Dear Readers,
I'm posting this on behalf of somewolf, our current chief of security
We are currently getting many questions of the "can I bring dangerous item X" or "can we engage in dangerous activity Y". So we thought it might be a good idea to give some general advice, so you don't have to ask the same questions all over again.
1. Where can I read up on what is allowed at Eurofurence and what restrictions may apply?Generally, we would like to see everyfur be happy and having a fun time during the convention! That's why we have implemented certain
rules of conduct. So, the first thing you should do if you have any questions regarding activities, clothing, costumes or weapons, is read the rules of conduct. The most recent version will also be printed in the con book, and every attendee has to formally agree to these rules upon registration.
If you've read the rules of conduct, and the answer to your question still seems unclear, feel free to either email to
security@eurofurence.org (if the question arises before the convention), or directly approach a member of the security staff at the convention.
2. Can I bring this item / weapon / replica / staff / nerf gun / you-name-it to the convention?As the
rules of conduct say, every 'item' of this kind must be given 'green light' by the chief of consite security. Please ask registration staff at check-in or a member of security to give him a call upon your arrival. Security will keep a list of those persons and their 'items'. Individual members of the security team may re-check if you are on that list (and got the permission to carry that item) when they encounter you. And item that is a weapon, a weapon look-alike or toy weapon or that might pose a certain danger if it is used or carried, is subject to approval.
Items are likely to be approved if the following conditions are met:
- It must be legal by German laws
- Wearing / carrying (not necessarily using!) it in public must not pose an apparent danger to anyone
- It should preferably ONLY be worn as part of a costume
- The wearer declares himself responsible not to let anybody else handle the item without their direct supervision.
- The item must be used only for decorational purposes (no swordfights or shootouts.)
- The wearer must make an impression of being a reasonable person. (That means, if the chief of security does not like you, you're out of luck, no discussion.)
If your item fails to get the chief of security's approval, you are required to hand it over to security staff for safe keeping for the length of the convention. If you're being caught with an unapproved weapons or dangerous item, the chief of security has the right to exclude you from the convention and send you home immediately. And yes, depending on the severity of the case, he might actually do it. The same holds true if you break any of the above rules even if you have previously been approved.
For handling dangerous items at a stage event, panel, workshop or SIG, please also consult the manager of the particular event. Special permissions may be given for special occasions. Generally, there is no right to wear any kind of potentially dangerous item. It is a privilege and a matter of trust. So please take care.
3. Am I allowed to breathe fire / juggle with chainsaws / do stunts / engage in dangerous activities? If you like to perform any activity which may get yourself or others in ANY danger of injury, please ask for approval by the staff first. It may be possible to engage in those activities under certain precautions, such as performing it in a closed-off area, or under supervision by security staff.
4. Do the rules of conduct also apply in my private hotel room? Or can I take my 'unapproved' activities to town instead?Unless mentioned otherwise, these rules also apply to all private areas of the hotel. While you're legally allowed to do whatever you want while you're on public ground, we DO reserve the right to take consequences concerning your participation in our convention if you grossly misbehave in public in a way that might damage our reputation, or endanger our attendees.
