• Registration and check-in will take place onsite during NCA Expo.
• Contestants must register in person and receive a contestant number before participating.
• Registration will close 30 minutes before the contest begins or when all available spaces have been filled.
• Contestants must report to the designated staging area when instructed. Missing contestant roll call may result in removal from the contest.
• Each contestant may enter only once.
• Registration does not guarantee participation if the contest reaches capacity.

• The contest is open to all ages and experience levels.
• Contestants under 18 must register with a parent or legal guardian. That adult must remain with the child throughout check-in, staging, the contest, and the awards ceremony.
• Judges, contest staff, and members of their immediate households may not compete.
• Cosplay from video games, anime, comics, movies, television, books, tabletop games, and original characters are welcome.
• Handmade, altered, commissioned, and store-bought costumes may participate. Contestants must be honest with judges about which portions of the costume they personally created or modified.
• Contestants presenting an original character should be prepared to briefly explain the character and design concept.

NCA Expo is an all-ages event held inside a public library. All costumes must be family-friendly and appropriate for a PG-13 audience.

Costumes may not include:

• Nudity, excessively revealing clothing, or body paint alone as clothing.
• Sexually explicit imagery or gestures.
• Profanity, hate symbols, discriminatory imagery, or content intended to harass or intimidate others.
• Excessively graphic gore or disturbing imagery.
• Materials that could damage library property or leave a mess, including loose glitter, confetti, liquids, fake blood, powders, aerosols, or strong-smelling chemicals.
• Open flames, smoke effects, fog machines, or pyrotechnics.
• Safe footwear or protective foot coverings must be worn. 
• Costumes must allow contestants to move safely and may not block aisles, doors, exits, or other guests. 
• Contestants with oversized costumes may be required to have a handler.

All costume props must be presented for inspection during check-in. NCA Expo staff may approve, restrict, or reject any prop considered unsafe or inappropriate for the venue.

The following are prohibited as part of a costume or contest entry:

• Real firearms, ammunition, or functional weapons of any kind.
• Metal blades, sharpened objects, or props with sharp edges or points.
• Airsoft, BB, paintball, pellet, or projectile-firing devices.
• Working bows, crossbows, slingshots, or any item capable of launching a projectile.
• Explosives, fireworks, flammable materials, lasers, or electrical-shock devices.
• Props that could reasonably be mistaken for a functioning firearm may be refused.

Acceptable props should be lightweight and constructed from materials such as foam, cardboard, or safe plastic. Props must remain under the contestant’s control and may not be swung, thrown, pointed at guests, or used to make unwanted physical contact.

NCA Expo and library staff will not store prohibited items. Contestants must remove rejected props from the event area before participating.

Contestants must treat guests, judges, staff, volunteers, and other contestants respectfully. Harassment, threats, slurs, unwanted physical contact, or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.

• Each contestant will receive up to 60 seconds to walk, pose, and present their cosplay.
• Unless approved by contest staff beforehand, presentations should be limited to a walk-and-pose format rather than a full skit.
• Any approved music, dialogue, or performance material must remain PG-13 and family-friendly.
• Contestants may not jump from the stage, climb event equipment, perform unsafe acrobatics, throw props, release materials, or imitate combat near another person.
• Props may not be used to strike the stage, furniture, walls, or library property.
• Contestants must remain within the designated presentation area and follow directions from the emcee and stage staff.
• Staff may pause or end a presentation immediately if it becomes unsafe or inappropriate.

Reasonable accessibility accommodations will be provided whenever possible. Contestants needing assistance should speak with staff during check-in.

Contestants will be evaluated using the following criteria:

• Overall Costume and Visual Impact = 25 points
• Craftsmanship and Customization = 25 points
• Creativity and Interpretation = 20 points
• Character Accuracy or Strength of Concept = 15 points
• Stage Presence and Character Portrayal = 15 points

Judges may ask contestants about their materials, construction methods, modifications, and creative decisions. Purchased or commissioned costumes are welcome, but craftsmanship points will be based on work completed by the contestant.

Original characters will be judged on the clarity, creativity, and consistency of their concept rather than accuracy to an existing reference.

Contestants will not be judged on body type, race, gender, disability, or physical resemblance to the character.

• The Best Overall Cosplay winner will receive a $100 prize & Runner up will get $50 prize.
• Additional awards or recognitions may be announced during the event.
• Winners must be present during the awards ceremony unless prior arrangements have been approved by contest staff.
• If a prize winner is a minor, NCA Expo may require acknowledgment from a parent or legal guardian before releasing the prize.
• Prizes are awarded to the registered contestant and may not be transferred to another contestant.

A contestant may be disqualified for violating these rules or library policies:

• Failing to follow instructions from judges, staff, security, or library personnel.
• Providing false information about costume construction.
• Entering with an unsafe or unapproved prop.
• Harassing another person or intentionally disrupting the contest.
• Damaging event equipment or library property.
• Displaying inappropriate, threatening, or dangerous behavior.

NCA Expo staff may remove a contestant or prop at any time when necessary to protect attendees, staff, or library property.

All judging scores, tie-breaking decisions, disqualifications, and prize decisions are final. NCA Expo reserves the right to adjust these rules when required for safety, accessibility, or compliance with venue policies. Any significant changes will be announced before the contest begins.