Rules, Policies, & Code of Conduct

Scope

1. We expect all convention participants—including contributors, staff (paid or unpaid), sponsors, and other guests—to abide by this Code of Conduct in all venues, both online and in person, as well as in all one-on-one communications related to convention business.
2. Limitations: While we strive to maintain a positive and respectful in-person and online environment, the scope of our Code of Conduct primarily applies to actions within the convention space and our official online groups. We are not responsible for behavior outside of these areas, but we encourage all attendees to uphold the same standards of respect and inclusivity in all aspects of their lives.
3. Violations of our Code of Conduct may include but are not limited to the result of actions such as:
   1. Warning or Verbal Reprimand
   2. Temporary or Permanent Removal from Event Areas
   3. Expulsion for the Remainder of the Con
   4. Permanent Ban from Future Cons or Online Groups
   5. Involvement of Law Enforcement

Behavioral Expectations

1. Any activity that is illegal in local, state, or federal law is also prohibited inside the convention.
2. Respect personal space at all times. Unsolicited physical contact, including but not limited to hugging, glomping, grabbing, or touching without clear and enthusiastic consent, is strictly prohibited. Always ask before initiating physical contact, and respect any refusal immediately. 
3. Please keep mock battles and physical play outside, unless it’s part of an organized event. Safety comes first!
4. Smoking or vaping indoors is strictly prohibited, please go outside.
5. Alcohol is permitted at the con, but you must verify all participants are of legal drinking age and follow all rules on drink restrictions.
6. Bluetooth Speakers/Boomboxes must be kept at a conversational level throughout the con.
7. The Dealer’s Room and Artist’s Alley have a strict rule on no open containers for food or beverages to protect the vendor’s property.
8. Do not attempt to climb, jump onto, or access the stage unless you are a scheduled performer/panelist or have explicit permission from the con staff.
9. No Panhandling, Solicitation, or Unauthorized Sales – Asking for money, selling goods, or soliciting services (even as a joke) without prior approval is prohibited. This includes panhandling, busking, or promoting outside businesses.
   1. Individuals authorized to sell goods include but are not limited to; Vendors with the Artist’s Alley and Dealer’s Room and those authorized to sell in the Markets (CCG, Craft Fair, Flea Market).
10. There is a zero-tolerance policy for pedophilia in any form, including but not limited to art, clothing, cosplay, imagery, and references.
11. Dress Code
    1. Attendees are generally free to wear what they like as long as they are not exposing their genitals. While the convention space is more lenient, attendees may need to cover up more when leaving the convention center.
    2. Clothing with offensive, vulgar, or inappropriate text or graphics (including references to bodily fluids) is not permitted.
    3. Proper footwear is required at all times per Kalahari Resort policy.
    4. Rollerblades, roller skates, hoverboards, etc are not permitted.
    5. Attendees may hold signs or wear clothing/body markings with messages, but they must remain appropriate and inoffensive.
    6. For questions regarding props, please refer to the “Props and Items” section of our website. 
    7. Final decisions on dress code and any disputes will be made by staff on a case-by-case basis.
12. If your actions are deemed disruptive or inappropriate, staff have the authority to revoke your badge immediately. All staff decisions are final.

Harassment Policy

1. Our event strives to provide a fun and safe atmosphere for all attendees. Anyone making an effort to make people feel uncomfortable is not contributing to the fun atmosphere and potentially making it unsafe. Those found making an effort to degrade the experience or atmosphere are subject to removal.
2. Retaliation of any kind against anyone who identifies themselves as being harassed or is reporting harassment is strictly prohibited.
3. Harassment of any kind by any party should be reported and can be reported by anyone. Please promptly report any concerns to Help and Safety in person at the con or to their email.
4. Definition of Harassment:
5. Harassment refers to any unwanted or inappropriate behavior, comments, or actions that create an intimidating, offensive, or hostile environment for another individual. This includes but is not limited to, verbal or physical abuse, derogatory remarks, stalking, unsolicited advances, or intentional blocking of personal space. Harassment can manifest in various forms, including physical, psychological, verbal, and non-verbal, and may be subtle, unintentional, or deliberate. The impact of harassment may not always be immediately visible, but it is always harmful.
6. Cosplay is not Consent
   1. Cosplaying does not give anyone permission to touch, harass, or disrespect the individual portraying a character. Just because someone is dressed in costume, it does not imply they consent to physical contact, intrusive questions, or inappropriate behavior.
   2. Respect for personal boundaries and consent should always be upheld, both in and outside of cosplay. Always ask for permission before taking photos or engaging in any form of interaction with someone in costume. This ensures a respectful, enjoyable experience for everyone at conventions or events.

