Rules
NOTE:
-This is a revised set of rules, basically what is the most of importance. If you need anymore information please visit
The Official AWA Website
Rules Directed To Minors(all ages up to 17)
AWA's attendees are usually between the ages of 18 and 30. We encourage parental supervision for those who are younger.
For those who want to accompany their children around the convention, AWA Parent Passes will be available. An AWA Parent Pass is a single day admission for parents of paid AWA attendees up to 13 years old. If a parent will be with their child all three days of the con, they must purchase a three day membership. Parent Passes are available at Registration during the convention for $25.00/ day, and you will have to accompany your child in order to get your pass.
While AWA is known as a "Family Friendly" convention, our event is not geared towards very young children. Some of the animated titles presented at AWA contain mature content and may be considered too violent or offensive. Some late night video programming (after 12:00 am) will contain adult anime titles. Video rooms showing these titles will restrict minors from entering. Some retailers in the Dealers Room will also be selling adult titles. Retailers are bound by contract not to sell or display adult materials to minors.
Dress Code
AWA is a family friendly convention.
All costumes must be PG-13. If your Grandmother would not approve, we probably would not like it either.
Shoes of some kind must be worn. Bare feet are not allowed.
For potentially skimpy costumes, swimwear is a baseline but they must be full coverage (breasts and rear must be covered, nothing hanging out). Underwear is not a costume. Yes, thong bottoms are too skimpy. Breasts must be covered appropriately. No pasties, electrical tape, etc. Lum and Felicia costumes are a good guide. They are allowed as long as everything is fully covered.
Body paint alone is not a costume. All of the important areas must still be covered by a bikini of some kind (silicone covers as an example).
Shirtless men ARE allowed. Any local restaurants or businesses may require a shirt to be worn, so plan accordingly.
Masks CAN be worn in both the RenaissanceWaverly Hotel and the Cobb Galleria Centre (but outside the facilities, you are on your own).
The following are due to safety reasons:
No stilts on the second floor of the Waverly or Galleria.
No roller skates/blades please.
No leashes, chains, tow ropes, etc. Two people should not be connected by any such chain while moving through the convention. It is allowed for photoshoots, but not while walking around the show. This is not a judgment on anyone's lifestyle choices or against personal freedoms. It's a public safety issue. Loose chains are not allowed under our Weapons policy regardless.
The Events director (and his assistants) are to make final decisions regarding the appropriateness of a costume. If it is a question of decency, they may get second/third opinions to insure fairness for all parties.
Weapons Policy
The AWA Weapons Policy allows attendees in costume to wear weapons freely at the convention areas (the Renaissance Waverly Hotel and the Cobb Galleria Centre).
Real Weapons
(Swords, knives, throwing stars)
NO LIVE STEEL! Metallic weapons such as swords, knives, daggers, and bayonets are prohibited in the Convention area. This includes sheathed swords. Whips and loose metal chains are not allowed. Dealers can sell weapons only through mail order and can bring them to the Dealers room only as display items. Chains attached to clothing must not drag to the ground. Non-metal chains (foam, plastic) will be allowed.
Practice swords (wooden and plastic) are allowed.
(Guns and Firing weapons) no guns of any kind are allowed. This includes and is not limited to pellet guns, water guns, BB guns, dart guns, blowguns, or water pistols. Silly String is considered a firing weapon. Real and replica (made exactly like) guns, tasers, and stun guns are prohibited. Exceptions will be prop guns or resin models that can be identified from a distance as a toy. Said items cannot possess any moving parts and are clearly marked. Crossbows and bows are allowed only if they are non- firing and/or unstrung.
Prop Weapons
Prop weapons made of cardboard, foam, cloth or wood that are non-metallic (guns, swords, knives) are allowed. Non-weapon props such as cooking utensils, plush items and (non-metallic) sporting goods are allowed. Unrealistic props such as huge guns, swords, rayguns, and blasters are OK. Sword handles attached to sheathes are permitted.
Weapons will be checked on a case by case basis. Weapons that look too realistic (and follow the policy) will be peace bound with a ribbon.
