Competitions

Cosplay Contest Rules

Interested in entering our Cosplay Contest? Here's some need to know information! Signups will be here soon!

Have you spent hours upon hours making the perfect and most accurate costume possible? Do you possess an incredible attention to detail and apply that to each and every costume? The Cosplay Contest is the competition for you! Costumes will be judged on criteria such as accuracy, choice of materials used, and neatness. 

The Cosplay Contest will be focusing on craftsmanship, with awards for best individual and best group cosplay. 

Registration and Checking In:

  1. Craftsmanship participants MUST check-in before their judging time to confirm that you are present at the convention and are still planning to participate.
  2. If you can not check in, you must contact the Coordinator (ucon.uconn@gmail.com)
  3. If there are issues with arrival times, they must be discussed beforehand with the Coordinator (ucon.uconn@gmail.com)
  4. You must show up to be judged for the contest. 
  5. Minors (those under 18 years of age) may not participate in the Cosplay Competition unless given written permission by a legal guardian. Forms will be available at the convention. If you are a minor, please bring the signed copy with you to the cosplay check-in. 
  6. Parents are allowed (and encouraged) to be backstage with any participants under the age of 14, especially for participants under the age of 12.
  7. By registering, all Cosplay Contest participants agree to let U-Con @ UConn use their images for promotional purposes - Both photographs and video. All participants will be required to sign a waiver at their check-in acknowledging this. if you do not sign a waiver, you will not be allowed to compete in the Cosplay Contest. 

Divisions

  • Adult Master - has received 5 or more major cosplay awards at this or any other convention
  • Adult Advanced - has received 3 or more major cosplay awards at this or any other convention
  • Adult Novice - has received 2 or fewer major cosplay awards at this or any other convention
  • Youth - 12 and under as the Thursday immediately before U-Con @ UConn

  1. Judges awards and honorable mentions do not qualify as major awards. 
  2. This is based on an honor system. You may enter a division above what you qualify for, but not below. If it is discovered that you have entered a category below what you should be in, then you will be disqualified. For groups, you must enter the highest division that any of the group members belongs to.
  3. Participants may be moved to a higher category at the judge's discretion. This may not happen, but be aware that we reserve the right to do so. 

Rules and Regulations:

  1. Costumes must be accepted by the executive board of U-Con @ UConn prior to the event. 
  2. Reference Pictures: In order to participate in the Cosplay Contest you MUST bring a reference picture (or two) with you.
    1. Please have at least one full length shot of the character/costume.
    2. Color is preferred for comparison of the costume. This can be a screen shot, art book picture, manga cover, etc. 
    3. A picture of each the front and back is preferred for reference. 
    4. This is for your and the judges benefit as they may not know what every detail of every character of every series/game/comic/etc. look like. 
    5. If you do not provide a reference photo, it will affect your score. This is mandatory even for the most popular and recognizable of characters (Yes, even for popular characters like Superman and Harley Quinn). 
    6. Video is not an acceptable format. Please print out the images for the judges; pictures on your phone/computer are fine until the judges have to look back when awards are being determined. 
    7. If you have trouble finding a reference, e-mail the Coordinator, Chelsea Henderson (ucon.uconn@gmail.com). We will try to help you in any way possible. If you would like your reference picture(s) returned, you may ask to pick them up at the close of Cosplay Judging. 
  3. All characters must come from the following genres: Fantasy, sci-fi, webcomics, anime, cartoons, comics, manga, movies, and video games. If there are any questions regarding whether your costume falls into one fo these categories, please contact the Coordinator (ucon.uconn@gmail.com).
  4. Original Characters: Fan created/original/generic characters are not allowed. That includes faeries, cat girls, generic angels, and anything that does not have a set of name/costumes reference from an official source.
  5. Fan art does not count (this includes humanized versions of characters/gijinka) unless it has been discussed ahead of time with the Coordinator. 
  6. Any costumes that have won awards (excluding Judge's Awards/Honorable Mention awards) at larger conventions they are ineligible to compete in the Cosplay Contest. If they have won awards at smaller conventions(s) they are still eligible. If you have won an award and don't know if it qualifies you to compete with it again, contact the Coordinator.
  7. No commissioned/purchased costumes.  
  8. Costumes must be at least 50% hand made. 
  9. If your costume was created by a friend or family member (parent, aunt, grandparent, etc.), THEY MUST BE THERE to answer any questions the judges may have.
  10. If your costume is made up of purchased clothing, you may not enter it into the Craftsmanship Contest unless it is 50% handmade in other areas. 
  11. If you have made some substantial changes or alterations to the clothing, it is eligible to enter into the Cosplay Contest. Altering just a pant leg or collar does not constitute substantial.  
  12. Pictures of the making process must be provided prior to the event during registration. 
  13. You may only enter in one category: individual or group (max of 5).
  14. No skits during judging or catwalk.
  15. No nudity. No costume is no costume.
  16. No profanity allowed on stage. That includes messages on signs or clothes. Anyone who violates this may be disqualified from the competition.
  17. No political or religious statement during the catwalk. Anyone who violates this may be disqualified from the competition.
  18. Do not use any sort of projectile at all! Nothing must leave your person while you are on the catwalk. Anyone who violates this rule may be disqualified from the competition and may be asked to leave the convention area.
  19. No flashpots, explosive devices, or similar special effects are to be used. Anyone who violates this rule may be disqualified from the competition and may be asked to leave the convention area.
  20. Weapon props may be included in the costume on the following conditions:
    1. They are non- working.
    2. They are brought to the event in a container and remain with staff until the event, no weapon props outside the contest
    3.  Any weapon that is used in an offensive manor will be confiscated, the owner may be disqualified or asked to leave
    4. No projectiles at all, including bbs, airsoft, paintballs, foam darts, water, ping, pong balls, etc. 
  21.  Costumes must be self-contained.
  22. Do not enter or exit the catwalk except at the designated points.
  23. Each contestant may only enter one costume into competition.
  24. Large elaborate costumes must be handled by the contestant and/or assistants the contestant brings to help. U-Con will not be able to provide assistants.
  25. Be prepared to answer questions from the judges. they may range anywhere from the most difficult part was to what materials you used. This is the reason it is important to have the costume creator present.
  26. Cosplay Repair Center: Cosplay Rest and Cosplay Repair Center is located on the 3rd floor of the Student Union in which you are free to use to patch up/repair issues that arise with your costume. Should you make use of this, please make sure you keep it neat for those using it later. 
  27. Helpful Suggestions: Please leave yourself enough time to check-in in a timely manner. Running at breakneck speed through the con center to get to your judging is dangerous to you, the con-goers around you and could potentially ruin your costume. It also gives you time to do a spot check and make sure everything is in place. 
  28. Please do not wear any messy substance. Any body make-up or paint should not come off in casual contact. 
  29. DAMAGES: If you break any equipment or cause any damage tot he facility you are responsible for paying to replace it. Be aware of cords, curtains, screens, etc. to prevent any damage.
  30. The weapons policy and convention rules also apply here. This is for your and other's safety. 
  31. Any questions/issues can be sent to the Coordinator (ucon.uconn@gmail.com).
  32. Last but not least - HAVE FUN!!

Death Match Rules

Interested in entering our Death Match? Here's some need to know information! Singups will be here soon!

The Death Match will be judged by the fans. Watch your favorite characters get thrown into the stage and fight each other to the death. Go wld and scream for your favorite characters as world collide! Each battle will rely heavily on audience participation as the winner of each battle will be based on teh audience's response alone. The audience favorite will mvoe onto the next round, while the loser is slain and left for the zombies!

Seto Ketchum will be joining us agian to host the 2017 Death Match!

