General Rules for Cosplay Contests

This page presents the general rules applicable to cosplay contests organized by Cospop. It specifies the participation requirements, permitted categories, contest procedures, and rules to be followed by participants.

PART I – GENERAL INFORMATION

1. General Information and Important Notices

Participants are required to carefully read the entirety of these rules before registering or contacting the organizers.
In addition to complying with all laws and regulations in force in the relevant country, participants must pay particular attention to their own health and the health of others, and comply with the health recommendations and measures implemented by the event.

2. Permitted Categories

For the detailed list of permitted works and categories, please refer to the dedicated page available on our website.
This list applies exclusively to contests organized by Cospop.
For national or international contests, each competition has its own rules; participants are responsible for referring to the specific rules applicable to the relevant finals.

3. Organizers and Contact

Any questions regarding the contests may be sent to the organizers by email at cosplay@cospop.fr
The organizers may also be contacted via social media, particularly Instagram (cospopfr).
If no response is received, participants are invited to refer to these rules, which contain the answer to their question.

PART II – REGISTRATION AND PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

4. Registration

Registration must be completed exclusively online using the forms available on the Cospop website, on the page dedicated to the relevant event.
Any incomplete or non-compliant registration will not be taken into account and must be resubmitted in full.
An email confirming receipt of the registration will be sent within 24 hours (please check your spam folder before contacting the organizers).
An email confirming acceptance or rejection of the registration will be sent no later than 5 days after registration closes (please also check your spam folder).
No changes, particularly regarding the costume or submitted media, will be accepted once the registration has been validated.
A summary email containing all practical information will be sent 2 to 3 days before the event.

5. Registration Limits and Multiple Participation

A costume presented during one contest day may not be presented again during another contest day.
The organization reserves the right to refuse any registration that does not comply with these rules, particularly in the event of exceeding the maximum number of participants, overrepresentation of the same universe, or when the costume, character or performance contains elements that are nude, sexual, violent, vulgar, discriminatory, hateful, contrary to public order, safety, the image of the event, or applicable legislation.
Participants may take part in both solo and group contests, provided that they present a different costume for each appearance and are able to manage the costume change within the allotted time.
Rules regarding the reuse of a costume may vary depending on the contest. Each organizing association, as well as each national or international competition, applies its own rules. Participants are therefore responsible for finding out and checking, for each contest and each final, whether reuse of a costume is permitted.
For all other qualifications or selections, reuse of a costume is not permitted if it has already been presented or won an award at the final of a national or international competition

Presenting a costume that has already been used in another contest may be permitted in certain cases, depending on the rules of each competition. However, judges generally value original work, artistic progression and the specific creative investment put into the performance being presented. As such, a costume that has already been presented may be assessed differently when compared with an entirely new creation made specifically for the competition.

6. Participation Confirmation

Participants must confirm their presence at the Cospop booth on the day of the contest.
This confirmation must be completed before the time specified in the summary email sent 2 to 3 days before the event.

7. Access, Admission and Fast-Track Entry

Fast-track access arrangements, event admission conditions, and any benefits granted to participants may vary depending on the contest.
To find out the applicable conditions, participants should consult the page dedicated to the relevant contest or event.
All practical information and detailed arrangements will be specified in the organizer’s official communications.

8. Cancellations

Any cancellation of registration must be communicated by email to the organizer no later than 3 days before the event.
Otherwise, the participant may be refused participation in contests at the following edition.

PART III – GENERAL CONTEST RULES

9. Costumes, Props and Stage Elements

Any prop not declared in advance in the registration form will not be permitted on stage.
Handmade props are strongly encouraged.
Purchased props are permitted but will have an impact on the jury’s final score.

The organizers allow a maximum of the following stage elements:

one stage decoration element or prop that can be carried by two organizers in a single round trip, with a maximum weight of 10 kg and maximum dimensions of 2 m in length, 2 m in height and 1 m in depth;
props that are not installed by the organizers must be carried by the participants throughout their stage appearance (no additional round trip is permitted)

In addition:

The organizers may provide a maximum of one chair for solo performances and two chairs for group performances (to be requested on the registration form);
- A chair may be provided by the organizers in addition to the authorized prop or stage decoration. It is not considered an additional stage decoration provided by the participant and does not entitle the participant to an additional stage organizer.
No tables will be provided.

