RIDGE-CON COSPLAY CONTEST RULES (Event Date: May 3)
• Maximum Entries per Division
– The Official (Pre-Registered) Contest is capped at 30 contestants in each age division (14 & Under and 15+).
– The Exhibition Contest (walk-ups) is also capped at 30 contestants per division.
• Deadline
– Pre-registration closes one week before the event (April 26) or once a division reaches 30 contestants—whichever comes first.
• Waitlist
– If a division hits its cap, additional signups go on a waitlist.
– If a pre-registered contestant cancels before May 3, the next person on the waitlist will be offered that spot.
• Exhibition Contest (Walk-Ups)
– If you miss the pre-registration cutoff or a division is already full, you may sign up on May 3 (day of the event), space permitting (max 30 per division).
• This event follows a PG-13 guideline, meaning no explicit nudity or extreme gore.
• Participants must wear tops and bottoms that adequately cover private areas (e.g., no thongs, no skirts/shorts that expose the glutes).
• Profanity, obscene gestures, or hate speech is not permitted.
• Minimum participant age is 6 years old (5 and under may not enter).
• 14 & Under
• 15+
(These divisions apply to both the Official Pre-Registered Contest and the Exhibition Contest.)
Registration
• Registration is free.
• Anyone under 18 must have a parent/guardian complete the form.
• By registering, you agree that your image (or your minor’s) may be recorded or photographed for promotional use.
Official Contest vs. Exhibition Contest
• Official Contest (Pre-Registered): Higher-value prizes, must sign up before the deadline.
• Exhibition Contest (Walk-Ups): Smaller prize pool; sign up on-site (day of), space permitting.
Costume Construction
• For 15+ (Official Contest): Costume must be at least 70% custom-made (using raw supplies, found items, or altered ready-made pieces).
• For 14 & Under: The 70% rule does not apply. Store-bought or partially assembled costumes are allowed.
Weapons & Props
• No real weapons (no actual swords, knives, or guns).
• Metal embellishments for decoration are acceptable.
• No functional firearms or metal prop guns.
• No projectiles (e.g., Nerf darts, arrows) may be launched.
• All props are subject to inspection at entry.
Stage Behavior & Safety
• No jumping off stage, flips, or somersaults.
• No large/loud noisemakers above 30 decibels.
• No live animals on stage.
• No flames or lasers allowed. (Smoke or vapor effects are permitted if safe and non-disruptive.)
Attendance & No-Show Policy
• If you do not show when called to participate, you forfeit your entry and may be barred from future Ridge-Con contests.
• In case of emergency or if you must cancel, please email friendsofdef@gmail.com before the event.
Representation of the Costume
• Ideally, the wearer is also the primary creator. If someone else made the costume (e.g., a parent or a helper for a participant with a disability), please disclose this on your form or during judging.
• Judges may consider the wearer’s level of involvement in the creative process when awarding top placements.
Family & Audience Conduct
• Spectators are expected to be courteous and supportive.
• Negative heckling or disruptive behavior is not tolerated.
Graphic or Horror Elements
• While PG-13 allows some intensity, excessively graphic or disturbing imagery may be rejected.
• If you’re unsure, email photos for pre-approval to friendsofdef@gmail.com at least one week in advance.
Ticket Purchase
• Entry in the contest does not include admission to Ridge-Con.
• Purchase event tickets at: goridgecon.com
Contest Format & Timing
All judging occurs on May 3. The aim is to finish by around 7:30 p.m. so subsequent events can begin at 8:00 p.m.
Official Contest (Pre-Registered) – Preliminary Round
• 14 & Under go first; 15+ follow.
• Each entrant has about 15–30 seconds for a quick intro and costume reveal.
• Music: No personal tracks will be played in preliminaries. Event staff may provide background music.
Exhibition Contest (Walk-Ups)
• Takes place after the Official Contest preliminaries.
• Separate age divisions: 14 & Under, then 15+.
• Winners are announced once everyone in the Exhibition has presented.
• No personal music; staff may play general background tracks.
Official Contest – Finals
• Finalists (both 14 & Under and 15+) are recalled for a more detailed evaluation.
• Music: Attempts will be made to play any requested or uploaded track. If technical issues arise, a substitute track may be used.
• Judges can inspect costumes closely and ask questions about design, construction, etc.
• Winners are announced and awarded immediately following the finals.
Preliminary (First) Round
Finals (Second) Round
• Finalists are re-scored in the above categories, plus:
4. Effort (1–15 pts)
– Time, energy, and craftsmanship in creating the costume.
– The amount spent is not a factor; judges evaluate techniques and overall work.
Final round totals determine each division’s winners. Judges’ decisions are final.
Exhibition Contest (Walk-Ups)
15+ Division:
• 1st Place: $300
• 2nd Place: $200
• 3rd Place: $100
14 & Under Division:
• 1st Place: $125 (gift cards)
• 2nd Place: $75 (gift cards)
• 3rd Place: $50 (gift cards)
Official Contest (Pre-Registered)
15+ Division:
• 1st Place: $1,000
• 2nd Place: $500
• 3rd Place: $300
14 & Under Division:
• 1st Place: $150 (gift cards)
• 2nd Place: $100 (gift cards)
• 3rd Place: $50 (gift cards)
For special accommodations, questions about these rules, or to pre-approve any graphic/horror elements, please email: friendsofdef@gmail.com
Thank You
Thank you for participating in Ridge-Con’s Cosplay Contest! By registering or attending, you agree to abide by these rules and help maintain our fun, welcoming, and creative atmosphere. We look forward to seeing all of your incredible costumes on May 3!