372 replies to this topic

[HannahL]

Okay, although it's a bit early, I'm starting a new weapon's policy for next year (2011). Until I'm told by the powers-that-be otherwise, the rules should be the same as last year:

DIMENSIONS FOR ALL WEAPONS:
1. Under 7 ft
2. Under 15 lbs (and I WILL be bringing a scale next time)
3. The ONLY place metal is allowed is in the handle (i.e. metal-handled lightsaber)

SPECIFIC ITEMS:

GUNS:
1. Any an all projectile weapons CANNOT have been capable of shooting ANYthing and ANYtime, no matter what the current condition. These include, but certainly not limited to: AIRSOFTS, pellet guns, bb guns, rubberband guns, NERF guns, etc...
- The ONLY exception to this is for emptied waterguns.

FUTURISTIC GUNS:
1. If the silhouette looks like a futuristic gun, then it's all right.

REALISTIC GUNS:
All realistic looking guns MUST follow the following criteria:
1. Cannot be a real gun
2. Must be PAINTED or TAPED (see FAQ for more details) approximately 50% of the following colors, either singlely or in some kind of pattern:
________a. white
________b. bright red
________c. bright orange
________d. bright yellow
________e. bright green
________f. bright blue
________g. bright pink
________h. bright purple
________i. or transparent
3. By "realistic," I include the following: modern guns, antique guns, all-wood guns/rifles, steam-punky guns (depending on the color and amount of steam-punkery added), etc...

Examples of realisitc guns: Yoko Ritona's gun from Gurren Lagann.

Note: for those of you thinking "But..." or "It looks horrible" or "It doesn't go with my outfit," this is California Law (http://ag.ca.gov/fir.../dwcl/12551.php). There's also additional information thanks to BryantQ ( http://community.ani...89 )
For those of you saying "But they sell all black [insert gun] in the dealer's hall," the ones in the dealer's hall is for private use in a private setting. As long as you're on the convention center's grounds, either keep it in the box it came in, put it in bag check, in your car, or hotel.
And lastly, for those of saying "But [insert convention] doesn't have that kind of policy," we are not [insert convention] nor is [insert convention] us. Additionally, I would ask you to actually read the weapons policy of other conventions. You will see that we are more allow some things [insert convention] doesn't allow and vis versa.


SWORDS/BLADES
1. All swords must be BLUNT (i.e. not sharp). In otherwords, if I can open a letter with it, it's too sharp.
2. NO LIVE STEEL. AT ALL. "Live steel" is any metal sharpened to the point where it can cut.

METAL SWORDS/BLADES:
1. Must have a sheath.
________a. Sheath must have some kind of anchor (i.e. a hole) on both the sword and sheath that can allow for zipties to be tied from the sheath to the sword.
___________Example: Bleach character Urahara's sword Benihime: has no anchor on the sheath. Solution: Drill a hole (wide enough for a zip tie to pass through).
___________Example: Naruto Shippuden character Sasuke's sword: it has no anchor on the sheath AND sword. Unless you can find a way to drill holes in the sheath AND sword, just get the wooden one.
2. Swords cannot be taken out of sheath on convention grounds (except in some cases of Masquerade performers, etc...)
3. NO LIVE STEEL AT ALL!!

NON-METAL SWORDS/BLADES:
1. As long as it's not sharp, you're good to go.

NOTE: There is a reason I have "NO LIVE STEEL" down three times.
These also apply to things like kunai, shuriken, knives, or any other sharp object.
The only thing that is completely banned that are (metal) throwing knives, which are illegal in Los Angeles.


INCENDIARY DEVICES:
1. Cannot be metal
2. Must have safety colors
3. Preferably hollowed out (for items like dynamite sticks) and/or light


SPORTS EQUIPMENT:
1. Bats
________a. Any and ALL bats cannot be made of metal or wood
2. Golf clubs
________a. Cannot be made of metal or wood - bring plastic ones


KITCHEN EQUIPMENT:
1. Non-sharp equipment (example: wooden spoons, frying pans, etc...)
________a. Cannot be made of metal
2. Sharp equipment (example: knives, graters, etc...)
________a. They are not allowed.


