Rules of the Convention

 

Rules of the Convention

Here’s a selection of con rules from different conventions, showing changes over time.

1998 Swancon Twenty3
Please read the following rules and guidelines for the convention. They exist to ensure that Swancon Twenty3 remains a safe and fun event for all concerned.

    • If you have any problems, crises or questions, don’t hesitate to ask (a) the nearest security person, (b) the people at the registration desk or (c) any committee member. We’re all here to help you. If you have a problem regarding the hotel, you might wish to see us first – we’re pretty well informed on most matters and might be able to solve your problem.
    • Make sure that you wear your badge at all times. This is for two reasons. Firstly, it allows all fans to pretend to know each other on a first name basis, making the entire weekend more friendly and happy for everyone. Secondly, it is so that security personnel can see that you are a member of Swancon and are actually allowed to be at the convention. It is for this reason that security may ask you to return to your hotel room to get your membership badge if you forget it.
    • If you wear a costume to the masquerade that features any kind of bladed weapon, you must ensure that it is peacebound: that is , that the weapon is bound within its scabbard and unable to be drawn.
    • Other than as part of a masquerade costume, you should never walk around the convention with any sort of weapon at all – peacebound or otherwise.
    • Any audiovisual equipment that you may find scattered around the convention is not for you to play with.
    • Please make all attempts to be courteous and polite to other people staying at the Hotel Grand Chancellor. Not all people are fans, and some are rather wary of the entire subculture. Please do the right thing and make a good example for all fans to follow.
    • Similarly, please be polite and courteous to all hotel staff.
    • For that matter, please be polite and courteous to each other!
    • Never talk with your mouth full.
    • For some reason, the lifts at Swancon have a tradition of breaking down at some point during the weekend. To avoid this, please treat all lifts with care and respect.
    • Anything illegal is still illegal no matter what convention you’re at.

From here on I will just add any new rules or rules that have significantly changed.

2008 SwanCon 33

General behaviour

      • Good manners are not optional.
      • ‘No costume’ is no costume. Please maintain appropriate standards of dress when in the public areas of the convention.
      • If you make a mess, clean it up. This includes food wrappers.
      • The committee reserves the right to revoke a membership where a members behaviour has become unacceptable.

Weapons

    • The only weapons permitted are replicas.

Food

    • Do not bring food from outside sources and eat it in the hotel provided eating area.

Children

  • Children not old enough to pay for a membership must be accompanied by a parent or their representative at all times.

2009 Swancon 34

    • Apply common sense. If you don’t have any, come back when you do.
    • Be respectful, considerate and polite. Don’t be rude, disruptive, intolerant, aggressive or offensive. Respect other guests’ rights to enjoyment and privacy
    • Harassment of any kind is unacceptable.
    • Children under the age of 12 must remain under the direct care of a responsible adult. Children are not permitted at any events designated ‘adults only’.
    • The convention area is not for sleeping.
    • Merchandise is only to be sold in designated dealers areas, and must be legitimate (no bootlegs).
    • Photography is permitted in public assemblies (more than 6 people), unless directed otherwise by a committee member. Photographers must obtain the permission of individuals or small groups (6 or less people) to photograph them.
    • Obey legitimate directions of venue staff, committee members and WASFF board members.
    • HAVE FUN. Come back next year!
    • Breaches of the rules may result in refusal of membership, revocation of membership or expulsion from the convention.

2010 Swancon 35

  • Dress appropriately, including appropriate footwear. Nudity is not a costume.
  • Personal hygiene and care are your responsibility however it is strongly recommended that you have at least 4 hours of sleep, 2 main meals and 1 shower a day.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *