Policies

Below, you will find our code of conduct, assessibility, and polices relating to weapons, props, etc. Please read carefully.

Teratocon is a fan convention of members of the teratophilia community (and their friends) who are friendly, respectful and open-minded. We are a not-for-profit volunteer led organisation and not a limited liability company. To avoid any misunderstandings about what kind of behaviour is acceptable, you are required to read and follow this code of conduct. Please keep in mind that these rules apply throughout the convention and in all of our online spaces.

A Convention is a private event and, as such, the Committee always has the right and the ability to remove any attendee for antisocial behaviour. Over recent years, it has become standard practice for such events to publish a Code of Conduct providing guidelines as to what that antisocial behaviour may include.

The Code of Conduct governs not only behaviour at Teratocon, but also in certain spaces elsewhere, including but not limited to activity online, such as in messages or replies to Teratocon accounts on social media, and posts in the official Teratocon discord server.

For most people, the simple principle of, “Behave like a decent human being,” is enough of a guideline. However, just in case, these are the behaviours we feel lead to that result:

Be welcoming. We expect all our attendees to respect each other’s right to be at Teratocon. In particular, discriminatory behaviour or harassment will not be tolerated.
Be courteous and aware we all have different sensitivities. If your language or behaviour is unwelcome to another attendee then stop. Anything else may be considered harassment.
Be respectful of other people’s boundaries. If you are not sure whether somebody wants to be hugged, touched, tackled, or pounced, please ask them first. ‘No’ means no. ‘Stop’ means stop. ‘Go away’ means go away. This is not open to discussion.
Be polite. We have a zero tolerance policy of abusive behaviour towards Teratocon attendees and venue staff. Abusive behaviour will result in an immediate ejection from the convention and the venue grounds, and you will be subject to a ban from future Teratocon events.
Be aware that communication may be verbal or non-verbal.

Discrimination includes, but is not limited to, discrimination on the grounds of: sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexuality, ethnicity, age, religion and mental or physical disability.

Harassment includes, but is not limited to, any behaviour that can be reasonably expected to disturb or intimidate another convention attendee. It includes the wearing of symbols associated with fascism and racism, independent of the intent of the wearer. Harassment may be verbal or non-verbal.

Dealing with discrimination or harassment

If you feel comfortable, address the person and the problem behaviour directly. In most cases this will be all that is required.

If you are not comfortable with a direct approach, or it proves insufficient, then either:

Report the matter to the Duty Committee Member (look for the committee badges). They will ensure a quiet space for you to discuss the matter as soon as possible.

Inappropriate material for online spaces

While we provide a safe and welcoming space for people to express their love of and sexual attraction to monsters, the following are banned from our online spaces for reasons of illegality in England and Wales, and the fact that it could get our online spaces and our convention shut down:
- Zoophilia.
- Any material regarding sexualising children including lolicon & shotacon hentai.
- Anything with themes of sexual violence and non-consent.
- Necrophilia (actual corpses, not sapient undead beings).
- Bestiality.
This list is not intended to be exhaustive, but the theme is that all shared material, however explicit, must involve meaningful informed consent of all involved parties, and no party which is incapable of giving meaningful consent.

Registration and Badges

You must be at least 18 years old by the time of your arrival at Teratocon.
Only registered attendees may enter convention space. Teratocon has exclusive use of the venue space, and the venue reserves the right to decline access or ask any persons not registered for the event to leave at any time
You are required to wear your badge prominently at all times, so that you can be identified and recognised as a member of the convention.
If you are in fursuit or monstersuit, it is acceptable to carry your badge in a pocket or have your handler carry it on your behalf for costuming reasons, but you should be able to produce the badge at any time if asked.
Changing, or covering up, any information on your badge (e.g. by using stickers or drawings) is strictly forbidden.
Teratocon badges, once picked up by the attendee, are non-transferable. It is strictly prohibited to lend your badge to another person to allow them access to convention space. If caught, this will result in an immediate ejection from the convention for both parties, and a possible ban from Teratocon events.
Pretending to be a registered attendee is strictly prohibited. If caught, this will result in an immediate ejection from the convention, and a possible future ban from future Teratocon events.

General Behaviour

We reserve the right to ask you to turn down music (e.g. from Bluetooth speakers) or quieten down your activities if you are causing a disturbance to other guests. Repeated breaches may result in further action from venue staff / Teratocon committee which could lead to a formal warning, ejection from the convention, and possible bans from future Teratocon events.

Clothing and Decency

The Teratocon committee reserves the right to ask attendees to remove costumes, accessories or items of clothing that may cause offence to other attendees, venue staff and/or members of the general public.
The Teratocon committee reserves the right to ask attendees to remove any imagery or material that may cause offence to other attendees, venue staff and/or members of the general public. This includes, but is not limited to: signs, flyers, business cards, posters and drawings on public message boards.
Nudity, and/or the wearing of suggestive clothing, are considered inappropriate in public spaces.
Actions of sexual behaviour are not permitted in public.
The Teratocon committee suggests participants avoid being outside of the convention space while wearing costumes or items of clothing that could be construed as being inappropriate in the context in which they are being worn, and reserves the right to request attendees to remove such items within the venue. The definition of inappropriate can be considered as, but not limited to:
- No visibly “anatomically correct” costumes;
- No visibly sexually modified costumes;
- No inflatable costumes that are sexually explicit, or that could be construed as sexually explicit and/or fetish related.
- Some items used in age-play, pet-play, or bondage may be acceptable by themselves or when used as an accessory to a costume or fursuit.
However, it is entirely the right of The Teratocon committee to define the limits and the context of acceptable use, and attendees may be asked to remove items that are deemed unacceptable. For example, the following non-exhaustive list could be considered as Acceptable items:
- Accessories used in a non-sexualised context, such as a dog harness that is part of a sled dog costume;
- Collars without a leash attached;
- Leather wristbands without a D-ring;
- Pacifiers worn around the neck, but not actively used.
- If in doubt, contact a member of the Teratocon committee and ask. This can be done before the convention by emailing teratocon@gmail.com or during the convention.

Alcohol, Intoxication, and Other Drugs

The venue is a licensed premises under UK law. As such the following rules apply.

You are expected to drink responsibly.
If requested to produce valid photo ID to purchase alcohol at the bar you must comply.
You will be held liable for what you say and what you do, even if intoxicated.
If you appear to be intoxicated, the venue staff are legally required to refuse service for further alcoholic beverages for yourself, or someone attempting to purchase on your behalf.
The venue reserves the right to refuse service to anyone at any time.
Persons who are intoxicated to the point of incapacity may be ejected from the convention.
Smoking is not permitted anywhere within the premises, except at designated smoking points.
The use of vapes and e-cigs is prohibited within the premises, except at designated smoking points.
Teratocon operates a zero-tolerance policy to the use of illegal substances. The possession, consumption or sale of such items is strictly prohibited. Attendees found in possession of such substances will be handed over to the police and may be banned from the convention. It is your responsibility as a guest to be aware of local laws and regulations.
The abuse of any other substance as a drug (such as nitrous oxide, alkyl nitrites (“Poppers”), glue, “legal highs” etc.) will not be tolerated, and may result in an immediate ejection from the convention and a possible ban from future Teratocon events.

General Venue Rules

Be respectful to staff; this includes all volunteers of Teratocon, and the venue.
It is strictly forbidden to throw, drop or push any objects out of windows, from balconies, galleries or similar parts of the building. Anyone doing so will be ejected from the convention, and may receive a ban from future Teratocon events.
Attendees may not enter the service areas of the venue, or “Staff Only” areas of the convention space. This includes all backstage areas, service elevators, the rooftops, emergency exits (unless in an emergency), and all areas marked as “Staff Only”.
Tampering with any fire-protection devices – in particular, disabling smoke-detectors or maliciously triggering fire doors or alarms – is illegal, therefore prohibited. Anyone caught doing so will be immediately ejected from the convention, with liability for any damages or associated costs and a possible future ban from future Teratocon events.
If you wish to wear body paint, costume paint or make-up, you are solely responsible for any damages caused as a result of transference.
Do not deliberately crack open glow-sticks or similar items containing dyes, sticky residue, or corrosive material.
It is not allowed to use glow-sticks as “poi” (i.e. by spinning them at the end of strings).
You are liable for any damage you cause to the venue and/or convention property.

Weapons, Imitation Weapons, and Dangerous Items

All weapons, including imitations, replicas, tools and toy weapons, must be approved by Registration.
For detailed information on what type of weapons are generally acceptable, please refer to the official weapons and props guidelines on our website.
Mock fights, swordplay, fire breathing or any other activities that may adversely affect bystanders or venue property are not allowed without explicit permission from the Teratocon committee and written permission from the venue.
If in doubt prior to the convention, please email teratocon@gmail.com for further guidance.

Photography and Videotaping

Teratocon grants you the right to take photographs and videos at the convention for private, non-commercial purposes only.
Photography, filming, or taping for the purpose of sale, publication, public media, dissemination or other commercial gain (e.g. Patreon) is expressly prohibited.
Please do not photograph or film people without their express permission. Please do not take photographs or video of those who do not wish to be photographed. If you are asked to delete a photograph or video by someone within the footage, please respect their wishes.
Areas in which attendees have a reasonable expectation for privacy are off-limits for you to record or take photographs include but are not limited to toilets and changing facilities and “Staff Only” areas.

The Bottom Line…

The following general rule supersedes all other rules and may be invoked at any time:

Any action or behaviour that causes:

significant interference with convention operations;
excessive discomfort to other attendees, hotel staff, and/or members of the general public; or
adversely affects Teratocon’s relationship with its guests or its venues

may result in an immediate ejection from the convention, and a possible ban from any future Teratocon events.

Summary

When in doubt, please ask – preferably before the convention starts, by emailing teratocon@gmail.com We will gladly answer all your questions.

These rules are not open to discussion during the convention.
Decisions by the Teratocon committee and the venue are final.
The definition of unacceptable behaviour remains at the discretion of the Teratocon committee.

Teratocon 2027 Accessibility Policy

This is a living document which will be updated as we confirm details with the venue and relevant parties.

We commit to making our convention as accessible as possible for our members. If you have any access needs that are not answered below or you feel we may not have considered, please contact teratocon@gmail.com

Teratocon 2027 Accessibility Policy

Widcome Social Club (The venue) is suitable for wheelchairs and scooters. There is step free access at the front and rear entrances to the venue.

The convention areas are over two floors, but there is a lift suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

We will provide accessible seating at the front of the programme rooms and leave space for wheelchairs. All in person social areas will have seating provided. Where the programme room layout is banquet style, we will ensure an accessible walkway is adhered to.

We recognise that not all disabilities are visible, and we do not require proof of any access needs. We encourage our attendees to make their needs known to the committee if any help is required. Attendees may use the sunflower lanyard to indicate access needs, our volunteers will be aware to look for this.

Carers Pass

We are happy to accommodate anyone needing a carer with them, and will offer a carers pass at no charge if needed. Please contact us by email teratocon@gmail.com once you have purchased your ticket to the event, and we will issue a carers pass via email to you.

Hearing access

We will ensure that microphones are provided for our main panel items. Panellists will be invited to remove any covid masks while on the stage to ensure that voices are not obscured.

Food

The venue will be offering a variety of food available to purchase, which will include a selection of gluten free and vegan options. However, you are welcome to bring your own food to the convention, and there are several local shops and cafes around the immediate area of the venue.

Weapons Policy

Definition of a Weapon

For this policy the term “weapon” is defined as: Any item that is able to cause damage or personal injury.. For the purposes of these guidelines the term Weapon can be swapped for Prop interchangeably.

General Rules

There is no right to carry a weapon at the convention. All weapon props must be checked at Registration on sign in and badge collection. Registration staff will decide upon clearance based on this weapons policy and their own assessment and knowledge about the requesting guest.
All accepted weapons will be “peace bonded” after being checked in an appropriate way (with a bright colour coded piece of tape).
Clearance markings made by other conventions and events should be removed ahead of time.
Tampering with a peace-binding will invalidate the clearance for the weapon immediately.
Attendees must show their peace bonding tape when requested by any member of the Teratocon committee.
Any damage to the peace bonding tape must be reported to the committee, a new piece of tape will be applied by a member of the committee.
The Teratocon committee reserve the right to deny or revoke acceptance or to require a weapon to be peace-bound at any point and for any reason.
It is not acceptable for attendees to carry metal replica hand weapons (e.g. re-enactment weapons) or replica firearms deemed too realistic in the convention space.

