The magic is in the words

A Fantasy Ball will have judges at the event for this competition.

General Competition rules

All costumes must cover "swimsuit areas" – no nudity. Body-paint costumes are not eligible for craftsmanship.
The contest is open to characters from published works; and original characters.
If your costume has won a major award before at another competition, you are not eligible for any awards in this contest. Rule breakers will be disqualified.
No political or controversial entries are allowed.
Contestants are not allowed to throw anything off the stage, nor use projectiles or use anything on stage that will leave a mess. This includes (but is not limited to) liquids, glitter, and confetti. If you have a question about something you want to do, feel free to send an email with “Costume Contestant Question” as the subject. All participants are encouraged to keep at least one foot on the stage at all times.
No pyrotechnics, fire, explosive devices, live animals, or similar special effects can be used during the competition; this includes flash paper/powder. Anyone who violates this rule may be disqualified from the competition and be asked to leave the event depending on the severity of the incursion. All prop weapons must conform to the A Fantasy Ball prop policies, including being checked.
Each contestant may only enter one costume into the competition and can be in only one Division.
All contestants must be in the room where the pre‐meet will occur no later than 9 pm. A Fantasy Ball reserves the right to turn away any contest entry it deems inappropriate or not in compliance with the rules.
A Fantasy Ball is unable to do lighting cues or effects.

Competition Categories

beginner

Beginner: This category is for those who have never been in a cosplay competition before and/or do not have a lot of experience costuming.

Beginners are not eligible for the Best in Show award. However, they can be moved up to Intermediate if they meet the percentage requirement, on a case-by-case basis (determined by the judges), and compete for craftsmanship. If moved up and you have made 80% or more of your costume per the requirements of Intermediate/Advanced, you will be eligible for Best in Show; this will be on a case-by-case basis.

Intermediate

Intermediate Craftsmanship: This level is for people with some costuming experience.

You have to have made at least 60% of your costume to qualify for Craftsmanship in this category.
If your experience level is Intermediate and you make less than 60%, you will not be allowed to compete for Craftsmanship.
If you made 80% or more and are Intermediate, you are eligible for the Best in Show award as well.

advanced

Advanced Craftsmanship: You have to have made at least 80% of your costume to qualify for Craftsmanship in this category, and have demonstrable advanced technique in one or more cosplay mediums.