The ICG Masquerade Guidelines provide invaluable assistance to costume Masquerade Directors at conventions and other events in writing and implementing rules to ensure fair competition, and they serve as a resource for ensuring that all aspects of a successful Masquerade are covered.

These Guidelines are not rules, but best practices that are rooted in decades of International Costumers' Guild members' experience as costumed participants, judges, producers, and directors of such competitions, The current edition reflects continuing experience with the art of Masquerade costuming in all its forms.

Topics covered include

• Masquerade Director's role


• Masquerade Judges, judging rules and award categories


• Skill Divisions that ensure fair competition from beginning to more accomplished entrants


• Timelines from well before the event to award presentations


• Facilities such as stage design, safety, accessibility, and green rooms


• Photography by professionals, fans, and the audience


• Technical rehearsals for entrants and crew


• Licensing media and recording masquerades

While Masquerade Directors are the primary audience, any participant (costumer, crew member, or judge) in any Masquerade can benefit from reviewing these Guidelines.

We hope that these Guidelines will help make both novice and accomplished costumers' experiences with Masquerade competition and costuming more comfortable and enjoyable.