The Rules


  1. Death Match participants MUST check-in with Chelsea Henderson to confirm their participation in the Death Match or your spot will be given to another participant. 
  2. There is no on-site registration for the U-Con @ UConn Death Match. You MUST apply online before the deadline (TBD), in order to be considered as a participant. 
  3. Participants are NOT chosen on a first come / first serve basis. They will be chosen based on the following criteria:
    1. Character popularity (the more recognizable, the better)
    2. Costume quality / suitability for the Death Match
    3. Previous Experience
  4. You MUST include a picture of you in costume when applying; the application that have no pictures will not be considered. The picture that we are looking for is you in costume and not a picture of the character. 
  5. Participants will only be selected as opponents to fight in battle. 
  6. Large costumes will be allowed and may be considered, but they must have easy mobility. 
  7. Minors (those under 18 years of age) may not participate in the Death Match unless given written permission by a legal guardian. Forms will be available at the convention. If you are a minor, please bring the signed copy with you to the cosplay check-in. 
  8. By registering, all Death Match participants agree to let U-Con @ UConn use their images for promotional purposes - Both photographs and video. All participants will be required to sign a waiver at their cosplay check-in  acknowledging this. If you do not sign a waiver, you will nto be allowed to appear in the Death Match. 

Rules and Regulations:

  1. Once each participant has been selected, they will be required to promptly respond to e-mails with the U-Con @ UConn Executive Board. Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the Death Match. 
  2. You MUST be present for the Death Match set-up on Saturday. All information will be covered there such as rules. Anyone who does not show up for the Death Match set-up is considered a 'no-show' and will not be allowed in the Death Match. 
  3. The general rules for the Death Match will be covered at the set-up on Saturday. Make sure you listen to the directions given by the staff during this time, as well as during the event. If you do not follow the rules set up by the Coordinator and staff, you will not be allowed to participate in subsequent years. 
  4. If you need to look at stage specs, you will have the opportunity during the Death Match set-up. 
  5. All characters must come form the following genres: Fantasy, sci-fi, webcomics, anime, cartoons, comics, manga, movies, and video games. If there are any questions regarding whether your costume falls into one of these categories, please contact the Coordinator (ucon.uconn@gmail.com).
  6. Original Characters: Fan created / original / generic characters are not allowed. That includes faeries, cat girls, generic angles, and anything that does not have a set of name / costumes reference from an official source. 
  7. Parents are allowed (and encouraged) to be backstage with any participants under the age of 14,e specially for participants under the age of 12. 
  8. There will be no live microphones onstage for participants to use. 
  9. This in not a scripted show. It is improvisational. 
  10. Respect other participants. The attacks onstage are not real. Please be careful not to hurt someone or ruin another person's costumes. Keep physical contact to a minimum unless you have discussed your attack with your opponent previously. If you need to practice an attack, you may do so during the set-up period. 
  11. Nor fire, flash powder, lasers, explosives, or open flame of any kind will be allowed. Electronic flashes will be permitted provided that you notify the Coordinator in advance. Strobe lights are not permitted. 
  12. No political or religious statements during the Death Match. Anyone who violates this may be disqualified from the competition. 
  13. Weapon props may be included in the costume on the following conditions:
    1. They are non-working.
    2. They are brought to the event in a container and remain with staff until the event, no weapon props outside the contest.
    3. Any weapon that is used in an offensive manor will be confiscated, the owner may be disqualified or asked to leave. 
    4. No projectiles at all, including bbs, airsoft, paintballs, foam darts, water, ping pong balls, etc.
  14. Each contestant may only enter one costume into the competition.
  15. Large elaborate costumes must be handled by the contestant and/or assistants the contestant brings to help. U-Con @ UConn will not be able to provide assistants.
  16. Please do not wear nay messy substance that may get on another participants costume. Any body make-up or paint should not come off in casual contact. 
  17. Do not bring anything on stage that you cannot take off with you (Examples: Confetti, rose petals, glitter, etc.).
  18. There will be no electrical hookups on stage so please keep your costumes self contained. 
  19. You must enter and exit the stage using the areas designated by the Death Match staff. No jumping onto or off of the stage is allowed. Failure to follow these rules will result in disqualification and possible removal from the event. 
  20. Keep all content to PG-13 and under. This is a family friendly convention. No foul language explicit gestures, nudity, etc. Use good judgment; if it would get you arrested in public, it doesn't belong here. 
  21. We have the right to cancel any performance at any time. 
  22. DAMAGES: if you break any equipment or cause any damage to the facility you are responsible for paying to replace it. Be aware of cords, curtains, screen, etc. to prevent any damage. 
  23. The weapons policy and conventions rules also apply here. This is for your and other's safety. 
  24. Last but not least -- HAVE FUN!!!!!!!! 

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