NON POWER TOOLS:
1. Cannot be made of metal (preferably, because we use tools during the convention and that would just seem hypocritical)
________a. If we get a whisper of a words that someone is using non-power tools in an irresponsible way (i.e. acting like a no0b) we can add them to the banned list.


OTHER WEAPONS/STUFF:
1. Boomerangs
________a. Cannot be a real boomerang
2. Bow and/or arrows:
________a. Cannot be a real bow and/or arrow
________b. Arrow must have a blunt tip
________c. Bow must be unstrung or have low-tensile thread, string, etc...
3. Canes
________a. If it's a medical cane: nothing is needed
________b. All other types of canes: it cannot be metal

4. Chains
________a. If the chain is metal, it must be 12 inches and under and no more than 1 inch thick.
________b. If the chain is not metal, under a reasonable length so that it doesn't pose a fire hazard or cause other people to trip (post questions about this)
5. Flagpoles
________a. Cannot be metal
6. Staffs
________a. Cannot be metal


THINGS THAT YOU MIGHT WANT TO GET PEACEBONDED ANYWAY EVEN IF YOU DON'T NEED IT (technically) SO YOU DON'T GET STOPPED:
1. Giant fans
2. Sword umbrellas
3. Kitchen equipment (minus a few restrictions; see above)
4. Sports equipment (minus a few restrictions; see above)
5. Musical instruments

THINGS THAT YOU DON'T NEED TO GET PEACEBONDED
1. Musical instruments
2. Sports equipments that do are not included in the sports equipment section


BANNED WEAPONS/STUFF:
1. Paddles (those used in corporal punishment): includes but certainly not limited to yaoi/yuri paddles
2. Airsofts
3. Any projectile weaponsa. Guns: only emptied waterguns are allowedb. Bows: cannot be strung or must use a low tensile-strength length ofsomething (like yarn)
4. Working weapons
5. Martial arts weapons used for martial arts purposes
a. This includes things like nunchucks, escrema sticks, etc...
6. Power tools
7. Signsa. signs with words (English, foreign, or otherwise) are banned includingbut not limited to solicitations (i.e. "Yaoi for $$$") or other general signs((i.e. "Rawr means I love you in dinosaur")
8. Costumes that may be confused with LOCAL law enforement or emergency personnel
9. Handcuffs when handcuffed to another person
10. Stilts
11. All-metal keyblades b/c it has metal other than the handle and no sheath


(Will update as soon as school dies down)
Please do point out any grammatical/spelling errors or clarifications.
11/12/2010 - added #3 under "DIMENSIONS FOR ALL WEAPONS"; added specific examples for guns; banned weapons; added gun info thanks to BryantQ; added "INCENDIARY DEVICES"; added "BANNED WEAPONS"; added "THINGS THAT YOU MIGHT WANT TO GET PEACEBONDED ANYWAY EVEN IF YOU DON'T NEED IT..."; added "OTHER WEAPONS/STUFF"; added "SPORTS EQUIPMENT"; added "KITCHEN EQUIPMENT"; added "NON POWER TOOLS"
11/17/2010 - added 1-inch width to metal chain restriction.
1/5/2010 - added all metal keyblades to list of banned/restricted weapons
1/9/2011 - added "THINGS THAT DON'T NEED TO BE PEACEBONDED"
6/11/2012 - included tape as a medium for meeting safety requirements on prop guns

Edited by HannahL, 11 June 2012 - 08:56 AM.

[HannahL]

FAQs

What is peace bonding?
Peace bonding means that you, the attendee, shows visible proof that a prop weapon meets with the Anime Expo’s⮠weapons policy. What that means for you is that you must head to the peace bonding stations in order to get you prop weapon peace bonded (i.e. we tie a zip tie around your prop)

Can I peace bond my own prop?
No.

What is live steel?
Live steel is any metal sharpened that can cut. For metal swords, the blade must be as blunt as spoon.

Where can I put my weapon if I do not have a car or a hotel room (that's not approved)?
At the bag check in West Hall. There is a fee so be forewarned and prepare ahead

But XYZ convention allowed my prop weapon, why not here?
XYZ convention is not Anime Expoâ® and Anime Expoâ® is not XYZ convention. We allow some things XYZ does not allow and vice versa.

I have a realistic looking gun but it looks terrible with the safety colors. Can’t you just let it go?
No. Anime Expo â® will comply with California regulations regarding safety colors. You may either paint on the colors or adhere the color with colored tape (such as Duct tape) [This means that you have to get something that has a strong stickiness like Duct tape or gaffer's tape in the safety color that you tape onto your prop. Painters tape, scotch tape that's been colored with marker is not what this {<-} refers to]. Having bits of colored paper and taping them on with something similar to scotch tape is NOT allowed.

Where is the peacebonding tables?
TBA but usually somewhere in South Hall and at Convention HQ

Can I take my prop to the main events hall?
As long as it's small (i.e. able to fit inside a bag) and not in anyone's way. This is so that the prop doesn't pose a fire hazard problem.

I just bought this at the dealer's hall, is it okay?
Look through the weapons policy and if it complies, then come to the peacebonding stations to get it approved (if you want to carry it). Otherwise, leave it in the original package and/or bag.

For at con people who come to the peacebonding station: Where's ABC workshop/panel/room/gathering/etc...?
I don't know. Maybe, if you're really lucky, I'll print out a gathering scedule, as long as there are no changes from when I print it, I'll tell you. Otherwise, ask info.

What's changed in the policy from last year?
Nothing so far

(Not exactly a question but...) I'm mock fighting/brandishing/doing-things-I-shouldn't-be-doing-because-I'm-a-no0b-or-didn't-read-the-code-of-conduct-or-some-other-reason. Look at meeee!
Stop that. I'll only give you so many warnings before I pull your badge.

What are the rules for weapons participating in Masquerade?
This only applies to the Main Masquerade, other masquerades (like chibi masquerade) follows the general weapons policy: If you're a participant in Main Masquerade, then all you have to worry is that the prop in question is not live steel, not a real gun, and doesn't hurt others.


What about whips?
Whips like Indiana Jones (bullwhips) are not allowed; ones shaped like horse whips (like Ciel from Kuroshitsuji) are allowed.


FAQs added 1/9/2011
Added clarification on whips 6/20/2011

Edited by HannahL, 11 June 2012 - 08:54 AM.

[UltraChao77]

I have a little toy pistol that has an orange tip and doesn't fire any sort of projectile. It also looks considerably different than most modern pistols. Could I bring that to the Expo?

[HannahL]

I have a little toy pistol that has an orange tip and doesn't fire any sort of projectile. It also looks considerably different than most modern pistols. Could I bring that to the Expo?

For guns, the only was that the orange tip will be all right is if it looks futuristic (like a Star Trek phaser). Anything else that looks like a gun (including old-timey/antique guns) are a no.

Post a picture so that I can see, though.

[Darius]

I have a wooden Bankai Blade for my Ichigo cosplay is that good?

[HannahL]

I have a wooden Bankai Blade for my Ichigo cosplay is that good?

yes, wood is all right and you don't even need a sheath for it. (just make sure it's not pointy)

[o0Sakura0o]

for the gun thing...would Yoko Littner's/Riton's gun be ok? It looks NOWHERE near realisitc I'm sure XD it's as big as her herself and it has pink stripes on the pistol? part and then she has yellow stripes on the end of the gun. and none of it will be metal. I'm going to try and make it out of a special type of insulation board stuff and plastic bottles and glue.

Edited by o0Sakura0o, 12 November 2010 - 03:39 PM.