Accessibility And Support

1. Colossalcon has two distinctions for our Accessibility Program: Mobility/Physical Accessibility and Medical Alert.
2. Mobility/Physical Accessibility
   1. We can help accommodate our friends who need a little bit more assistance in a few ways: seating areas for wheelchairs and scooters, stage access through ramps for main events, and assistance with lines.
   2. Attendees who cannot wait in line or have difficulty standing have a separate place to stay while their party joins the line and holds their space. Once their party gets up to the front, they can rejoin their party and head into and enjoy the event.
      • Those waiting in the accessibility line can have one friend/person stay with them so they do not have to wait alone. The rest of the party must join the line.
3. Medical Alert
   1. Attendees with medical conditions such as seizures, fainting,  near-fainting, or other serious health concerns are encouraged to provide basic medical alert information to the convention.
      • Attendees may voluntarily register a medical condition with us to help staff provide quicker assistance in case of an emergency.
      • As part of this, attendees can also list an emergency contact or next of kin who is allowed to speak on their behalf if they are unable to do so.
   2. Even if an attendee registers a condition with us and requests that we do not contact 911, we reserve the right to call emergency services if we determine the situation is dire enough to require medical intervention.
      • Please note that it is always better to have access to EMS and not need it rather than need it and not have it. 
      • If an individual’s condition improves, they reserve the right to refuse service and not go to the hospital.
   3. All medical alert information provided to the convention will be used only for emergency purposes and will be securely discarded after the event concludes.
4. All Attendees also have access to a “Quiet/Sensory Room,” for anyone experiencing psychological distress, overstimulation, or just needing a break. Please see Con Ops or Help and Safety for directions!
5. For any questions or additional accommodations, please see the Help and Safety Desk or reach out to helpandsafetysafari@gmail.com.

Reporting Guidelines

1. If you experience or witness unacceptable, illegal, or suspicious behavior, or have any concerns, please report it as soon as possible through one of the following channels:
   1. In-Person at the Con
      • Contact Help and Safety immediately. In cases of an emergency, please reach out to 911 and then follow up as soon as possible with Help and Safety.
      • If you cannot quickly find Help and Safety (in pink vests), get any staff member and request assistance from Help and Safety.
   2. Online Reporting
      • Contact Help and Safety via email under the ‘Contact Us’ form. Provide as much context, detail, and information as possible.
      • For assistance with social media groups, please reach out to the Official Social Media page. Please note that we are unable to moderate unofficial groups/organizations. 
2. If you are uncomfortable reaching out to or interacting with local law enforcement at the convention, our Help and Safety Staff will be able to assist you and/or take other necessary steps to ensure your safety and well-being.

Questions & Contact Info

1. The “Contact Us” page will also direct you toward any department you need based on the nature of your questions or concerns.
   1. If you have any questions on any and everything in general, this page will assist you.
   2. If you believe you have been falsely or unfairly accused of violating the Code of Conduct, you must submit a formal grievance via the “Contact Us” page with a concise description of your concerns.

Props & Items

1. We want all our attendees to have an amazing time in an open-minded and welcoming environment where everyone can enjoy everything our event has to offer. However, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all, we have to put in some restrictions on props and other items.
2. All props must be reviewed by Help and Safety. 
   1. Please bring all props to the Help and Safety desk for inspection.
   2. Please note that while we will do our best to work with and accommodate everyone, not all props will be approved.
   3. Props that are deemed unsafe, being used in an unsafe manner, or have been denied must be taken out of convention space. 
3. Item/Prop Requirements
   1. Live/Real Steel Props

• Metal/Steel Props are required to be blunted and dulled to the point of having no sharpened points or edges.

