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Props and Weapons Policy
General
Props, Prop Weapons and Replica Weapons used as props must be carried in a safe manner that will not endanger or alarm other convention attendees. Violation of this rule may subject the attendee to charges of disorderly conduct and/or weapons charges under Texas Penal Code Chapter 42 and Chapter 46.
Notwithstanding any other regulation or instruction; A-Kon, Inc. and their designated representatives reserve the right to disallow any prop or replica weapon at their discretion. Refusal to comply with said instruction will be cause for removal from the convention.
Attending A-Kon or any of its activities serves as notice that the attendee has read and agrees to abide by all policies and instructions as given. It is further understood that the attendee assumes all responsibility for complying with any law or legal restriction imposed by the City of Dallas, any venue or the staff of A-Kon.
FIREARMS
Prop, Curio, Replica and Toy Firearms
No functioning curio, replica or toy capable of firing a projectile, explosive cap or blank cartridge will be allowed unless the action or mechanism is disabled.
Airsoft, Nerf and Paintball weapons must be disabled and no air puffs or other discharge should be detected on testing.
Tampering with any toy or replica weapon with the intent or the appearance of intent to restore functionality is grounds for removal from the convention.
It is ILLEGAL to black out or remove a blaze orange tip from any toy or replica weapon so equipped.
Prop, model or replica firearms, once approved, must remain holstered, slung or stowed unless posing for pictures or in cosplay events.
Under NO circumstances may any prop, toy or replica firearm be pointed at attendees or A-Kon staff. Violators are subject to charges of “Disorderly Conduct” under TPC 42.01(8).
Carry of Firearms with LTC
The Carry of Firearms Under the Authority of an LTC Has the Following Restrictions:
No open carry of a handgun (or long gun) is permitted.
Any weapon carried under authority of your LTC must be concealed.
Failing to follow this provision can result in removal from the convention or charges of disorderly conduct by the Dallas Marshals or Dallas Police Department.
Realistic prop handguns must be cleared at the nearest weapons check station.
It is the responsibility of the LTC holder to follow all laws and to obey all lawful postings.
It is understood that “realistic” prop, model, curio, replica or toy firearms are subject to inspection at the discretion of A-Kon Staff or law enforcement whether or not it has been previously approved.
Props and Prop Weapons Overview
Props are defined as any item carried as part of a cosplay not designed to represent a weapon and carried as an augmentation to the costume.
Prop weapons are inert items that are designed to appear as a weapon either fantastic or realistic. Prop weapons do not include actual weapons whether or not they are authorized or peace bonded.
Staffs, canes, shepherd hooks or any pole type props must be carried in a vertical position whenever moving through any convention space.
If posing for photos or in Cosplay Events it is the responsibility of the attendee to ensure there is ample room to safely execute the pose.
Oversized props MAY be directed to weapons check at the discretion of A-Kon staff to ensure the attendee understands safe handling practices and/or has a party member to act as lookout.
Abrupt edges or points on rigid or semi rigid props need to be rounded either by shaping or the addition of some type of point covering.
Prop Arrows and Bolts must not have any type of rigid or sharpened head and should not be nocked (placed on string as if to fire).
Bows must be carried either unstrung or with the bow string peace tied to prevent drawing.
Crossbows must be unstrung OR have the Nut (Rolling Release), Retention Spring or Latch removed AND be peace tied to prevent drawing of the string.
NO bubble guns permitted. Many guests are dangerously allergic to the chemicals in soap bubbles and many other fluids.
Squirt guns must be empty and the trigger disabled (bound).
Bladed Weapons
Metallic, ceramic or otherwise rigid shuriken, other throwing blade, chain whips, et al can only be used with cosplay if affixed to the costume or armor in such a manner as to not be readily removed.
No exposed points or edges are allowed if a chance for incidental contact exists.
Replicas (foam rubber, plastic, etc.) may be carried without affixing to costume.
Displays of skill or flourishes will result in a minimum of removal from the show and may result in charges of disorderly conduct or worse.
“Live Steel” – Swords, Daggers, Battle Axes and Knives, used as part of a costume, must be sheathed AND peace tied.
Removal of the weapon from the sheath (or the carry of an unsheathed weapon in this category) is dangerous and will be cause for removal from the show and/or charges under the Texas Penal Code for disorderly conduct or “carrying in a manner calculated to alarm”.
Approval to carry any steel weapon as part of a cosplay is solely at the discretion of A-Kon, A-Kon’s First Responders and designated staff. ANY weapon may be denied for any reason.
ALL realistic or “live steel” weapons must be inspected at weapons check stations and have a “safe” tag affixed. It is the responsibility of all attendees to go to a weapons check station immediately anytime law enforcement or A-Kon personnel direct them to do so.
All prop bladed weapons must remain sheathed or belted except for allowed posing and cosplay events.
Any posing must be conducted in a safe and courteous manner to be allowed.
Any wielding or handling other than posing or in cosplay events will cause for removal from A-Kon and/or charges of disorderly conduct where appropriate.
No metal spears or halberds are allowed in the convention space, they will be permitted in authorized posing areas during official posing sessions only.
Steel and replica weapons purchased at the convention must remain packaged until brought to a weapons check station for inspection and peace bonding.
Designated locations and times MAY be established where the posing with weapons for photography will be permitted; provided that First Responders are present to supervise the removal of peace ties and insure that the peace ties are re-established prior to leaving the area.
Blunt Force Prop Weapons
A “club” is defined as, “an instrument that is specially designed, made, or adapted for the purpose of inflicting serious bodily injury or death by striking a person”. Examples from Texas Penal Code 46.01 include:
Nightstick Black Jack Mace (Nunchaku, Flail, Morning Star, etc.)
Tomahawk (Battle Axes, Indian Club, etc.)
Carrying a club or any blunt force weapons as described is illegal and WILL NOT be allowed into the convention under ANY circumstances.
Prop, foam, practice and lightweight replicas will be allowed provided:
They remain sheathed, belted or stowed when moving through any convention space.
Any posing/cosplay participation is conducted safely and courteously.
Any such weapons purchased at the convention must remain packaged and be transported to your room or vehicle without delay.
Any flourishes or wielding of prop blunt force weapons is cause for removal from the convention and/or subject to charges of disorderly conduct under Texas Penal Code – Chapter 42.
Weapons Check
Weapons check stations will be situated in various locations throughout the convention space. Ask any staff member and they will direct you to the closest one. You are required to go to weapons check if your costume includes any of the mandatory items or at the discretion of First Responders, an A-Kon official or their designee.
MANDATORY Check Items Include:
Realistic or formerly functioning prop, replica or toy firearms.
Metal swords, bladed or rigid (heavy) weapons.
Bows that are carried strung and (nonfunctioning) crossbows.
ANY replica, practice or foam blunt force weapons including bats, Nightsticks, Nunchaku, Mace, Chain Whip et al.
ANY prop that First Responders or A-Kon Officials determine needs to be checked.
Items NOT Requiring Mandatory Checks Include:
Walking and Mage Staffs, Shepherd Crooks or Canes.
Obviously fantasy based, inert or harmless props, weapons and firearms.
Training and Practice Firearms (Solid polymer and/or colored models).
Sports equipment carried as part of a cosplay.
ANY Prop or Weapon may be subjected to weapons check at the discretion of A-Kon Staff or law enforcement personnel.