10. Prohibited Items and Restrictions

For safety reasons, the use of the following items is prohibited and may result in disqualification and/or legal proceedings:

bladed weapons: any offensive or sharp weapon made of iron or steel, such as daggers, swords, machetes, knives, bayonets, etc.;
firearms: any weapon that fires cartridges or explosive projectiles, such as rifles or pistols;
incendiary weapons: any device intended to set objects on fire or cause burns;
liquids: any liquid product, regardless of its composition; including water, beverages, soapy solutions, and soap bubbles;
any product likely to soil or damage the stage or venue: firecrackers, smoke bombs, flour, confetti, glitter, etc.;
smoke machines (see the exception mentioned below for small integrated systems).

Smoke machines are prohibited, with the exception of small smoke systems directly integrated into a costume or props.
Such systems may only be used if they have been declared in the registration form, together with a precise description of their operation and how they are integrated into the costume or props.
The participant must also proactively report to the event organizers upon arrival, in order to present the device and have its mechanism checked before it is used.

The following are also prohibited and may result in disqualification:

purchased costumes (except for specific exceptions):
only costumes made by the participant (and/or with the help of relatives or close friends) and presenting artistic value are accepted. If there is any doubt regarding a purchased costume that has been modified, participants should contact the organizing team;
any object, gesture or statement of a racist or pornographic nature;
any object, gesture or statement that provokes or encourages violence.

If any of these elements are identified during the contest, the participant may be immediately disqualified. If such facts are discovered after the performance or after the awards ceremony, they may also result in retroactive disqualification and withdrawal of any title awarded. Where applicable, this decision may be made public by the organizers in order to ensure transparency and fairness between participants.

11. Use of Assisted and Digital Production Tools

The use of assisted or automated production tools (3D printers, digital embroidery machines, laser or vinyl cutting machines, digital cutting machines, programmable lighting or lighting-effect systems, etc.) is permitted as part of the contest.

Regarding costumes and props, the contest primarily values the work actually carried out by the participant. This includes, in particular, the personal design or adaptation of the models or files used, proper use of the machines, settings and finishing work, as well as the coherent integration of the resulting elements into the costume.
The use of ready-made content, purchased content, content supplied by third parties, outsourced work or automatically generated content, without meaningful personal work, cannot be valued in the same way.
Participants must be able to provide, through their work-in-progress (WIP) documentation, evidence of their involvement in the project. They must also be able to demonstrate the origin of the files, patterns, models or digital resources used to create their costume or props.
The organizers or jury may request, at any stage of the selection or evaluation process, evidence demonstrating the creation, modification or legitimate acquisition of these resources (source files, work histories, screenshots, purchase licenses, etc.).

The jury takes into account the participant’s level of proficiency with these tools and the extent of human involvement in the final evaluation.

Any false declaration, deliberate concealment or fraudulent attribution of work carried out by a third party may result in disqualification from the contest. If this situation is discovered after the awards ceremony, it may also result in retroactive disqualification and withdrawal of any title awarded. Where applicable, this decision may be made public by the organizers in order to ensure transparency and fairness between participants.

12. Use of Digital Tools and Artificial Intelligence

The use of digital tools, including artificial intelligence tools, is permitted when they assist with design or preparation, provided that they do not replace the participant’s own work presented during the contest.

Regarding the costume, the contest primarily values the work actually carried out by the participant. Only elements genuinely designed, made, significantly modified or mastered by the participant are taken into account in the evaluation. Elements produced through automated generation or supplied by third parties, without meaningful personal work, cannot be valued in the same way.
Regarding the stage performance, the narrative and construction of the scene are evaluated through their execution on stage, their coherence and effectiveness, in connection with the participant’s actual creative involvement.
Regarding audio and video elements, content automatically generated by artificial intelligence tools (voices, dialogue, images, video sequences) cannot be valued in the same way as human creative work and may affect the evaluation.
Any use of artificial intelligence tools must be declared during registration and may affect the score.

The jury takes into account the participant’s level of proficiency with digital tools and the extent of human involvement in the final evaluation.

Any deliberate concealment of the use of artificial intelligence or automated generation tools may result in disqualification from the contest. If such concealment is discovered after the awards ceremony, it may also result in retroactive disqualification and withdrawal of any title awarded. Where applicable, this decision may be made public by the organizers in order to ensure transparency and fairness between participants.

PART IV – MEDIA, TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS AND STAGE

13. Médias requis et formats acceptés

The following elements must be provided:

Reference Images
One image, or preferably several high-quality images, showing the character(s) from head to toe.
A rear view of the costume is a plus for evaluation, as are detailed views of the props.
Please note: these must be images of the character(s) being portrayed, not photos of the participant.

Work-in-Progress (WIP) Photos
Minimum ten progress photos per costume, including props and stage decoration elements, except for authorized purchased costumes.

One audio file OR one video file, depending on the contest concerned.

14. Audio File

Format: MP3 or WAV only
Bitrate: minimum 256 kbps

Requierements:

normalized sound (no excessive clipping or sudden volume variations);
audible dialogue (sufficient quality, with music not covering the voices);
no vulgar, hateful or discriminatory statements;
the audio file must be edited in advance to comply with the allotted performance time.

Music: royalty-free music is preferred.

15. Video File

Format: MP4 only
Resolution / dimensions: minimum 720p, landscape format
Maximum file size: 500 MB

16. Audio and Video Requirements

The audio in the video must comply with the requirements stated above.
The sound must be directly integrated into the video file; no separate audio file will be accepted.
Links to YouTube, TikTok or any other video hosting platform are prohibited.

The video may be produced with the assistance of a third party; this assistance must be declared in the registration form.

Live performances are not permitted. No microphone will be provided to participants.

French subtitles are mandatory if the performance is in another language. Accepted formats: SRT, SSA or ASS only. The organizing team emphasizes the importance of correct spelling and will handle the integration of the subtitles.
In case of difficulty, participants are invited to contact the organizers.

The organizing association cannot be held responsible for the quality of the equipment available on site (sound, video, stage, etc.).

17. Helpers

The presence of an helper in the changing rooms and/or backstage must be approved by the organizing team during online registration (registration form). The organization reserves the right to assess the relevance of such assistance.

An helper may be authorized in particular in the following cases:

the participant is a minor;
the participant has a disability;
the costume requires the use of body paint;
the costume is particularly large or restrictive.

Helpers are not entitled to free admission.

They must remain discreet, limit their presence to strictly necessary moments, avoid staying unnecessarily in the changing rooms or backstage areas, and not obstruct circulation or the organization.

The organization reserves the right to restrict their access or ask them to leave the changing rooms, backstage areas or event in the event of inappropriate behavior or disruption of the proper running of the contest.

PART V – PRESENTATION AND RUNNING OF COSPLAY CONTESTS

Selection Method
First come, first served (provided the application is complete and error-free).

Catégories autorisées
Costumes based on pop-culture works with official references are permitted, in accordance with the rules defined by these regulations.

In case of doubt, participants are invited to consult the dedicated page on the website and then contact the organizers if the answer cannot be found there.

Specific Conditions

A performance is mandatory.
Participants who have received assistance in making their costume (from relatives, family or friends), who have extensively customized an existing costume, or who are using a purchased costume are not permitted to participate in this contest.
Stage assistants or “stage ninjas” are not permitted.

Age Limit
The contest is open to participants aged 16 and over.
Example of parental authorization: https://bit.ly/CP-Autorisation (download via File > Download or copy the document).

Performance Time

Solo: between 1 minute and a maximum of 1 minute 30 seconds
Group: between 1 minute 30 seconds and a maximum of 2 minutes 30 seconds
Groups of 8 participants or more: between 1 minute 30 seconds and a maximum of 3 minutes

PART VI – JUDGING AND AWARDS

18. Judging

Participants will be judged before or after the contest; the schedule will be communicated in the summary email.
The duration of each performance will also be indicated in the summary email.
Scores awarded, as well as the rest of the ranking, will remain confidential and may not be requested from jury members or organizers.

The judges evaluate costumes and performances based on the criteria detailed below. They place particular value on creations and performances specifically designed for the contest, as well as the artistic and creative investment of the participants. A costume or performance previously presented at another contest may be accepted when permitted by the applicable rules, but may be evaluated differently when compared with an entirely new creation or performance, or one that has been significantly reworked specifically for the event.

19. Judging Criteria

Costume Judging Criteria – 50 points

Difficulty and technical skill: 10 points (costume complexity, variety of techniques used, level of skill required)
Quality of sewing and construction: 15 points (finishing, durability, precision of assembly, overall neatness)
Choice of fabrics and materials: 10 points (relevance of the materials used in relation to the visual result, the character’s universe and stage constraints)
Resemblance: 10 points (faithfulness to the original design or consistency of the proposed reinterpretation)
Mobility: 5 points (ability to move, act and perform without excessive restriction)

Performance Judging Criteria – 50 points

Stage acting and role-play quality: 15 points (embodiment of the character, stage presence, expressiveness, physical and emotional commitment)
Structure, pacing and clarity of the performance: 10 points (scene structure, transitions, pacing, clarity of the story conveyed to the audience)
Faithfulness to the original work: 5 points (consistency with the original universe, character conventions, faithfulness or deliberate reinterpretation)
Technical production (audio and video): 10 points (sound quality, synchronization, management of audio/video supports, visual clarity)
Originality, creativity and use of stage decorations and props: 10 points (artistic relevance of the proposed ideas, highlighting of stage elements and personal creative contribution)

Specific Criteria for Group Performances

Costume consistency: 10 points (visual coherence between costumes, stylistic unity, consistency in finishing quality, respect for the shared universe, balance between group members)
Performance coherence and synchronization: 10 points (interaction between members, coordination of movements, clarity of the collective staging, rhythm and cohesion of the group on stage)

20. Awards Ceremony

The time of the awards ceremony will be announced at a later date. The number of awards may vary depending on the organizers, the contests and decisions made by the jury on site.

PARTIE VII – ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS

21. Changing Rooms

Changing rooms are accessible only to participants registered for the contest on the day of the event and authorized assistants, who must wear a wristband provided by the organizers when confirming their registration on site.
Access to the changing rooms will be controlled, but the inside of the changing rooms will not be monitored.
The organizers cannot be held responsible for theft occurring inside the changing rooms.
It is prohibited to soil the premises or use products or tools likely to damage the venue (aerosol cans, paint, cutters, wig cutting, etc.).
Any violation may result in immediate exclusion from the changing rooms and a ban from participating in any cosplay contest, without prejudice to any claims for damages that Cospop or the event may pursue.

Participants must clean and vacate the changing rooms at the time indicated by the organizers. Otherwise, their personal belongings will be taken to the lost and found.

22. Intellectual Property, Image Rights and Liability

By accepting these rules, each participant authorizes Cospop, the contest organizers, the event organizer and any media partners to use their image, voice and performance for photographic, video and audio purposes recorded during the event. These contents may be broadcast, reproduced or published on any communication medium (websites, social media, promotional materials, press, video recordings, event archives, etc.), without time limitation and without financial compensation.

23. Sanctions and Breaches of the Rules

Any participant found to be directly or indirectly responsible for acts of vandalism, theft, physical or verbal assault, shocking behavior or any similar act during the contest will be immediately and permanently disqualified, without prejudice to any civil or criminal proceedings that may be brought in accordance with applicable legislation.
It is strictly prohibited to disclose personal data, private information or confidential information concerning another participant, member of the organization, jury member or any third party.
Sanctions may be imposed by the jury and/or organizers, including after the contest, in the event of a serious breach of the rules or inappropriate behavior, particularly in cases of disrespect towards another participant, defamation, plagiarism, cheating or any action disrupting the proper running of the contest.
These sanctions may include, but are not limited to: disqualification, deduction of points, revision of rankings, and temporary or permanent bans from participation.

The information collected through registration forms is recorded in a computerized file by the Cospop association, which is the data controller.
This data is collected and processed on the basis of participants’ consent, for the organization, management and monitoring of cosplay contests and parades.
The data collected is intended exclusively for the Cospop association and is not shared with third parties, except where legally required or where necessary for the organization of the event.
Personal data is retained for a maximum period of 5 years from the date of collection.
In accordance with applicable personal data protection regulations, you have the following rights regarding your data: the right of access, the right to rectification, the right to erasure, and the right to restriction of processing.

To exercise these rights or for any questions regarding the processing of your personal data, you may contact the Cospop association.

25. Amendments to the Rules

The organizers reserve the right to amend these rules if circumstances require it or in the event of force majeure. Any amendment will be communicated to participants and will apply from the date of publication