Fanime 2009 Weapons Policy
Fanime Rovers
WEAPONS qualify as:
• Anything that looks like or resembles a danger to anyone, including law enforcement, from 20 feet away, under any conditions.
• If there is a reasonable chance the object may cause physical harm, could be used to cause physical harm, or could make a person believe they could come to harm.
• Anything that could be used in a menacing manner.
The effectiveness of the object or the skill of the person in possession of the object is not relevant when determining
whether or not the object is a weapon.
Prohibited Weapons:
Real weapons are not permitted.
Live Steel
Live steel is not permitted. Live steel is defined as swords, knives, or other objects made of metal that can take an edge. Dull metal weapons are considered live steel, and therefore are not permitted. Live steel in a scabbard or protective cover is still not permitted.
Guns and Projectile Weapons
Guns and projectile weapons of any kind are not permitted. Examples of guns and projectile weapons include, but are not
limited to, live guns, live gun replicas, pellet, BB, airsoft, dart, water, blowguns, or crossbows.
Flail Weapons
Flail weapons are not permitted. Examples of flail weapons include, but are not limited to, whips, floggers, maces, nunchaku, and any weapon with attached moving parts.
Incendiary Devices
Incendiary devices are not permitted. All devices which spark, shoot flame, burn, smolder, can otherwise self-initiate
combustion, or which exist for no purpose other than to be lit with a combustion device, are considered incendiary devices.
Concealed Weapons
No concealed weapons. (This is State Law)
Permitted Weapons:
All permitted weapons shall be subject to approval by SoS staff.
Prop/Toys Guns
Prop guns that are easily identifiable as toys, provided the prop gun possess no moving parts and is clearly marked with a non-removable orange tip or colored in a bright safety color shall be permitted.
Prop Flail Weapons
Prop flail weapons made of foam and/or paper shall be permitted so long as they are ornamental and in no way used as offensive or defensive weapons.
Staves, Staffs, Wooden Swords
Staves, bo sticks, boken, shinai, and wooden swords shall be considered prop weapons and shall be permitted so long as they are ornamental and in no way used as weapons.
Purchasing a Weapon
• All weapon sales shall follow Federal, State and Local laws and statutes.
• Weapons shall not be sold to minors.
• All weapons sold shall be in a box, bag or other device rendering it ineffective and inaccessible and shall remain within applicable laws for concealed weapons.
• Weapons shall not be carried around loose.
• If a weapon is purchased at an event, you shall remove the weapon from convention-occupied space or, if the weapon meets the requirements to be peace-bonded, shall have the weapon peace-bonded.
Carrying a Weapon
• In order to carry a weapon at the convention, you must be in costume.
• All weapons that are carried, either in hand or on/in a costume, must meet the requirements to be peace-bonded or must be peace-bonded.
Masquerade
• Staff, guests, and members who are participating in Masquerade and wish to use a weapon that is not permitted shall contact the Rovers Office for approval.
• Any weapon approved for Masquerade but not approved for the general convention shall be securely transported to Masquerade in a box, bag or other device rendering it ineffective and inaccessible.
• Once at Masquerade, the weapon shall be checked-in with the Masquerade Weapons Master.
• When the individual participating in Masquerade is ready to perform, the individual shall checkout the weapon from the Masquerade Weapons Master.
• Once the performance is over, the individual shall check the weapon back in with the Masquerade Weapons Master.
• The Masquerade Weapon Master shall maintain the weapon until the end of Masquerade.
• When Masquerade is over, the individual shall pick up their weapon from the Masquerade Weapons Master and securely transport the weapon back to their hotel room or vehicle.
Violations of Weapons Policy
Violations include but are not limited to:
• Carrying a weapon that does not meet the requirements to be peace-bonded
• Failure to have a weapon peace-bonded,
• Removing the peace-bonded tag on a weapon
• Brandishing a weapon
Violations of the Weapons Policy shall result in disciplinary action including but not limited to:
• A verbal warning
• Expulsion from the convention
• Reporting you to the local authorities
•
Peace-Bonding
Who: Any staff, guest, or member who wishes to carry a weapon as part of their costume shall have that weapon peace-bonded. This is regardless of any training, credentials, age, maturity, or status as a general member, staff member, or guest.
What: Peace-bonding is the process of approving a weapon to be carried by staff, guest, or member who is in costume.
