Anime USA understands that carrying props and replicas is important to many fans as part of the convention experience, however… Fans of prop weapons, or other items permitted below, use and carry them at their own risk and assume all risks of liability to and from anyone injured or otherwise harmed directly or indirectly by the fans acts or inaction. Anime USA shall not be liable for injury, harm, damage, or other liability associated with any person's use of any weapon (permitted or banned), any prop, or costume during the course of the Anime USA convention event.

We the Security and Management of AUSA appreciate the time and effort put into the creation of your costumes, props, and replica weapon-like items, and understand that non-working replica, prop, and Imitation "weapons" are often a part of anime costuming. To ensure the Safety of all those attending the AUSA events, we maintain this Weapons Policy.

Live steel is not permitted at Anime USA. Live steel is defined as swords, knives, or other objects made of metal, which can take an edge. Dull metal weapons are considered live steel, and therefore are not permitted.

Guns and projectile weapons of any kind are not permitted at Anime USA. Examples include: live guns, replicas of live guns, pellet guns, BB guns, air guns, crossbows, dart guns, blowguns, "Air Soft", water guns, squirt guns, and any toy that is capable of actually firing a projectile or has EVER fired a projectile, liquid, or object of any type are not allowed. Prop guns that are easily identifiable as toys, provided that they possess no major moving parts and are clearly marked with a non-removable orange tip, will be allowed.

These gun-like props cannot have any working mechanisms or they must be permanently disabled. Any non-working projectile weapon being used for a prop must have a 1/2 inch of bright orange paint, plastic or tape around the end of the business end or muzzle.

Futuristic Replicas and fake period weapons may be displayed as long they are recognizable as obvious fakes.

Flail weapons are not permitted. Examples include whips, floggers, maces, nunchaku, and any weapon attached moving parts designed to impact opponents. Items on strings that are longer than a human hand also qualify as flails and thus are not permitted. Be prepared to show any AUSA staff, your weapon to make sure that it conforms with the rules.

Incendiary devices of any kind are not permitted at Anime USA.

You may not carry or possess any working weapon, openly or concealed, AT ANY TIME around the convention spaces. Working weapons, firearms (including antique weapons and firearms), and all forms of live ammunition are strictly forbidden.

Even items that may be legal to carry such as small knives or stun guns are not welcome at AUSA. Please leave them at home.

Illegal weapons will be reported to the appropriate authorities. If you think your weapon may be illegal, it probably is illegal, and therefore you shouldn't bring it into Anime USA.

It is imperative that costume "weapons" comply with this policy and with local, state, and federal laws.

This policy is not a summary of the laws nor does this policy constitute legal advice.

You are solely responsible for understanding and complying with all applicable laws.

Large props, costumes or fake weapons must not be so unwieldy that they impede hallway traffic flow or have issue navigating entryways. The rough size determiner is if it is taller or wider than a standard doorway (6’8” tall by 30” wide) then it is probably too large. If you are found to have an obstructive costume or item that is causing navigation issues you will be politely asked to remove it from the convention space. (the Masquerade or Hall Costume Contest may issue exceptions for their event check with that department for details)

Staves, bo sticks, boken, shinai, and wooden swords are permitted at Anime USA so long as they are ornamental and are in no way used as offensive or defensive weapons. Small metal props are permitted provided they cannot take an edge or point, and are not sharp in any way. They also may not be so heavy enough to easily bludgeon someone or something.

Fake, prop, or homemade weapons are permitted if they are in no way dangerous to yourself or to others around you. Anime USA Staff will determine on a case-by-case basis whether a prop weapon is dangerous. Staff decision will be final. If you think that your item is close to, or may possibly violate this policy have it inspected by Security at the Security Desk on the bottom floor for a ruling.

All carried prop weapons are subject to examination at any time by Anime USA Staff. Anime USA Staff is not liable for damage to prop weapons during inspection.

No clowning around or showing off in the common areas.

If you are found using any weapon, prop, or weapon like object in an unsafe manner, Anime USA reserves the right to expel you from the convention.

Any weapon purchased in the Dealer Room must be boxed and removed from convention space immediately, and must remain boxed and stored in your private quarters (hotel room, car, etc.) for the duration of Anime USA. Weapons are not to be taken out their packaging or wrapping at any time over the course of Anime USA.