[HannahL]

for the gun thing...would Yoko Littner's/Riton's gun be ok? It looks NOWHERE near realisitc I'm sure XD it's as big as her herself and it has pink stripes on the pistol? part and then she has yellow stripes on the end of the gun. and none of it will be metal. I'm going to try and make it out of a special type of insulation board stuff and plastic bottles and glue.

The thing is, Yoko's gun is modeled after a barett m82 witch is 57 inches (or about 4.75 ft). Yoko herself (from what I can gather) is about 5.25ft. That means that for the "real" Yoko, there's a difference of about 1 ft between the height of a real barett m82 and Yoko's gun. Or, in other words, it's not that oversized.

Now, I agree that the pink stripes on the barrel of the gun and the yellow stripes on the butt is a good start but I would also add color to the rest of the gun itself. Follow this link: http://www.thesavepo...y-yoko-edition/ The only one that would meet with the weapons policy is the last one, the one that's painted blue - however, it would have to be a brighter blue to conform with California state law. The first one that looks to have a pink stripe (which is something you can do - painting the rest of the gun in a bright color like that) is actually the pink stripe of the shoulder strap.

tl:dr it falls under the realistic gun category

Edited by HannahL, 12 November 2010 - 09:56 PM.

[ElizabethW]

4. Chains
________a. If the chain is metal, it must be 12 inches and under.
________b. If the chain is not metal, under a reasonable length so that it doesn't pose a fire hazard or cause other people to trip (post questions about this)

like 12 inches long? is that loosely hanging chains? What if the chain is from the waist to the wrists?

[HannahL]

like 12 inches long? is that loosely hanging chains? What if the chain is from the waist to the wrists?

I don't think you're asking about the metal chains so I'm going to answer under the presumption that you're wondering about the non-metal chains.

About 12 inches long is great for a non-metal chain. Yes, I do mean loosely hanging. a chain that's from YOUR waist to YOUR wrist is fine, just don't go attaching it to someone else.

(And I modified the metal chain requirement to include the 1-inch thick part.)

[ElizabethW]

I don't think you're asking about the metal chains so I'm going to answer under the presumption that you're wondering about the non-metal chains.

About 12 inches long is great for a non-metal chain. Yes, I do mean loosely hanging. a chain that's from YOUR waist to YOUR wrist is fine, just don't go attaching it to someone else.

(And I modified the metal chain requirement to include the 1-inch thick part.)

I'm actually having a hard time finding non-metal chains that are in small enough links for the character's outfit... So I was kind of curious if metal ones that are attached from the waist to the wrists are allowed. I'm not done looking or anything I just want to know in case I absolutely can not find anything. Just as a precaution ya know?

[HannahL]

I'm actually having a hard time finding non-metal chains that are in small enough links for the character's outfit... So I was kind of curious if metal ones that are attached from the waist to the wrists are allowed. I'm not done looking or anything I just want to know in case I absolutely can not find anything. Just as a precaution ya know?

Do you have a picture or a description of the character? The thing is, on costumes or for regualar clothing accessories (like wallet chains), we really don't have the chain length requirement and I don't know if what you're describing is for a prop weapon or just the costume.

[ElizabethW]

Do you have a picture or a description of the character? The thing is, on costumes or for regualar clothing accessories (like wallet chains), we really don't have the chain length requirement and I don't know if what you're describing is for a prop weapon or just the costume.

I'm sorry >.< It's part of the costume. I just assumed I'd ask something like this here...



The belt area and the chains to her wrists are what I'm talking about. I now am kind of curious if I can use jewelry grade chain for it seeing it's so light weight and such. I know I can't compare your rules to another convention so I'm trying to find a middle ground between AX and Fanime. They said I can use jewelry grade but I want to make sure I can for you guys too.

[HannahL]

I'm sorry >.< It's part of the costume. I just assumed I'd ask something like this here...

The belt area and the chains to her wrists are what I'm talking about. I now am kind of curious if I can use jewelry grade chain for it seeing it's so light weight and such. I know I can't compare your rules to another convention so I'm trying to find a middle ground between AX and Fanime. They said I can use jewelry grade but I want to make sure I can for you guys too.

