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Built for Battle League

gENERAL rULES

As of - 12/16/2024 / Subject to Change

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Cosplay Requirements:
  • Costume Template: Each contestant will receive a standard armor template that includes shoulder, chest, back, thigh, shin, and gauntlet pieces with Velcro or Magnetic attachment points. Customizations are encouraged to showcase your unique style, as long as modifications don’t obstruct the detachable armor elements.

  • Weapons: Only foam weapons are allowed with no sharp edges. Rigid cores are only allowed in handles and weapons over 3ft long and must consist of PVC piping up to ½ inches in diameter and must have a minimum of 2 inches of padding. All props and weapons need Built for Battle League (BBL) approval before the event.

  • Craftsmanship: Costumes should be largely handcrafted. Customization is allowed and recommended, with careful attention to ensuring that detachable armor pieces can be safely removed during the match.

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Eligibility:
  • Age: Participants must be at least 18 years old. However, there may be a minor level tier set up later for certain events.

  • Health: Contestants should have no existing health conditions or injuries that might worsen due to physical performance.

  • Experience: Prior combat, stage, or performance experience is preferred and will be vetted through the contestant submission form.

 

Behavior and Conduct:
  • Sportsmanship: Contestants must show self-control, even during intense moments, and refrain from aggressive or unsportsmanlike behavior.

  • Respect: Respect towards other contestants, judges, and audience members is mandatory, with a focus on creating a professional and positive atmosphere.

 

Competition Structure

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Stage Combat and Interaction:
  • Performance Style: Combat will be a mix of physical and theatrical, with foam weapons and detachable armor enhancing the visual impact of hits. Battles should also include dramatic elements such as power moves, finishing moves, and use of game elements.

  • Safe Contact: Headshots, kicking, and lifting opponents are strictly prohibited. Contact should focus on safe zones, primarily arms and shoulders, with emphasis on dodges and blocking.

  • Coordination: Moves should be planned using visual cues to avoid surprises. Light contact with hands is allowed, but any improvised exchange should be brief to maintain safety.

 

Match Format:
  • Round Structure: Matches consist of up to three 2–5-minute rounds. The first contestant to deplete their opponent’s health bar to zero wins the round, with the best two out of three rounds determining the winner.

  • Round Breaks: A short break (2-5 minutes) between rounds allows contestants to cool down, reset, and make armor adjustments as needed.

 

Judging Criteria:
  • Scoring: Judges score based on costume quality, stage presence, combat technique, and improvisation. Scores are tallied, with the highest cumulative score determining the winner. Winner of the battle does not guarantee an overall winner. This provides fighters freedom to focus on their performance for the entertainment of the audience. 

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End of Match
  • Declared Victor: Once a battle winner is declared, both contestants are encouraged to come to the front of the stage to shake hands, strike victory poses and thank the fans before exiting.

 

Safety and Equipment Rules

 

Safety Gear:
  • Protection Levels: Minimum armor protection is required, with contestants allowed to add layers according to their comfort level.

  • Safety Checks: Inspections are conducted before and on the event day to ensure all equipment is approved and securely attached.

 

Weapon and Prop Regulations:
  • Materials: Wielded and soft projectile weapons must be foam, soft rubber or inflatable. Rigid materials like 3D-printed plastic are prohibited.

  • Specifications: Weight, size, and material specifics will be provided later for all approved weapons and shields.

 

Interactive Dice Roll

 

Dice Actions:
  • Interactive Dice Roll: A unique feature of Built for Battle is the Audience Dice Roll. During the match, contestants can signal for a Dice Roll at a designated stage location.

  • The Roll: Once triggered, the opponent pauses, and a member of the audience throws an oversized dice onto the stage, determining an action that adds excitement and unpredictability to the match.

  • Dice Actions:

    • Health Boost: Restores a set amount of health to the contestant who triggered the roll.

    • Health Drain: Reduces a portion of the opponent’s health, shown on the their health bar.

    • Armor Break: Deals a critical hit to the opponent's armor, causing them to lose a piece of armor of contestant’s choice

    • Special Move Activation: Grants the contestant another Special Move if they’ve already used theirs.

    • Extra Armor: Temporarily boosts the contestant’s defense with allowing them to replace a piece of fallen armor.

    • Weapon Swap: Forces contestants to swap their current weapons, creating a fun and unexpected shift in combat dynamics.

  • Initiating Actions: Contestants must act on any dice-roll result within 10 seconds. Failing to do so may result in the benefiting action being given to their opponent or a negative action being applied to themselves.

 

Special Moves and Finishing Moves

special move:

  • Special Moves: Each contestant has one Special Move and one Finishing Move to use in a match.

    • Contestants can signal for this move, pausing their opponent’s attacks to allow for a pre-choreographed, theatrical maneuver.

    • Special Moves must be pre-approved and rehearsed with Built for Battle officials before the event.

 

Finishing move:

  • Finishing Move:

    • Near the end of the match, when an opponent’s health is nearly depleted, a red light will signal the opportunity for a Finishing Move, ending the round with a dramatic, decisive moment.

    • Finishing Moves must be pre-approved and rehearsed with Built for Battle officials before the event.

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Additional Rules

 

Disqualification:
  • Actions Leading to Penalty: More than two intentional headshots or any use of unapproved moves or weapons result in round disqualification. Repeated offenses lead to match forfeiture or further judgment by officials.

 

Prize and Promotion Rules:
  • Post-Event Obligations: Winners are encouraged to engage in meet-and-greets, live streams, and social media promotions, including helping to publicize the next event. Additionally, winners may have the option to license their likeness for merchandise, with commitments designed to accommodate personal schedules.

 

Tiered Match Levels

 

Novice Tier


Designed for beginners in cosplay combat and craftsmanship.
This level is for contestants who are newer to cosplay crafting and stage combat, with little to no experience in competitive fighting or performance settings. Armor and costumes may have simpler designs, and fights focus on basic moves and safe exchanges to encourage confidence and skill-building. This tier ensures contestants learn the fundamentals and feel comfortable on stage.

 

Intermediate Tier


For contestants with moderate experience in crafting and combat performance.
In this tier, participants are familiar with cosplay crafting techniques and have some stage or combat experience, whether in LARPing, theater, or similar activities. Contestants are encouraged to show off advanced costume designs and perform a wider range of moves, including basic choreographed sequences and more audience interactions. Fights at this level balance skill and entertainment, with an emphasis on keeping the show engaging.

 

Advanced Tier


Geared towards experienced cosplayers with strong craftsmanship and combat skills.
Contestants at this level typically have extensive experience in cosplay design, stage performance, and combat skills. Costumes showcase intricate details, unique design elements, and battle-ready durability. Advanced-tier fights feature complex moves and polished performance routines. This tier pushes the boundaries of theatrical combat, encouraging contestants to showcase their experience through powerful choreography, flawless acting, and unique finishing moves.

 

Champion Tier


For the elite fighters with high-caliber skills in all aspects of cosplay combat.
The top-tier match level is for veterans with professional-grade craftsmanship, exceptional combat skills, and a commanding stage presence. Costumes in this tier are visually striking, with custom elements and enhanced durability to handle intense fight sequences. Contestants are expected to deliver epic, high-stakes performances with dynamic interactions, and they may even serve as role models or mentors to lower-tier fighters. This tier culminates in thrilling displays of skill, creativity, and showmanship, with champion fighters earning fan admiration and event prestige.

 

Contact Us

If you have questions about these Terms, please contact us at:

 
 
Thank you for being part of Built for Battle League!
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