When: Peace-bonding shall be done as soon as possible after entering convention-occupied space. This includes all public hallways of the hotels, anywhere in the convention center, and any space set aside for convention use.
Where: Peace-bond stations are be located at the exit to Dealer's hall and all Info booths.
How: Peace-bonding is done by having a Rovers member examine the weapon in question to ensure that the weapons meets the requirements and guidelines set forth by the Weapons Policy. Weapons that meet the Fanime Weapons Policy requirements and guidelines shall be tagged with a non-destructive peace-bonding tag. Tagging the weapon tells Fanime staff that you have read, understand, and agree to follow the Weapons Policy and that the weapon is approved to be carried at the convention. Subject to Rover oversight, review, and discretion.
I'm not completely sure, but is an airsoft gun, that has been gutted so it is unable to fire allowable, or would I have to go the extra step of super gluing the magazine, and slide into a locked position?
See, that would be in the realm of...how real does it look and what are you using it as? A prop or accessory?
If you have a question, please send an email to Rovers @ Fanime.com
with a picture of the said weapon.
Steve,
There's been some concern expressed in the past as to how weapons will be peace-bonded, including concern over weapons being peace-bonded to a costume. Could you please, inasmuch as is possible, comment on that?
Thanks.
Weapons are on a case by case basis in terms of realism, operational function, and prop/accessory distinction.
That being said, there should be a limited amount of weapons that will be peace bonded to your persons (I can't give you a classification of what, it would be too vague.)
For the most part, your weapons would simply be peace-bonded, and essentially sign a verbal agreement when we peace bond your weapons that you won't be stupid with them.
I have an..."intriguing" weapons question:
The phaser from the new Star Trek movie, which looks like this:
http://img.trekmovie.com/images/merchandise/pmst09/Phaser_HiRes_v2.jpg
Would that not be allowed? It seems shiny enough to not be seen as realistic, and the barrels are marked with colors...
That would probably be fine because of the lights making it look pretty fake or like a toy.
I'm happy to read this policy seems fair to me. But I do hope all staff peace bonding weapons will be trained to support these policies equally. (There were inconsistencies last year as everyone's complained on the forums doesn't need to be belabored again.)
And regarding to possible peace bonding anything to our bodies/costume--that our health and safety is considered. Such as in case of if there was an emergency evacuation/fire drill kind of thing, or consideration for the ability to sit down to rest/eat or make use of restroom facilities.
If enough responsible cosplayers also help the staff keep anyone acting irresponsible in line or report them, then we can all have a good time, be safe, and not get more rules invoked.
Hi Steve.
I have a stop sign prop for my cosplay and I did not see anything on Weapons Police pertaining to such. I normally would leave it at that, but last year at AX my stop sign was not addressed on their weapons policy either, however the staff considered it a weapon. Furthermore they did not peace bond it because there was an undocumented rule that signs of any type was not allowed.
Here's a link to the stop sign http://images.cosplay.com/photos/16/1613976.jpg
Can you tell me if this is problematic in any way?
Thank you in advance.
Quote from: pixelperfect on May 14, 2009, 04:51:03 PM
Here's a link to the stop sign http://images.cosplay.com/photos/16/1613976.jpg
I think your link to the picture is broken? please double check your side? otherwise its probably my computer...
Quote from: Jerry on May 14, 2009, 04:59:33 PM
Quote from: pixelperfect on May 14, 2009, 04:51:03 PM
Here's a link to the stop sign http://images.cosplay.com/photos/16/1613976.jpg
I think your link to the picture is broken? please double check your side? otherwise its probably my computer...
I think its the link. Its not loading on my side either.
I had a questions about my sword, It's Ichigo's Bankai sword, its wooden so that shouldn't be an issue, but it has a small plastic chain on the end of the hilt(its part of the sword), would that be of any issue?
I made these out of wood. Just wondering if they're ok for the con?
The last four images show the end of the barrel. Anything else need to be done?
http://s59.photobucket.com/albums/g284/AstrayNova/Prop/
Quote from: Kyra_Maverick on May 14, 2009, 05:49:18 PM
Quote from: Jerry on May 14, 2009, 04:59:33 PM
Quote from: pixelperfect on May 14, 2009, 04:51:03 PM
Here's a link to the stop sign http://images.cosplay.com/photos/16/1613976.jpg
I think your link to the picture is broken? please double check your side? otherwise its probably my computer...