2. Firearm Props
   • Firearm props must be identifiable as non-functional, with no moving parts and a visible orange tip.
     • Rendering Airsoft, Nerf, or other props non-functional could include sealing the barrel with silicone, removing internal parts and springs so it cannot fire, etc.
     • Magazines must be empty of all projectiles and may only be placed in the prop for pictures.
3. Bows and Arrows
   • ALL bows are required to be unstrung or have the string made of a material that cannot create enough tension to release projectiles, such as yarn or something similar.
   • All arrows must be foam-tipped or otherwise blunt and non-functional. Hard-tipped arrows of any kind are prohibited.
4. Fireworks, Smoke, and Chemicals
   • Smoke powder, sparklers, fireworks, and any combustible material are strictly prohibited.
5. Using and Handling Props
   1. Props are a privilege, not a right. 
      • They are meant to enhance the convention experience, but misuse—such as swinging them, using them recklessly, or creating safety hazards—will result in losing that privilege immediately.

Age Restrictions & Lines

1. Age Restrictions
   1. There is a large amount of events and content available that are suitable for all ages.
   2. Some events are restricted to individuals 18 and older due to mature content that may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
      • Age restrictions are primarily due to explicit language, adult themes, graphic content, or other material that may not be suitable for children or sensitive viewers.
      • Attendees who wish to go into restricted 18+ content areas are required to show a valid form of government-issued photo identification. No exceptions.
        • Identification must be presented to the Staff ID Checker at the entrance of the panel room. 
        • Attendees may obtain an 18+ Wristband to use for entry at Con Ops by presenting the identification mentioned above.
        • Certain large-scale events that are 18+ may restrict viewing photo IDs at the door and only permit 18+ Wristbands depending on staff availability.
        • For attendees 21 years of age or older, the Kalahari issues 21+ Wristbands that are also accepted in replacement of the 18+ Wristbands.
2. Line Information
   1. When Do Lines Start?
      1. Main Event (e.g., Cosplay Contest(s), Truth or Dare, Wrestling, Guest Concerts, Formal Ball, Flea Market, Craft Fair) lines start 60 minutes before the event starts.
      2. Panel/Other Event lines start 30 minutes before the event starts.
   2. Where Do I Line Up?
      1. Lines will be along the wall outside the main entrance of the panel room next to the archway unless otherwise designated by Con Staff.
   3. What Is The Line Order?
      1. Attendees who purchase various Badge VIP Packages have access to “Fast Passes” and “Guest Priority Seating Passes” that allow them priority entry into events.
      2. Guest Priority Seating + Fast Pass (If Applicable)
      3. Guest Priority Seating (If Applicable)
      4. Fast Pass (If Applicable)
      5. General Line

Informal Dances (Rave, Emo Night, Etc.)

1. Only clear bags, bags the size of fanny packs or smaller, and bags with medical exemptions are permitted. Bags larger than a fanny pack that are not clear or do not have a medical exemption will not be allowed. This ensures the safety and security of all attendees.
2. No open containers or bottles are allowed going into the dances.
   1. Exceptions may be given if the venue is serving drinks inside the room. 

Waterpark Policies

1. Cosplay is welcome in the Kalahari Waterpark during both daytime and after-hours events. However, all cosplay props must comply with Colossalcon’s prop policies and are subject to the Kalahari’s discretion regarding their safety and suitability within the waterpark.
2. Flotation Devices
   1. Personal flotation devices are not allowed in the water. However, exceptions may be made by Kalahari staff on a case-by-case basis when the device is clearly being used solely as a cosmetic prop for photography.
3. Makeup and Hair Dye
   1. Any makeup or hair dye that could be exposed to water must be properly sealed or not run in any capacity to prevent contamination of the pools.
4. Wigs
   1. Wigs are permitted but should be securely attached to prevent them from coming off or interfering with waterpark operations.
5. Swimwear
   1. Colossalcon promotes a welcoming and body-positive environment. However, all attendees must adhere to the Kalahari Resort’s swimwear standards.
6. Mermaid Tails
   1. Mermaid tails are allowed at the poolside and along the water’s edge. However, swimming while wearing a mermaid tail is not permitted for safety reasons.
7. The Kalahari Resort manages the waterpark and has the ultimate authority over its rules, which may change with or without notice. While we will do our best to keep attendees informed, all guests must follow Kalahari’s policies as directed by their staff.