AN: This seemingly came out of nowhere, and in some ways it is. This document was originally designed by me with the help of a friend to act as a frame of reference for the world of Pokemon and how the rules would work. I decided to share this, hoping to both get some feedback and also to let others use it as a reference as well (But if you do, please try and credit me). Anyways, have fun.
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Updated Jan 1. 2024
Contents:
Overview
League Seasons
Trainers
Battling
Gyms and Gym Leaders
Elite Four and Champions
Tournaments
League Services
League Staff
Overview
"The art of Pokemon battle is a fascinating and incredible experience. It has done much to help us understand the biology of our Pokemon, as well as greatly developing the bonds between them and their Trainers. I seek to create an environment where Pokemon battling is not only safe and fun for both trainer and Pokemon, but also brings light of their bonds and effort for all the world to see." -George P. Coubertin, Founder of the Pokemon League, 1896
Pokemon battling traces its roots to ancient times, when the first Pokemon were bonded with humans. Archaeological evidence suggests that Pokemons have been used for battle for at least five thousand years, though many researchers believe that it goes back much further. Originally, Pokemon were used as companions in hunting, farming, and other menial tasks. Their combat capabilities were exploited as well, finding use in settling disputes and eventually as weapons of war.
Beginning in the 17th century, Pokemon battling took favor over dueling, due to the far lower risk of personal injury. During that time, Pokemon fought to the death. This created outcry amongst the international community, and laws protecting the rights and lives of Pokemon were put in place. Starting in the 19th century, Pokemon battling soon became a sport that could be enjoyed by those from all walks of life. The Pokemon League was founded by George P. Coubertin managed the sport and spread its popularity, and the rest is history.
"I swear oath that as the President of the League Competition Committee, I shall do my utmost to uphold the rules and regulations that ensure the sacred and cherished art of Pokemon battling is and will be a place that guarantees not only the safety and security of our trainers and Pokemon, but also that of the bonds they have spent their lives building. I swear I will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and enhance the Official Rules and Regulations of the Pokemon League." -Charles T. Goodshow, Chairman of the Pokemon League, sworn in 1996
League Seasons
The Pokemon League shall take place biannually, in a season that shall take place in a licensed region. The rules and regulations of such are as follows:
A season takes place over the course of 5 months, from February 1 to June 30, and from August 1 to December 31 of every year.
The first 3 months of each season is the timetable for trainers to earn Gym badges from eligible Gyms.
To register for the League Tournament, a trainer who has obtained all required Gym badges are required to register for the Tournament within the first 2 weeks of the 4th month
The Tournament is to take place over the course of 3 weeks in the final month. The last week of the Season is dedicated to allowing the trainer to challenge the sitting Champion and Elite Four
The list of required Gym badges to obtain in order to become eligible for the Tournament will be published 1 week before the start of a season
Once a Trainer completes a set of Gym Challenges and collects the 8 badges, they are no longer required to complete the Gym Challenge again to participate in future seasons, given they provide the original badges as proof of completion.
Trainers
In order to participate in League sanctioned events, a trainer must be registered with a valid Trainer license.
To register as a trainer, the candidate must be a minimum of 10 years of age, and having passed the Official Pokemon Trainer Licensing Test
Registration can be done at the following facilities: Pokemon Labs, PokeCenters, PokeMarts, and all official League offices
Trainer license must be renewed every 5 years for minors, every 10 years for adults
All newly licensed Trainers are to be provided the following: a Pokedex, 6 Pokeballs, and if they do not have one already, a starter Pokemon provided by the registration facility.
Trainers are responsible for complying with regional laws pertaining to the care and treatment of their Pokemon. Failure to do so will result in the perpetrator's license being revoked for no shorter than 6 months and further punishment in accordance to regional law
Licensed Trainers are obligated to report any and all infractions of League and Regional laws, and report it as soon as possible. Failure to do so will result in punishment as seen fit.
Battling
A battle may only be initiated when both parties consent to one
Only 1 Pokemon may be used by each trainer at a time, unless agreed upon otherwise
Forcing another Trainer into a battle is forbidden, and the offender will be suspended from League activities for no shorter than 1 week
When a Pokemon has fainted or otherwise deemed unable to continue battle, it is considered out of combat. Ordering further attacks on it will result in suspension of license for a period no shorter than 1 month, and a fine of no less than 500P.