Oh, them something like this would fall under the costume category and not the weapons policy so the chains wouldn't apply. Or rather, they wouldn't apply as much. As long as you keep the chains in this case not overly so (i.e. not dragging on the floor, maybe about a foot off the floor when you have you arms down) and the chains aren't too heavy (so don't only will you save yourself the trouble of carrying something heavy with you but not pose too much of a danger to others - I would keep the chains about 1 inch thick) then your costume will be fine.

Do this help?

Edited by HannahL, 18 November 2010 - 11:19 PM.

[ElizabethW]

Oh, them something like this would fall under the costume category and not the weapons policy so the chains wouldn't apply. Or rather, they wouldn't apply as much. As long as you keep the chains in this case not overly so (i.e. not dragging on the floor, maybe about a foot off the floor when you have you arms down) and the chains aren't too heavy (so don't only will you save yourself the trouble of carrying something heavy with you but not pose too much of a danger to others - I would keep the chains about 1 inch thick) then your costume will be fine.

Do this help?

Yes that helps a lot! I wasn't sure if it was or wasn't categorized under here, but thank you ^__^

[JMV321]

I gotta question if airsoft was banned back in '10 and still is then how did these guys get the yellow tags for their airsofts?

[HannahL]

I gotta question if airsoft was banned back in '10 and still is then how did these guys get the yellow tags for their airsofts?

I didn't see any zipties on them. And, unfortunately, the peacebonding station was put somewhere where it wasn't really visible. Adding to that that we really didn't have a lot of manpower and there's always people that try to get around the airsoft ban (because we couldn't see them period), that could be why people carried airsoft even though they weren't suppose to. (For example, we've always had (for as long as I've been with AX) a no live steel pollicy and there was a guy with a freaking machete! In this case, the LACC security caught him before any of the AX staff.) And, even though AX2010's zipties were "green", well, let's just say they were not green enough that they looked yellow. It really annoyed everyone when we found out how not-green they were, so it could also be that some people just bought some yellow zipties and though "Hey, they used the same colors for the past three years, maybe they'll do it again!" Rest assured, we won't be doing it again.

[JMV321]

I didn't see any zipties on them. And, unfortunately, the peacebonding station was put somewhere where it wasn't really visible. Adding to that that we really didn't have a lot of manpower and there's always people that try to get around the airsoft ban (because we couldn't see them period), that could be why people carried airsoft even though they weren't suppose to. (For example, we've always had (for as long as I've been with AX) a no live steel pollicy and there was a guy with a freaking machete! In this case, the LACC security caught him before any of the AX staff.) And, even though AX2010's zipties were "green", well, let's just say they were not green enough that they looked yellow. It really annoyed everyone when we found out how not-green they were, so it could also be that some people just bought some yellow zipties and though "Hey, they used the same colors for the past three years, maybe they'll do it again!" Rest assured, we won't be doing it again.

Alright airsoft is out for me.... D: How about this? http://www.amazon.co...90295198&sr=8-2

[HannahL]

Alright airsoft is out for me.... D: How about this? http://www.amazon.co...90295198&sr=8-2

That is a no. One of the stipulations for costumes is that it cannot be confused with local law enforcement. I don't know what your costume is going to look like but LAPD uses a anti-riot shield that only has "POLICE" written on it and, as such, you cannot have a anti-riot shield that only has "POLICE" written on it. If it was something like "RPD" or other words, I would be fine with it.

[JMV321]

That is a no. One of the stipulations for costumes is that it cannot be confused with local law enforcement. I don't know what your costume is going to look like but LAPD uses a anti-riot shield that only has "POLICE" written on it and, as such, you cannot have a anti-riot shield that only has "POLICE" written on it. If it was something like "RPD" or other words, I would be fine with it.

Yeah, I was planning to spray paint UBSC over the world police... Tyvm for you quick response....