
•  Large elements, such as wings, exceeding over two metres, must be collapsed when on the convention floor.
• If you lose your prop please report this to someone immediately with a full description and if possible a picture of the item.

Electronics and Electrical Safety

• Ensure appropriate* cabling and connectors are used in costume circuitry (*appropriate = suitable for the circuit load and power source)
• Ensure there is no fraying or loose connections or damage anywhere in the circuit before connecting to the power source.
• Include a suitable fuse in any circuit. Appropriate to the intended current draw. 
• No wet cell or LiPo batteries to be used.
• We reserve the right to refuse use of any electrical circuits on stage and on the convention floor if it is deemed unsafe.

NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE REGARDLESS OF ANY SPECIAL LICENCES, TRAINING OR MEMBERSHIPS HELD!

Please be aware that these rules are here to ensure we have a safe event for both staff and attendees. If you have been asked to put your prop away, please do so. In an extreme case you may be escorted from the event.

If there is any doubt, please send photos and a description of the prop to cosplay@costumeandplay.co.uk.

Masquerade Ruleset

• Costumes must be appropriate for a family friendly convention and include enough body coverage to be worn in public.
• All entrants must have a spare copy of their masquerade music track on USB/CD.
• We STRONGLY recommend entering two separate costumes for Community and Championship masquerades. Only one prize can be awarded per costume. If entering one costume to both competitions, in order to maintain maximum fairness, we will be asking entrants to choose which ONE competition they would like to forfeit being judged in and to choose two different music tracks, one per competition. This will be noted on all your masquerade documents, so we can provide the clearest and fairest means of competition we can.
• Costumes being entered into ECG cannot enter in either the Community or Championship competitions.
• A full and valid attendee ticket or creator pass is required to enter the Community and Championship masquerades. Any exhibitor wanting to enter will be required to purchase a ticket accordingly. Please be aware that Costume and Play have no involvement or input in the allocation and/or decision making of Insomnia Creator Passes. 
•  We reserve the right to decline or stop any performer at any time for any reason.
•  Use or performance of the following will be immediately stopped and you may be disqualified from the competition or convention floor:

– Excessive/inappropriate language such as swearing.

– Committing an act which is viewed as something which may potentially harm yourself or others.

• Under no circumstances are entrants to alter their skin tone to portray or match a character’s ethnicity. This has no relation to accuracy scoring.
• In order to keep up with latest advancements in social issues and concerns within the cosplay and competition community, Costume and Play and any staff, venue or organiser reserves the right to change or revise these rulesets at any time, to better reflect these issues and make sure a fair competition is held. 

You agree to be filmed and photographed during the event, all rights of this belong to the event organisers and/or Costume and Play.

Prize Terms

• Any size group may enter the Masquerade. However, if eligible for a prize, this will be split evenly between participants.
• Any cash prizes awarded after the event will be paid directly to you. If you are under the age of 18 we may need to seek parental consent to award you a prize directly. We may also request to send your prize to your parent/guardian in this event.
• In the event the first place winner cannot attend or wishes to forfeit the Insomnia Invitation Prize the Insomnia Invitation Prize will be awarded to second place and so on.
• First place prize winners may only forfeit the Insomnia Invitation Prize if they agree to forfeit entry to the subsequent Insomnia Cosplay Championship.
• No cash or alternative prize for the Insomnia Invitation Prize will be offered should the first place winner be unable to attend.
• No additional hotel places will be given to group entries of three or larger for the Insomnia Invitation Prize.
• All other prizes such as cash and items may be kept by the first place winner if they are unable to attend the Insomnia Invitation Prize and event.
• If the placing is for a group, there will be one trophy only.
• No cash or alternative prize will be awarded in replacement of items such as (but not limited to) trophy, items, certificates, sponsor prizes etc.
• All cosplayers may receive photography/video performances provided by Insomnia Gaming Festival. The time frame for these will vary. If we do not have your email address, announcements will also be placed on our social media for receipt of these.
• Cash prizes when handled by Costume and Play will be processed in an 8 week time period. When handled by event organisers please refer to the event rules and regulations.
• Any prizes provided by third parties will be the sole responsibility of the group providing said prize. Costume and Play accepts no liability for the provision of these prizes. A list of all prizes not being supplied by Costume and Play for the event, and the third party providing said prizes will be available upon request.
• Due to the handmade nature of the trophies, postage and bank processing times, a timescale of 8 weeks is set for the processing, sending and arrival of prizes. This starts the day following the concluding day of the event.
• Should any issue beyond our control arise that may extend the 8 week processing time (weather, postal/bank strikes, damage ect) all receiving applicants will be made aware of the situation and kept in contact until the situation is resolved.
• THE JUDGE’S DECISIONS ARE FINAL ONCE MADE.