Abilities such as Mega Evolution, Z-moves, Dynamax, and the like are only permitted to be used once per battle, unless agreed upon otherwise by all parties.
Intentional assault on another trainer via Pokemon for reasons not deemed Self-Defense will be classed as Assault, and the perpetrator will have their license revoked for no shorter than 6 months, a fine of no less than 5000P, and further punishment in accordance to Regional law
Certain Items are prohibited during official League battles such as Gyms and Tournaments. These include:
All Potions and Drinks
Revives of any kind
Berries of any kind
Herbal Medicine of any kind
Status Condition Healing items of any kind
Wagers are permitted in battles, so long as both parties are willing. Failure to pay an agreed upon wager will result in a fine of the wager plus 10 percent.
Trainers are permitted to concede a battle at any time for reason they see fit. However, doing so will equate to defeat.
(Gym, Tournament, and Elite/Champion Battles will be under their respective sections)
Gyms and Gym Leaders
A Gym Leader must be a licensed trainer of 18 years of age or older.
Minors may hold a position of Gym Leader, however, their Gym Leader License and Gym will be under ownership of a legal adult representative.
Upon reaching the age of 18, all required documents and titles will be transferred over
A Gym Leader License is required to work under the League as a Gym Leader
Applications can be acquired at Regional League Headquarters
Substitute Gym Leaders are allowed to temporarily take over rights and responsibilities of their respective Gym Leader. However, a notice must be sent to the League at least 1 business week before the substitute takes over
Substitutes can hold positions for no longer than 2 months, baring exceptions such as maternity leave, injury, and other high priority matters.
Title of Gym Leader may be passed down to friends or family, given they have have acquired a Gym Leader License
Unless a Gym Leader hands their gym and title over to another voluntarily, Gym Leaders remain in the position until they retire or die.
Each region may have up to 18 Gyms, corresponding to all types currently identified and recognized by the Pokemon League
2 weeks before the start of a season there will be a series of tests which will evaluate the battle readiness and skill of a Gym and its Leaders. After which, the 8 highest scoring Gyms will be selected to represent the Gym Challenge for the upcoming season.
In cases where two Gyms receive equal scores in evaluations, these two Gyms are required to reach an agreement in how they will be run
See Galar Region arrangement by Gym Leaders Bea and Allister, and by Gym Leaders Gordie and Melony
Gyms whose badges are not listed in the Gym Challenge may still be challenged by trainers. However, victories will not contribute to eligibility to participate in the Tournament
Official Gym battles are only allowed to take place between a licensed trainer and a Gym Leader, with a presiding judge.
All Gym Leaders are to have a preset team based on the number of required badges in the challenger's possession.
Gym Leaders are to go over the terms and condition of the battle beforehand, and ensure the challenger acknowledges and understands them
During battle, a Gym Leader is to reveal their Pokemon first
During battle, a Gym Leader may not switch out their Pokemon
Gym Leaders reserve the right to refuse a Badge to the challenger, for reason they see fit, such as unsportsmanlike behavior, unethical treatment of Pokemon, or other instances of breaking rules and regulations
However, withholding a Badge for reasons including but not limited to: damage to pride and honor, personal grudge, and other perceived slights will result in the closure of the Gym and investigation of the Gym Leader. If found guilty, the Gym Leader will be revoked of their Gym License, Trainer License, and be fined a minimum of no less than 2500P for each offended trainer.
Similarly, falsely accusing a trainer for valid reasons for Badge withholding will also result in investigation. Should the accusations be out of malice, Gym Leader is to be punished in similar manner labeled above
It is illegal, both on League and all Regional law, for a Gym Leader to refuse battle, Badges, or service to a challenger based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), Region of origin, age, disability, or genetic information. Violation of this law results in revocation of Gym License, Trainer License, and a fine of no less than 20000P to be paid as compensation to the victim, in addition to punishment in accordance with regional law.
Acceptance of bribes (such as cash, material items, favorable backing and positions, sexual favors, and the like) will result in immediate revocation of Gym License, Trainer License, a fine of 10000P, and be punished in accordance with Regional law. Offending Trainer will suffer similar punishment.
Gym Leaders are permitted to install puzzles, mazes, shows, and other forms of entertainment and attractions. However, these installments are to comply with Regional Law, and be approved by a League Inspector. Gym Leaders are held responsible to all incidents that occur within installments
If a Gym is perceived to be incompetent, dangerous, or otherwise failing to uphold Gym quality to standards required by the league, the Gym is to be visited by a League Inspector. If the Gym fails evaluation, it is to be closed down until further notice.
Upon the closure of a Gym, a replacement Gym selected for Trainers to challenge for their required badge.
Gym Leaders are responsible for the proper conduct of trainers within their facilities. If trainers are exhibiting behaviors in violations of League rules, Gym Leaders are required to report the offenses as soon as possible.
Elite Four and Champions
To become eligible for the position of Elite Four and Champion, the candidate must have a valid Trainer license and have defeated an Elite Four member or Champion in an official League sanctioned battle
An Elite Four must specialize in a specific Pokemon Type. Champions are permitted to use a team of their own choice.
Licensed Gym Leaders may challenge a sitting Champion or Elite Four for their position. However, they may only issue the challenge in between League Seasons as to not disrupt Trainers and the Tournament.
If a Champion or Elite Four is defeated during the season, the incumbent member may remain in their position until the end of the season
In the case that a Champion or Elite Four is defeated mid-season by Trainer A, and are defeated again at the end of the Tournament by Trainer B, Trainer A and B are to have a battle to decide who will take the now vacant position.
If Trainer A is defeated, but another position is open, they are permitted to take said position given it is lower than the position now occupied by Trainer B. (Example: Trainer A defeats an Elite Four and Champion, Trainer B beats the Champion. Trainer A may take the position of Elite Four [If Trainer A and B both defeat an Elite Four and leave two positions open, they may occupy both spots. Trainer B, being the winner of the duel, is given first choice on type specialization])
A Gym Leader is permitted to hold both the position of Elite Four/Champion in addition to their Gym Leader title. However, the team they utilize for the Gym challenge must be different than their Elite Four/Champion team, and in the case of Elite Four, type specialization must be different.
A Trainer can hold titles such as Gym Leader, Elite Four, and/or Champion in different regions given they abide by League and Regional law.
Tournament and League Finals
Tournaments are fought in a battle royale. Matchups are initially randomized.
Tournament battles are to be fought in full, 6v6 battles. Exceptions are permitted in case of incapacitation of one participant's Pokemon that would prevent it from safely taking part in battle
While the use of Legendary/Mythical Pokemon is permitted in battle, it has been decided that after the Lily of the Valley Scandal of 2011 where a contestant used a team composed entirely of Legendary and Mythical Pokemon has resulted in outrage, that all trainers will limited to a single Legendary or Mythical on their team.
All rules in labeled in the "Battling" section applies to League Tournaments and Finals
Violation of Battling rules Article 4, 5, 6, and 7 will result in expulsion from the Tournament of the perpetrator, and the other trainer will be declared winner given they have not committed any violations themselves
Tournament matchups are published 24 hours before the first day.
The Pokemon League will reserve hotels and inns nearby to the stadium of which Tournament battles shall take place for participants to stay.
The trainers who have been chose to battle on a particular day are expected to check in to the Stadium 30 minutes before the battle starts at the latest.
A Tournament day will have its first battle initiate at 10 AM, and the last battle is expected to end at 4:00 PM, though this may vary based on conditions and events that occur
When a day is over, results will be collected, and the new battle brackets and schedule shall be published by 10 PM of the same day at the latest.
The Winner of the Tournament will be allowed to challenge the Region's Elite Four and later Champion. The battles are to take place in the same stadium over the course of 1 week.
These battles follow the same rules as Tournaments, and standard Battling rules will still apply
The challenger must defeat all the Elite Four before being eligible to face the Champion. They may challenge the Elite Four in the order of their choice.
Conduct of League Members and Associates
Pokémon League members and associates must uphold League policy while on League time. Activities outside of League work are allowed so long as they do not violate League and Regional policy or the law.