I think its the link. Its not loading on my side either.
That's odd, I checked the link after I posted, but now it doesn't work. Here's the link:
http://www.cosplay.com/photo/1613976/
You can't hotlink to coscom for images -- you have to link the base page, as you've done in this more recent post.
(Just sayin'. ;) )
Quote from: Charis on May 15, 2009, 09:18:12 AM
You can't hotlink to coscom for images -- you have to link the base page, as you've done in this more recent post.
(Just sayin'. ;) )
Oh! Okay. I really wasn't aware. Thanks for letting me know =)
How about an ammo-less cap gun (with orange tip) for use with Spike Spiegel and Heero Yuy cosplays?
Quote from: orchestrafro on May 15, 2009, 01:11:09 PM
How about an ammo-less cap gun (with orange tip) for use with Spike Spiegel and Heero Yuy cosplays?
no moving parts on a prop gun
What about a gun made out of wood with no orange tip or orange paint?
it must not look like a gun or weapon from 20 feet away. It must be easily identifiable as a prop.
Your images look like guns. a longer barrel, but they look exactly like guns....
What EWU said is exactly correct.
The material of the weapon is one thing, however the realism of it is another.
A SJPD officer would need to be able to correctly identify your weapon as a prop from a distance of 20 feet in dim or bad lighting.
-Steve
These rules are only for on-convention grounds?
Is the fountain area outside the front of the building also subject to the convention center rules?
I remember hearing in passing before that you could go out there for pictures where you want to have prop weapons and whatnot that Fanime doesn't allow.
Technically the fountains are on convention grounds...
But also technically it is public property...
On another technicality, we don't actually schedule rover patrols through that area...
Just saying...
Cool, cool.
Just thinking about it because it'd be a shame to not be able to show off a prop that's pretty distinctive to a character, such as the Hellsing or DMC guns, especially if someone put a lot of time into it.
So it's nice to know that if you're outside, you can do what you want keeping in mind it's a public area, and you're responsible for your own actions and the consequences out there. Just be sure to either leave them in your room when inside the convention center or go straight to the rover area to get them peace bound.
I think I remember this coming up from a discussion about why we don't have a special props/posing area set up. There's no need to go through the logistics of setting up/staffing it when the pond area out front pretty much fills that niche. Plus it's nicer looking that the hallways inside. =P
Oh man, I should go to sleep. I need to pick up Zog tomorrow morning. -.-
Quote from: AbsolutelyCursed on May 15, 2009, 09:12:07 PM
What about a gun made out of wood with no orange tip or orange paint?
If its possible, I would make an orange ring that you can take on or off. A loop hole has already been discussed, so you'd only need them on when you're actually in the convention center.
would a plastic baseball bat be ok?
Quote from: Kyra_Maverick on May 16, 2009, 09:40:31 AM
Quote from: AbsolutelyCursed on May 15, 2009, 09:12:07 PM
What about a gun made out of wood with no orange tip or orange paint?
If its possible, I would make an orange ring that you can take on or off. A loop hole has already been discussed, so you'd only need them on when you're actually in the convention center.
umm yah....
Quote from: Steve.Young on May 10, 2009, 11:23:43 PM
non-removable orange tip
So I should just paint the end of the barrel with a bright color (orange). Correct?
i believe so, but in the end it is up to the rover that is peace bonding it.
I am not in that dept and this seems to be a borderline case. I would recommend e-mailing them: roversATfanimeDOTcom.
Quote from: ewu on May 16, 2009, 11:22:09 PM
Quote from: Kyra_Maverick on May 16, 2009, 09:40:31 AM
Quote from: AbsolutelyCursed on May 15, 2009, 09:12:07 PM
What about a gun made out of wood with no orange tip or orange paint?
If its possible, I would make an orange ring that you can take on or off. A loop hole has already been discussed, so you'd only need them on when you're actually in the convention center.
umm yah....
Quote from: Steve.Young on May 10, 2009, 11:23:43 PM
non-removable orange tip
Ah... I seem to have read past that part.
what about a clear airsoft gun without the clip? it looks very simmilar to this one: http://www.bbgunworld.com/store/usrimage/cg32043.jpg
Quote from: Steve.Young on May 10, 2009, 11:23:43 PM
Guns and projectile weapons of any kind are not permitted. Examples of guns and projectile weapons include, but are not limited to, live guns, live gun replicas, pellet, BB, airsoft, dart, water, blowguns, or crossbows.
