Anime Revolution 2012 Weapons Policies Draft IS UP!!!

[Sgt_Superhero]

Hello Everyone!!!

I am pleased to announce that I have written and uploaded the "Anime Revolution 2012 Weapons Policies, Rules and Regulations Draft" This is a Draft that is currently in the process of being reviewed and approved.

Please have a look and if you have any questions, comments or concerns, please post them below and Senior AST Members or I, will get back to you as soon as possible.

Thank you and Enjoy!

Regards,

"Sgt."

[redsox-kun]

I actually have a question and a legitimate one. Who f***ing knew hey?

So I noticed that in the policies, you make it known that collars are strictly forbidden from the convention. While I get that there is a potential for some crazy b***h to yank on some dues chain (giggity) and choke him, I seriously doubt that anyone who is at all interested in wearing a collar is going to read up about it in the weapons policy before they arrive at AR. Like it or not, collars and handcuffs are technically not weapons so I don't really know who is going to read that but anyways....

1. Can I wear a collar with a chain provided the chain is attached to my wallet so no weirdo otaku try to steal my wallet? My original intend for my wallet chain was to have it attached to my jeans but when I went to home depot to get the chain, i cut it too long so now it goes around my neck for a cool collar like thing i dunno. can i wear this if its attached to myself and no one yanks it?

2. If I have a service dog, can it still have a collar and leash? Like I don't know if people who need a service dog can walk with it without a leash and technically its a pet and you mentioned pets in the document. i dunno, its a legit question, i dont think you want dogs taking poops everywhere because they don't have a leash

3. you mention explosives quite a bit, like grenades. are flash bangs banned from the convention too? I know its technically a grenade but isn't gonna set anything on fire and i really would love to potentially use it on stage at cosplay so I can escape quickly like a ninja boss.

4. i don't quite understand why you would allow cap guns into the convention, those things are damn loud and man they hurt my ears. technically they are explosives because the chemicals in a cap gun are what make the noise. its an explosion. if I can't bring my flashbang, i don't think anyone should have cap guns either. same with the airsoft guns. seriously, thats scary stuff allowing those at all even if they aren't functioning. those military geeks can FIX those things at con and start firing at people like the trench coat mafia or something

anyways most of these questions are semi legitimate. i look forward to you reading between the lines and giving me some info. thanks so much for your patience and understanding, sometimes I get a little crazy

[emi]

Hello! Thank you so much for your questions and we're happy to answer them for you.

Also just to mention, this is still a draft until VCEC okay's them. This was made for cosplayers who are eager to start on their costumes and wondering what exactly is allowed and not.


1. Collars and chains are allowed as long as they are attached to your own person and not attached/held by to another person. And as you have said before, it is a safety issue for when people --who have chains attached to their collar-- tripping or being caught on something. I shall forward the suggestion you made about handcuffs and collars into our cosplay FAQs instead. Thanks!

2. Service dogs are most definitely allowed.

3. We will have to consult the convention centre regarding the flash bang. We will let you know once the verdict is out!

4. Ah. I think it might have been a spelling mistake on our part. I can most definitely double check for you and let you know.


Thank you for all your questions and concerns. I hope this reply helped you a little bit! Sorry about the uncertainty of a few items though. We will get those answers for you as soon as we can.

[redsox-kun]

Thank you, this cleared a lot up for me.

[Sgt_Superhero]

Hey redsox-kun,

Thank you for your questions and thank you Emi for trying to answer them.

First off, this Weapons, props and items policy is a "draft" that is currently under review by the Vancouver Convention Centre. It is by no means final.

You have multiple questions in your post so I will try to answer them in the order that I have read them.

So I noticed that in the policies, you make it known that collars are strictly forbidden from the convention. While I get that there is a potential for some crazy b***h to yank on some dues chain (giggity) and choke him, I seriously doubt that anyone who is at all interested in wearing a collar is going to read up about it in the weapons policy before they arrive at AR. Like it or not, collars and handcuffs are technically not weapons so I don't really know who is going to read that but anyways....

Your first statement is about collars being stricly forbidden. This is not true. In "Weapons Policy Section 7 - Handcuffs, Restraints, Chains, Collars, etc." it states and I quote:

In the past some attendees of conventions have worn collars, homemade or chain collars. An attendee may wear a collar if it is part of their cosplay or costume with the exception that NO Attendee may wear a collar that is attached to any kind of leash. This includes all types of collars attached to any type of leash. There have been too many instances at other conventions were a leash or collar has choked an attendee or caused serious injury to an attendee.
It

Your next statement:

I seriously doubt that anyone who is at all interested in wearing a collar is going to read up about it in the weapons policy before they arrive at AR. Like it or not, collars and handcuffs are technically not weapons so I don't really know who is going to read that but anyways....

