Weapon Policy

Policy Guidlines

Bladed Weapons (Swords, Knives, Axes)

• Arrows and other projectiles must have all metal tips removed. Cover or sheathing will not be permitted. Plastic tip attachments will be permitted
• Projectiles must not be fully strung and demonstrate to be unable to fire projectiles
• Firing any type of projectile is not permitted (including foam)

Projectile Firing Props

• Any prop that resembles a realistic firearm is NOT allowed per Leconte policy. This includes but is not limited to Airsoft, BB, paintball guns, disabled firearms, etc.
• Bows, crossbows, etc, must be destrung

Blunt Weapons (Staves, Bats, Maces, Wooden Katanas, Hammers)

• Cannot be composed of solid metal (metal detailing is permitted)
• Wooden bats are permitted but will be reviewed year-to-year
• Metal nails or spikes of any type must not be protruding from all blunt weapons
• May not be swung except in designated photo areas for action shots
• Props heavy enough to cause injury may be declined on a case-by-case basis

Cylindrical (Staff Poles, Flags, Banners)

• Prop must be under 7 ft in length and/or under 25 lbs in weight.
• May not be made of steel or metal PVC and plastic piping is allowed
• May not be swung except in designated photo areas for action shots
• As a courtesy, please review flag etiquette when carrying a national flag (such as the US flag)
• Selfie sticks are currently permitted but will be evaluated on a year-to-year basis

Tools and Miscellany (Wrenches, Chains, Hammers, ETC)

• Cannot be composed of solid metal (do not bring a real pipe wrench as a prop)
• May not be swung except in designated photo areas for action shots
• Props heavy enough to cause injury may be declined on a case-by-case basis

Bulky Costumes (Wings, Gundams, Fursuits, Stilts)

• Use a handler if your vision is significantly impaired (a handler is another attendee who will escort you around the convention)
• Wings must be collapsible or removable to prevent impending crowds in tight spaces
• Cosplayers may be asked to remove stilts if staff believes there is a significant tripping hazard
• Cosplayers may be asked to remove bulky items in tight spaces or crowds
• Costumes must not have the ability to shoot projectiles of any type

External Accessories

Shoe Policy

•  Shoes, slippers, sandals or lyricals must be worn at all times in public spaces
• Shoe removal is allowed for photos only

Storage

• Yama Con does not provide storage or handling of Cosplay Props
• There are no public lockers within the convention spaces
• Props left behind or unattended may potentially be confiscated and discarded

Leconte Center Policy

• The Leconte Center does not allow any props that resemble realistic firearms. If you have any questions please reach out to us at support@yamacon.org

Inspection

• In order to protect their own safety and that of others, Yama Con attendees understand, agree, and consent that designated Yama Con representatives or public safety personnel throughout the convention have an absolute right to inspect costumes, weapons, and any other items, and that attendee will submit to such an inspection. Any attendee must submit their costumes, weapons, and other items to an immediate inspection upon request or must leave the convention. In the event a person declines to submit to an inspection and refuses to leave, they shall be immediately expelled from the convention and escorted off the premises.

Peace Bonding

• A Peace Bonded weapon is an item that has been inspected by Yama Con staff, and has been secured so that said item can be recognized as a non-lethal weapon by means of identification.
• All prop weapons, realistic or not, must be peace bonded by Yama Con Staff.
• Peace bonding is available at the Public Safety checkpoint at Registration.
• Removal of a peace bond or addition of one by anyone other than Yama Con Staff will not be tolerated.