Weapons are ONLY acceptable if:

– they are intended and used as part of a costume OR

– they are considered harmless

The following weapons are generally acceptable:

Tools

Tools don’t have to be marked, however there must be justifiable reason to have one at the convention e.g. Multi-tool in Dealers’ room to set up displays.

Multitools with or without blades. No blade may be longer than 10cm.

Multi-function (with at least one other tool or gadget beside a blade) pocket knives. No blade must be longer than 10cm.

Tools which are not cleared will be requested to not leave an attendees room and may be marked with colour coded tape.

“Bladed” Weapons – General Restrictions

Solid core LARP weapons are acceptable, but will have colour coded tape applied around the handle.

Wooden weapons (e.g. Bokken, practice swords etc.) must be cleared with the committee and will only be allowed out of cases for specific display events.

Plastic toy swords will be accepted if they meet with the General rules in the ‘not acceptable’ list below, i.e. cannot pierce naked skin, no sharp edges.

Projectile Weapons:

Permitted items include:

NERF-Guns and identically constructed foam-dart-weapons (With zero modifications to the firing mechanism) with bright coloured muzzle tips.

Rules around projectile weapons

– Projectile weapons must not be loaded indoors.

– Discharging any projectile weapon indoors invalidates the weapons clearance immediately.

– Teratocon do not accept liability for any damage caused by firing weapons indoors.

– See also list of banned items below.

Armour, Claws, Wings, Accessories

Most items of this type are generally okay provided they do not fall under any of the restrictions above. An item in this category will need to be checked and cleared if it meets any of the following criteria;

– Spikes anywhere on the item

– Sharp edges anywhere on the item

– Metal or Wood construction anywhere on or within the item

– Suggestive or questionable content

– Is a harness or has a visible harness

– Has any electrical components or batteries

– Has or contains realistic weaponry as a part of the design e.g. grenades on a vest, ammo belts etc.

Sex Toys

– Sex toys may be allowed into the venue, however, they are subject to rules regarding proper use.

– Do not use sex toys as weapons.

– Do not simulate sexual activity with sex toys.

– Do not make other members of the community uncomfortable by gesturing at them with sex toys or waving them in people’s faces. If a member of the community asks you to remove it and move it away, you must do so upon first ask.

– If you want to have photos with your sex toys and other people, get everyone involved in the photo’s consent.

– When in the public areas of the venue, i.e. the bar, sex toys must be stored out of sight in bags or pockets.

– If a member of the Teratocon committee tells you that you are using a sex toy inappropriately and to put it away, you must do so immediately or you will be removed from the event.

These weapons and items are not acceptable, even as part of a costume.

– All offensive and defensive weapons that are illegal under UK law.

– Any live firearm (including airsoft).

– All sharp blades exceeding a blade-length of 10cm.

– Water pistols and Bubble guns are not permitted within the venue.

– All locking blades (including multitool blades if they lock into place).

– All pointy weapons if they are sturdy enough to penetrate naked skin.

– All metal replica hand weapons (e.g. re-enactment swords).

– All items made of unsafe materials (e.g. Unsealed latex, glass) whether in full or in part.

– Any weapons which project a laser.

Realistic looking weapons, regardless of construction material may not be cleared. As a general guide, if it could be mistaken for an actual weapon Registration may decide the risk is too high to clear it.

To avoid disappointment please check prior to the convention by emailing teratocon@gmail.com

Definition of Peace-Binding

Peace-binding in the context of these guidelines is a process to render an item safe in a non-permanent manner. This may be achieved in one of the following ways;

Securing a weapon in a holster/carrier with tape.

Preventing the firing of a weapon by blocking the firing mechanism, e.g. preventing the pull-back of a trigger, obstructing the barrel of a weapon.

Securing a weapon to a display or piece of clothing/other prop.

Any other method to prevent the use of a weapon.

Peace-binding is a temporary measure which can be removed after the convention, and should cause no harm to the item that is being peace-bound.