I would be suprised if someone didn't read it. I would hope every attendee reads it as it is a Weapons, Props and Items policy. It is not just "strictly" weapons. Unfortunately if someone doesn't read it they may be suprised at the door that they may have to remove a weapon, prop or item that does not meet weapons, prop or itesm policy or convention guildelines or be possibly denied entrance at the door because of something like that. Thats the last thing I would want to see.

In response to your first question,

1. Can I wear a collar with a chain provided the chain is attached to my wallet so no weirdo otaku try to steal my wallet? My original intend for my wallet chain was to have it attached to my jeans but when I went to home depot to get the chain, i cut it too long so now it goes around my neck for a cool collar like thing i dunno. can i wear this if its attached to myself and no one yanks it?

I see no issues with "small" or "personal chains" attached to your person or wallet as part of a costume or a personal object that you are carrying around on you as long as the "chain" does not create or in the opinion of AST members or convention staff, a danger or hazard to you, other attendees, or staff of the convention. I will amend the policy to include this, but you mentioned that it is "too long" and it goes around your neck. To me i see this as a concern as it is around your neck. What if you have your wallet out and someone yanks the chain or trips and falls and pulls the chain connected to your neck. I would feel that having any chain that is considered dangerous, hazardous or unsafe would NOT be allowed.

In response to your second question,

2. If I have a service dog, can it still have a collar and leash? Like I don't know if people who need a service dog can walk with it without a leash and technically its a pet and you mentioned pets in the document. i dunno, its a legit question, i dont think you want dogs taking poops everywhere because they don't have a leash

Although I agree it is a legit question, I feel your question is a bit out of context. Are you planning on bringing a service dog? There is no restriction to Service dogs and there is no mention of them in this policy. They would be allowed. Legally they are allowed to be on convention grounds to assist the blind or handicapped. Service dogs for the blind or handicap generally and very rarely have "leashes" they have specially designed handles for the dog to wear and the user to hold on to. Also, unless it was a real service dog In general pets are NOT allowed inside the (VCC) Vancouver Convention Centre. That is according to their rules not to ours.

In response to your third question,

3. you mention explosives quite a bit, like grenades. are flash bangs banned from the convention too? I know its technically a grenade but isn't gonna set anything on fire and i really would love to potentially use it on stage at cosplay so I can escape quickly like a ninja boss.

First off, I was confused at first why you asked this question as it is already answered in "Weapons Policy Section 1b. Prohibited and/or Illegal Weapons" it states and I quote:

1b.Prohibited and/or Illegal Weapons
Any attendee who brings a prohibited and/ or illegal weapon such as but not limited to: Asp Batons, Pepper Spray, Grenades, Incendiary Devices and Explosives of any kind, etc. will be asked to leave the convention immediately and the proper Law Enforcement Agencies will be contacted.
There are NO EXCEPTIONS to these Banned and Prohibited Weapons

The other reason I was confused is because you actually answered your own question when you said "I know it is technically a grenade" In saying that I apprieciate the pursuit of realism you are going after for your cosplay and for the effect. It sounds cool, but it creates a dangerous situation for several reasons.

If you posses flashbang whether it be homemade or real and you brought it out into public you would be arrested on the spot as it is illegal, and you would be breaking the law as per the criminal code of canada. Only approved Law Enforcement, Government or Military agencies may use flashbangs. In my Main Job as a Law Enforcement Officer where I am trained and certified in Flashbangs and where I have used them I can tell you that they are classified as an "Inciediary and Explosive" Grenade/ Device. In saying that again, No attendee shall bring ANY type of Grenades or any type of prohibited weapons in accordance with the Law, the Anime Revolution Weapons, items and Props Policy, and the Criminal Code of Canada.

in response to your fourth question,

4. i don't quite understand why you would allow cap guns into the convention, those things are damn loud and man they hurt my ears. technically they are explosives because the chemicals in a cap gun are what make the noise. its an explosion. if I can't bring my flashbang, i don't think anyone should have cap guns either. same with the airsoft guns. seriously, thats scary stuff allowing those at all even if they aren't functioning. those military geeks can FIX those things at con and start firing at people like the trench coat mafia or something

Before I answer this for the majority of the "Guns and Firearms " content it should be noted that I expect the Vancouver Convention Centre to say "NO" to most type or forms of guns or firearms. Again please keep in mind that this was a draft policy awaiting approval and revisaions.

Now back to answering your question. Again I am confused as to if you have actually read all of policy as this is clearly outlined in "Weapons Policy Section 5a. Replica Firearms, Toy Guns, Cap Guns, Homemade Guns, Etc." It states and I quote:

All Replica Firearms, Toy Guns, Cap Guns, Nerf, Homemade Guns, Etc. and gun-like props are allowed as long as they are Non-Functioning and unable to fire projectiles of any type. They
MUST have a barrel blocking device, a blaze orange tip, and/or are clearly not a real firearm, eg. Lady gun from devil may cry.

The cap gun or airsoft gun you call into question wouldnt even be allowed to get into the convention if it was functioning as it would be inspected be a Attendee Services Team Member. If they determined the weapon to be functioning or fixed or set-up in a way that would create a dangerous, hazardous or unsafe siutation for the convention then that person would be refused entry with that weapon at the door.

You are right when you talked about cap guns and said that "technically they are explosives because the chemicals in a cap gun are what make the noise. its an explosion." Your right anyone who brings ammunition and or any type of ammunition including caps would be denied entry, and as defined and stated earlier in "Weapons Policy Section1b. Prohibited and/or Illegal Weapons" it states and I qoute:

Any attendee who brings a prohibited and/ or illegal weapon such as but not limited to: Asp Batons, Pepper Spray, Grenades, Incendiary Devices and Explosives of any kind, etc. will be asked to leave the convention immediately and the proper Law Enforcement Agencies will be contacted.
There are NO EXCEPTIONS to these Banned and Prohibited Weapons

As for ammunition that is covered under "Weapons Policy Section 5d. Real, Illegal, Prohibited Firearms, Inert Firearms, and Inert Ammunition" it states and I quote:

Real, Illegal, Prohibited Firearms, Inert Firearms, and Inert Ammunition of ANY kind are NOT PERMITTED in any shape or form. There is no discussion to this. You will be denied entrance to the convention. Case Closed

As for your comment about military geeks fixing weapons at the con and opening firing at people. I don't even want to comment on this other that I would like to think as this is a family friendly event that people have the respect and responsibility towards the Anime Community, The convention attendees, the hard-working Anime Revolution Staff and the Vancouver Convention Centre that they would'nt do such a thing. Although I will now be more suspicious of people in trench coats now.

I hope I have answered all of your questions and given you clarity in the information you were seeking. I don't think you are crazy but maybe next time before you ask questions, make sure you double check and re-read the policies, and you response

I look forward to seeing you at Anime Revolution 2012!

Regards,

The "Sgt."

[yourpurplesocks]

I have a question about a gun I want to bring for my Riza Hawkeye cosplay.
It looks like this and fires small bright orange rubber suction cup darts. It is not a cap gun but is a working projectile but the darts only fire about two meters and don't hurt at all when hit with one.
Consider this a stupid question if you may, but I was wondering if it would be allowed since it does fire.

[Sgt_Superhero]

Hello Yourpurplesocks, Thank you for your question.

It's not a stupid question. You are merely asking for clarification.

I have a question about a gun I want to bring for my Riza Hawkeye cosplay.
It looks like this and fires small bright orange rubber suction cup darts. It is not a cap gun but is a working projectile but the darts only fire about two meters and don't hurt at all when hit with one.
Consider this a stupid question if you may, but I was wondering if it would be allowed since it does fire.

In your picture it appears that this is a "Toy Gun". For this case as stated in the Policy under "Weapons Section 5a: Replica Firearms, Cap Guns, Toy Guns, Homemade Guns. Etc."
It states, and I quote:

5a. Replica Firearms, Toy Guns, Cap Guns, Homemade Guns, Etc.
All Replica Firearms, Toy Guns, Cap Guns, Nerf, Homemade Guns, Etc. and gun-like props are allowed as long as they are Non-Functioning and unable to fire projectiles of any type. They
MUST have a barrel blocking device, a blaze orange tip, and/or are clearly not a real firearm, eg. Lady gun from devil may cry.

I apprieciate the realism and look you are going for with your Full Metal Alchemist Riza Hawkeye Cosplay. In saying that, after looking at the picture of the toy gun you are using, the toy gun itself is fine as long as the orange tip stays on the end. But the small plastic orange darts will not be allowed. You will also have to put a "barrel blocking device" in the gun to ensure it can't fire and you will have to ensure that the gun is non-fuctioning or unable to fire any type of projectile.

I realize that some people may find this silly as it is just small plastic darts, but we are taking no risks for liability purposes and for attendees and staff safety in terms of firearm weapons, props and items, for cosplay including toy guns.

I hope this answers your question. If you have any more questions, comments or concerns please feel free to let me know. Thankls for your time.

I look forward to seeing you and your cosplay at Anime Revolution 2012!

Regards,

The "Sgt."

[twtmc]

Why is peace-bonding still a thing? IRL has gotten rid of it because it serves no purpose. By having a badge you have already agreed to the weapons policy just like you have agreed to not hold AR liable in the event of whatever is outlined in the liability terms of service. Why is it necessary to have a piece of tape or something visible on the prop? Even if zap straps were used, those could easily be purchased within 10 blocks of the convention centre, effectively making them useless. Anything like ribbon can just be taken from one item and put on another.

[Sgt_Superhero]

Hey Twtmc,

Thanks for your question,

You said;

Why is peace-bonding still a thing? IRL has gotten rid of it because it serves no purpose. By having a badge you have already agreed to the weapons policy just like you have agreed to not hold AR liable in the event of whatever is outlined in the liability terms of service. Why is it necessary to have a piece of tape or something visible on the prop? Even if zap straps were used, those could easily be purchased within 10 blocks of the convention centre, effectively making them useless. Anything like ribbon can just be taken from one item and put on another.

First Off, and I stress, we are not anything like IRL Events. Personally I disagree with their weapons, props and items /costume policy, as they allow people to pretty much bring whatever they want which has its own set of issues. I also believe they don't even have a weapons, props or items policy. At Cos and Effect 2011 they had an issue with the UBC campus Security and the RCMP because a lot of people were walking around with real weapons and unsafe replica firearms. My contact at UBC Security stated that since they held their event at UBC, there were complaints that Students were worried and concerned for their safety. My contact in the RCMP Stated that they originally thought they may have to bring in a (E.R.T.) Emergency Response Team as they had no knowledge of the event going on. In my personal opinion I think that it's just silly that as a convention, Co's and Effect and IRL Events have not taken any responsibility for their convention or for the public, attendees or staff when you let people bring real swords or guns. But again, that's just my personal opinion.

The question I would be asking is, if the weapons at the event aren't checked or peace bonded, how can you tell if the weapon, prop or item is safe or not?. And how can you do your best to ensure the safety of all of the attendees and the staff?

Aside from the fact that most conventions use this and that it is normally tradition. Peace Bonding does have a purpose. A very important one at that. Every attendee who attends Anime Revolution 2012 will have to go through the Peace bonding table before they even enter the convention. This is necessary so that Attendee Services Members can inspect the weapon, prop or item to ensure that it follows the convention and weapons, props and items policy. The Peace Bond is then put on to show that the weapon has been checked and that it is considered and deemed "Safe" to be carried around by the attendee at the convention. The peace bond acts as a way to show that the weapon has been checked and approved for the convention and to ensure that the attendee agrees to the weapons policy and understands the consequences associated with it if the person "breaks the Peace Bond"

Since we are not using zap straps, I don't see the point in someone running to grab them. And if people are going to "remove" or "trade off" their peace bond and we are made aware of this, it will be investigated. If the attendee is caught breaking the rules or policy, or removing the peace bond or trading it then I would deem that as; the attendee is intentionally breaking the rules of the convention and if the AST or I felt that this created a hazard, safety concern or dangerous situation for the Attendees or the Staff. Depending on the severity of the situation, that person may have their badge pulled and be removed and banned from the rest of the convention.

Also, Remember that at ANY TIME during he convention any staff member or AST member can ask to inspect your weapon, prop or item. If they feel that the weapon breaks the Convention or weapons policy, creates a hazard, unsafe or dangerous situation to the attendees or staff as deemed by the AST or I. The attendee may asked to leave thier weapon outside or at guest services outside the convention.

I hope this answers your question, concerns and comments. If you have anymore questions, concerns, or comments, please feel free to ask.

I look forward to seeing you at Anime Revolution 2012.

Regards,

The "Sgt."

[yourpurplesocks]

I hope this answers your question. If you have any more questions, comments or concerns please feel free to let me know. Thankls for your time.

I look forward to seeing you and your cosplay at Anime Revolution 2012!

Regards,

The "Sgt."

Yes, it does answer my question. Thank you very much