GERMAN SAGA CON – COSPLAY WEAPON POLICY
What would a Jedi be without a lightsaber, a Mandalorian without their gear, or an Imperial officer without the proper accessories? Many cosplay costumes are brought to life by carefully crafted prop weapons and costume equipment.
To help ensure that German Saga Con at Messe Essen remains a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees, we kindly ask you to observe the following rules regarding prop weapons and costume accessories.
All prop weapons and weapon replicas will be subject to a security inspection before entering the event venue.
GENERALLY PROHIBITED WEAPONS / PROP WEAPONS
The following items are strictly prohibited and may not be brought onto the event grounds:
- Real firearms, airsoft guns, and gas-powered weapons (including unloaded weapons)
- Real ammunition
- Real throwing weapons (such as throwing stars, throwing knives, or darts)
- Pyrotechnics and explosive devices (including firecrackers, rockets, and similar items)
- Brass knuckles, batons, clubs, and baseball bats
- Strangulation weapons (such as nunchaku)
- Metal striking or stabbing weapons with either sharp or blunt tips
- Rods and pipes made of metal, wood, fiberglass, hard plastic, or combinations of these materials
- Arrows of any kind, regardless of material
- Functional bows, crossbows, or similar projectile-launching devices
- Riding crops exceeding 1 meter in length and whips of any kind
Anyone found carrying such items may be denied entry or removed from the event, regardless of any legal authorization they may otherwise possess.
PERMITTED PROP WEAPONS
The following items are generally permitted:
Lightsabers without dangerous or sharp-edged components
Prop weapons made from foam, rubber, cardboard, or thermoplastic materials
Blaster replicas and other sci-fi props made from plastic, foam, or similar non-hazardous materials
Prop weapons and staffs made from a combination of wood and cardboard, plastic, or soft plastic, provided that wood is not the predominant material
LARP weapons made from foam or latex with a stabilizing core
Bows without a functional string
Arrows without tips
DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
Please also observe the following guidelines:
Metal armor parts must be securely attached to the costume.
Metal chains must be firmly attached to the costume and may not be worn loosely.
Costumes, armor pieces, and props must not have sharp edges or pointed elements.
Props must not pose a danger to other attendees.
Large props must be capable of being carried and handled safely at all times.
SECURITY CHECK
All prop weapons will be inspected at the entrance.
Items that do not comply with the safety requirements will not be permitted inside the event venue.
Where possible, prohibited items will be stored until the end of the event and may be collected when leaving the venue.
The decision of the security staff on-site is final and binding.
LEGAL BASIS
These weapon regulations are based on the applicable provisions of the German Weapons Act (Waffengesetz – WaffG), in particular Section 1 (2) and Section 42 concerning the carrying of weapons at public events.
Section 1 – Scope and Definitions
Weapons include:
Firearms and objects legally treated as firearms
Portable objects designed to eliminate or reduce a person’s ability to attack or defend themselves
Objects which, due to their design, handling, or intended effect, are capable of impairing a person’s ability to attack or defend themselves
Section 42 – Prohibition on Carrying Weapons at Public Events
Anyone attending public entertainment events, festivals, sporting events, trade fairs, exhibitions, markets, or similar public gatherings may not carry weapons as defined in Section 1 (2) of the German Weapons Act.
Exceptions apply only where expressly permitted by law, for example for participants in theatrical performances or comparable presentations.
We thank you for your understanding and support in helping us make German Saga Con at Messe Essen a safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable experience for all visitors.
May the Force be with you!