Quote from: Steve.Young on May 10, 2009, 11:23:43 PM
Prop/Toys Guns
prop gun possess no moving parts
Please save my time and read steve's post before posting. It is ALL there.
Quote from: ewu on May 18, 2009, 12:01:33 AM
Please save my time and read steve's post before posting. It is ALL there.
Okay, so I have this prop weapon I wanna bring, but I don't know if I can or not. I don't want to have to read the main post. I'm lazy. Here are the details:
It resembles a danger to anyone, including law enforcement, from at least 20 feet away, under most conditions.
It is highly possible that it can physically harm just about anyone or at least cause people to think that it can hurt them.
I have been known to use it in a menacing manner, but I am very skilled with it, so don't worry.
Basically, it's two live guns with moving parts. It shoots real bullets. I attached sharp metal knives to the base of the handles to stab people with (don't worry these fold into the handles.) I also attached a large sword to the barrels to be used as bayonet/gun blade; it is retractable, like a giant switch blade. (When I swing it, it makes light saber sounds.)
The two guns are attached by a large metal chain. This is so that if I run out of bullets and I don't feel like using the sword, I can swing the guns around like nun chucks or a flail\mace. (I can add sharp metal spikes to the outside of the guns for this.)
Attached to my back is a small propane tank. This tank feeds gas via tubes to the base of both guns. This is to be used like a flame thrower. (Think Starcraft Firebat.)
I do plan to conceal these, mostly because I don't want to have to be peace bonded. BUT my real question here is, this all should be fine, right? I have created a composite drawing below. (FYI, I plan to paint the tips of the guns orange, if this helps.)
(https://forums.fanime.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg54.imageshack.us%2Fimg54%2F271%2Fawesomeguns.jpg&hash=115ef145a7b3a8b91ae3e0fbf4e6a0c966db621b)
Quote from: Liquid on May 18, 2009, 01:06:43 PM
Quote from: ewu on May 18, 2009, 12:01:33 AM
Please save my time and read steve's post before posting. It is ALL there.
Okay, so I have this prop weapon I wanna bring, but I don't know if I can or not. I don't want to have to read the main post. I'm lazy. Here are the details:
It resembles a danger to anyone, including law enforcement, from at least 20 feet away, under most conditions.
It is highly possible that it can physically harm just about anyone or at least cause people to think that it can hurt them.
I have been known to use it in a menacing manner, but I am very skilled with it, so don't worry.
Basically, it's two live guns with moving parts. It shoots real bullets. I attached sharp metal knives to the base of the handles to stab people with (don't worry these fold into the handles.) I also attached a large sword to the barrels to be used as bayonet/gun blade; it is retractable, like a giant switch blade. (When I swing it, it makes light saber sounds.)
The two guns are attached by a large metal chain. This is so that if I run out of bullets and I don't feel like using the sword, I can swing the guns around like nun chucks or a flail\mace. (I can add sharp metal spikes to the outside of the guns for this.)
Attached to my back is a small propane tank. This tank feeds gas via tubes to the base of both guns. This is to be used like a flame thrower. (Think Starcraft Firebat.)
I do plan to conceal these, mostly because I don't want to have to be peace bonded. BUT my real question here is, this all should be fine, right? I have created a composite drawing below. (FYI, I plan to paint the tips of the guns orange, if this helps.)
(https://forums.fanime.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg54.imageshack.us%2Fimg54%2F271%2Fawesomeguns.jpg&hash=115ef145a7b3a8b91ae3e0fbf4e6a0c966db621b)
(https://forums.fanime.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdennisjudd.com%2Falbums%2Ffunpics%2Ffry.jpg&hash=cc6cb510e72b59ce61a8ee38d80c6a3c5a1ff989)
Err... odd question.
It's not really a weapon, but would an emptied spraycan be allowed? I assure you that it will be empty so no accidental spraying could occur, and I have seen cosplayers in the past with spraycans, but I'm just making sure that it will be okay. Is there anything else I can do to the can to make sure that it cannot spray besides emptying it (such as gluing the tip so it cannot move)?
Quote from: Liquid on May 18, 2009, 01:06:43 PM
Quote from: ewu on May 18, 2009, 12:01:33 AM
Please save my time and read steve's post before posting. It is ALL there.
Okay, so I have this prop weapon I wanna bring, but I don't know if I can or not. I don't want to have to read the main post. I'm lazy. Here are the details:
It resembles a danger to anyone, including law enforcement, from at least 20 feet away, under most conditions.
It is highly possible that it can physically harm just about anyone or at least cause people to think that it can hurt them.
I have been known to use it in a menacing manner, but I am very skilled with it, so don't worry.
Basically, it's two live guns with moving parts. It shoots real bullets. I attached sharp metal knives to the base of the handles to stab people with (don't worry these fold into the handles.) I also attached a large sword to the barrels to be used as bayonet/gun blade; it is retractable, like a giant switch blade. (When I swing it, it makes light saber sounds.)
The two guns are attached by a large metal chain. This is so that if I run out of bullets and I don't feel like using the sword, I can swing the guns around like nun chucks or a flail\mace. (I can add sharp metal spikes to the outside of the guns for this.)
Attached to my back is a small propane tank. This tank feeds gas via tubes to the base of both guns. This is to be used like a flame thrower. (Think Starcraft Firebat.)
I do plan to conceal these, mostly because I don't want to have to be peace bonded. BUT my real question here is, this all should be fine, right? I have created a composite drawing below. (FYI, I plan to paint the tips of the guns orange, if this helps.)
(https://forums.fanime.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg54.imageshack.us%2Fimg54%2F271%2Fawesomeguns.jpg&hash=115ef145a7b3a8b91ae3e0fbf4e6a0c966db621b)
Walltext.jpeg
but cool picture.
Bah. Nobody appreciates a good long drawn out joke these days. :-\
Quote from: Liquid on May 18, 2009, 08:24:12 PM
Bah. Nobody appreciates a good long drawn out joke these days. :-\
I lawl'd
so did tony
Some people didn't know it was a joke at first and was like...WTF OMG...
I've never had so many IM's and gmail pops regarding something on the forums before lol. *coughs* jemz *coughs*
Quote from: Nina Star 9 on May 18, 2009, 04:30:17 PM
Err... odd question.
It's not really a weapon, but would an emptied spraycan be allowed? I assure you that it will be empty so no accidental spraying could occur, and I have seen cosplayers in the past with spraycans, but I'm just making sure that it will be okay. Is there anything else I can do to the can to make sure that it cannot spray besides emptying it (such as gluing the tip so it cannot move)?
You can bring the can as long as it is
1) Belonging to a costume in which the character has a spraycan.
2) It must be completely empty
3) It must lose it's ability to actually spray compressed air. (I.E. Glue, Tape, etc.)
-Steve
after confirming its empty........ (very important, don't be stupid)
I would say use one of these:
http://www.slgtools.com/center-punch-p-102.html
or a nail and a hammer. and pierce it so that we have no doubt that it is empty.
Quote from: Kyra_Maverick on May 18, 2009, 09:38:31 PM
I lawl'd
Quote from: ewu on May 18, 2009, 11:20:00 PM
so did tony
Quote from: Steve.Young on May 19, 2009, 08:39:29 AM
Some people didn't know it was a joke at first and was like...WTF OMG...
I've never had so many IM's and gmail pops regarding something on the forums before lol. *coughs* jemz *coughs*
Good! I worked my @$$ off on that pic, lol. Google image search & MSPaint ftw!
I need a final YES/NO on this, I've been asking alot but its hard
to cosplay a military base character without a prop weapon sadly.
So I need to clearly free my mind on this.
I can DISABLE all moving part & leave the ORANGE tip on each of my gun.
(https://forums.fanime.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.airarmsports.com%2Fimages%2FFAMAS%2520SV.jpg&hash=8d3fb6212211fbcd7f8cc8f0195c67b488cb6372)
Or as suggested from someone:
NERF Gun: (I will paint this Black but leaving ORANGE tip)
(https://forums.fanime.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.boltsniper.com%2FGeneral%2FLongshot-1.JPG&hash=79f10cf689baf314a58166576faa0aec2029edd2)
This is my character:
(https://forums.fanime.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.southsidegamer.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2009%2F03%2Fhelgan.jpg&hash=e355eb8a6ccb162adb33fdcd162000da0fbc19ce)
Thanks for the info, you two. :D I actually opted to make a fake spraycan instead, so no worries there. I can still stop by and get it check out and peacebonded if you like, but I doubt cardstock a couple empty ribbon spools can do much harm. ;P