Such acceptable activities include but are not limited too: Being an Online influencer or streamer, athletic activities, culinary hobbies, production of pornography and similarly explicit media
Conduct that is against the Pokemon League's image is strictly prohibited inside and outside of League hours, including but not limited to: public display of extreme political views, grooming, unsportsmanlike conduct on and off the battlefield, use of illegal substances, other illegal activity, and offensive behavior
Violation of these rules by members may constitute actions such as warnings,fines, or termination from the Pokémon League based on severity of the infraction
All League Associates are obligated to report any violations of Rules and Regulations they witness, including but not limited to violations conducted by League staff. Failure to do so will result in immediate dismissal.
League Staff are also permitted to report violations on behalf of trainers, given prior consent.
Romantic relationships between League associates are permitted. However, overt displays of affection and other forms of unprofessional conduct while on the job is discouraged and will be a cause for discipline.
League Services
All League Services will be provided to licensed Trainers free of charge. Unlicensed Trainers will be charged with fees at the discretion of local managers. However, price ceilings will be implemented if necessary to ensure affordable service to all.
Pokemon Labs are research buildings owned by the Regional Professors. Services provided include Pokemon care, research, and training. Registration can be done here.
Pokemon Centers, or PokeCenters, are League-owned buildings specializing in Pokemon-related services such as Healing stations, checkups, and the like. Pokemon Centers also provide trainer services such as lodging and dining. Registration can be done here.
In the event that an unlicensed Trainer needs services but is unable to pay for them, they are to be provided the service free of charge if local League representatives deem the situation an emergency
PokeMarts are commercial, League owned stores trading commodities necessary for Pokemon training such as Pokeballs, Potions, and certain Items. Local PokeMarts may offer items unique to the area. Registration can be done here.
Trading is permitted by the League given both parties consent to the action. Official Trading machines will be provided at all League buildings, which upon use will instantly re-register traded Pokemon to their new trainers in League databases. Unofficial trading is permitted, upon which the Trainers are recommended to report and register the trade to the League as soon as possible.
League Administration buildings are found in all cities housing a Gym. Services provided by Administration buildings include: Registration, Trading, Lodging, Human Resource Centers, Pokemon Resource Centers, Dining, Reporting Violations, and sale of Pokemon Training goods.
League Staff
Nurses and Doctors are medical professionals hired by the League to provide medical services to both trainers and Pokemon.
Nurses and Doctors are bound by Regional Law. Violation of which will result in dismissal and the violator will be turned in to Regional authorities for further prosecution.
Gym Leaders, Elite Four, and Champions are covered in their respective Sections.
Pokemon Professors are licensed researchers employed by the League, who conduct study of Pokemon in their respective regions.
Aides are junior researchers assigned to assist their respective Professors with their research, though are permitted to handle a Professor's responsibilities if the one in question is currently unable to
Judges/Referees are League employees who are designated to oversee and witness Official League battles. All Pokemon Gyms and Stadiums will have a Judge in their employ.
Judges are to observe the battle free of bias. Therefore, judges are to rotate between Gyms and stadiums once every two weeks.
Decisions made by Judges are final, but may be overruled by League Inspectors, Administrators, and Executives
In the case a Judge is unable to preside over a battle, a nonparticipant League representative including but not limited to Nurses, Gym Leaders, Champions, or Inspectors may take over the role given they swear to be unbiased before the battle
League Administrators are representatives tasked with registering a Trainer and Pokemon. Administrators may be found in Administration buildings.
Nurses and Professors are to forward all Trainer applications to the local Administration building for review
League Inspectors are in charge of ensuring Trainers abide by League Rules, and may be called in to review Gyms, Gym Leaders, Elite Four, and Champions.
League Executives are in charge of updating and maintaining the Rules and Regulations as they see fit. They are also in charge of managing the Seasons of their respective Regions. League Executives have the final say on League matters.
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AN: Honestly I don't have much to say. I have a few one-shot ideas in the back burner, which I may be turn into something of acceptable quality. Other than that though, I hope this guide has been helpful, and until next time, StrangeFryingPan out!