Weapons Policy

Here is the weapons policy as it sits at this moment for SpoCon.

SpoCon at Gonzaga University

Weapons policy –

This policy is an exception to the Gonzaga University Weapons Policy and is effective only during the SpoCon event, no earlier than July 30, 2010 and no later than August 1, 2010. This exception is solely for the facilitation of the SpoCon event and does not convey or imply any endorsement by Gonzaga University of possession or use of any weapon. This policy treats weapons as display items only and prohibits any active use of a weapon at any location on campus.

Signing the SpoCon registration form is an acknowledgment by the participant that he/she will comply with this weapons policy and all other Gonzaga University policies, rules and expectations, as well as all laws.

Gonzaga University may restrict the possession and display of weapons to certain areas of campus during this event. Any “no weapon zones” will be described in writing and provided at the time of registration. It is the responsibility of the participant to know these areas.

All weapons deemed acceptable under this policy must be peace-bonded by SpoCon Security. SpoCon Security staff are the only persons allowed to peace-bond a weapon. Gonzaga Campus Security will not peace-bond a weapon. Gonzaga University accepts no responsibility for the peace-bonding process.

All weapons that can be carried in scabbards, sheaths, or holsters must be secured in a scabbard, sheath, or holster and be peace-bonded by SpoCon Security. Weapons that are not able to be placed in a scabbard, sheath or holster will be examined on a case-by-case basis by both SpoCon and Gonzaga Security. Either SpoCon or Gonzaga Security have the authority to deem a weapon unacceptable. If one Security department deems it unacceptable, the other party may not counter that decision. Weapons deemed acceptable will be flagged by colored tape or a colored wrist-band type device. This will act as an indicator that is has been examined and will be allowed in SpoCon.

Participants found possessing any acceptable weapon that is not peace-bonded will be directed to immediately contact SpoCon Security. If SpoCon Security is not available to peace-bond the weapon, it must be removed to participant’s room or vehicle or taken off campus and remain there until SpoCon Security is available.

Participants found possessing any non-acceptable weapon, including any firearms, are subject to immediate removal from the event, referral to law enforcement and confiscation of the weapon.

Weapons that fire a projectile of any type are not permitted. This includes BB or pellet guns, airsoft guns, paintball guns, NERF weapons, and water guns.

Firearms and replica firearms are not permitted. This includes stage prop and starter pistols and weapons with an orange or red barrel tip

Non-firing, non-real weapons (Blasters, Ray Guns, etc.) are allowed, but must be easily recognizable and blatantly obvious as a non-real weapon, remain holstered and be peace-bonded by SpoCon Security.

Explosive and incendiary devices are not permitted.

Folding pocket knives with blades less than 3” and Leatherman type tools are permitted and do not require peace-bonding.

Drawing or brandishing of any weapon is prohibited at any location on campus. Role playing with any weapon is prohibited. Participants violating this policy are subject to immediate removal from the event without refund and confiscation of the weapon, depending on the circumstances of the violation. If the participant is not removed, he/she may be directed to take the weapon to his/her room, vehicle or off campus. Repeat violations will not be tolerated.

Any participant possessing an acceptable weapon must also carry identification, state-issued identification is preferred, but a SpoCon attendees badge will suffice.

Participants must comply with the directives of SpoCon Security, Gonzaga Campus Security and any law enforcement agent. This includes a request to inspect any weapon or request to present identification at any time. Failure to comply will result in immediate removal from the event without refund.

Weapons deemed acceptable under this policy may be offered for sale by vendors approved by the SpoCon organizers. All purchased weapons must be immediately peace-bonded or taken off campus. Private sale of weapons is not permitted on campus.

Weapons deemed not acceptable under this policy may be displayed by vendors, but may not be sold or exchanged on campus. Buyers/vendors must make alternative arrangements for the sale and exchange of non-acceptable weapons

Any participant carrying or possessing a weapon deemed acceptable under this policy accepts legal and financial responsibility for that weapon and damage the weapon may cause to persons or property.

If a known, established group contacts SpoCon in advance with a request to do live weapon demonstrations, they may be given permission to do so, but this will only be granted on a case-by-case basis. The following requirements must be met:

-The group must provide proof that they have their own insurance to cover any and all mishaps in which they are involved

-Only their own members may conduct weapons demonstrations, no guests or regular Con attendees may participate

-The demonstration area must be cordoned off from the general public entering, or behind some sort of barriers

-The group must provide their own marshalls to oversee the event and protect the participants and spectators

-They must provide and use adequate protective equipment SpoCon and Gonzaga Security reserve the right to decide what is adequate.