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Play! Pokémon – Video Game Rules, Formats, and Penalty Guidelines

Date of last revision: July 26, 2017

2017 Pokémon VGC Rules, Format, and Penalty Guidelines

Pokémon Video Game Rules, Formats, and Penalty Guidelines

Last Updated: April 4th, 2017

Date of last revision: July 26, 2017

Table of Contents

1. Team Construction ................................................................................................................................ 2

1. Team Construction ................................................................................................................................ 3

1.1. Battle Team Setup ............................................................................................................................. 2

1.1. Battle Team Setup ................................................................................................................................ 3

1.2. Nicknames ......................................................................................................................................... 2

1.2. Nicknames ............................................................................................................................................. 3

1.3. Items ................................................................................................................................................. 2

1.3. Items ..................................................................................................................................................... 3

1.4. Pokémon ........................................................................................................................................... 2

1.4. Pokémon ............................................................................................................................................... 3

2. Equipment Rules ................................................................................................................................... 3

2. Equipment Rules ................................................................................................................................... 4

2.1. Game Cards ....................................................................................................................................... 3

2.1. Game Cards ........................................................................................................................................... 4

2.2. Game Systems ................................................................................................................................... 3

2.2. Game Systems....................................................................................................................................... 4

2.3. Game Patches and Updates .............................................................................................................. 3

2.3. Game Patches, Updates, and Firmware ............................................................................................... 4

2.4. Headphone Use ................................................................................................................................. 3

2.4. Headphone Use .................................................................................................................................... 4

2.5. Notes ................................................................................................................................................. 3

2.5. Notes ..................................................................................................................................................... 5

2.6. Objects in Play Area .......................................................................................................................... 4

2.6. Objects in Play Area .............................................................................................................................. 5

3. Match Play ............................................................................................................................................ 4

3. Match Play ............................................................................................................................................ 5

3.1. Double Battle Format ........................................................................................................................ 4

3.1. Double Battle Format ........................................................................................................................... 5

3.2. Tethered Tournaments ..................................................................................................................... 4

3.2. Events Tethered by Local Distribution .................................................................................................. 5

3.3. Untethered Tournaments ................................................................................................................. 4

3.2.1. Game Time Limits .............................................................................................................. 5

3.3.1. Untethered Time Limits ................................................................................................................ 5

3.2.2. Match Time Limits .............................................................................................................. 5

4.1. Illegally Manipulated Pokémon ........................................................................................................ 6

3.2.2.1 Definition of a Full Turn ...................................................................................................... 6

4.2. Electronic Hack Checking .................................................................................................................. 6

3.3. Events Tethered by QR Code ................................................................................................................ 6

4.3. Manual Hack Checking ...................................................................................................................... 6

3.3.1. QR Code Time Limits .......................................................................................................... 6

4.4. Reporting Suspected Hacks ............................................................................................................... 6

3.4. Match Resolution .................................................................................................................................. 6

5. Manual Hack Checking Appendix .......................................................................................................... 7

3.4.1. Resolving Time Outs ........................................................................................................... 6

5.1. Case 1 – Severe Tier 2 ....................................................................................................................... 7

Play! Pokémon – Video Game Rules, Formats, and Penalty Guidelines

5.2. Case 2 – Severe Tier 2 ....................................................................................................................... 7

Date of last revision: July 26, 2017

5.3. Case 3 – Severe Tier 1 ....................................................................................................................... 7

5.4. Case 4 – Severe Tier 1 ....................................................................................................................... 7

5.5. Case 5 – Severe Tier 1 ....................................................................................................................... 7

6. Penalty Guidelines ................................................................................................................................ 7

3.4.2. Resolving Best-of-Three Matches in Swiss Rounds ............................................................ 7

3.4.3. Resolving Best-of-Three Matches in Single Elimination Rounds ....................................... 8

3.4.4. Sudden Death ..................................................................................................................... 8

3.4.5. Double Game Freeze ........................................................................................................... 9

4. Illegal Pokémon ..................................................................................................................................... 9

4.1. Illegally Manipulated Pokémon ............................................................................................................ 9

4.2. Electronic Hack Checking ...................................................................................................................... 9

4.3. Manual Hack Checking .......................................................................................................................... 9

4.4. Reporting Suspected Hacks ................................................................................................................ 10

5. Pokémon Video Game Penalty Guidelines ......................................................................................... 10

5.1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 10

5.2. Assigning Penalties ............................................................................................................................. 10

5.2.1. Deviating from Recommended Penalties ......................................................................... 10

5.2.2. Reporting Penalties to Pokémon Organized Play ............................................................. 11

5.3. Types of Penalties in the Pokémon Video Game ................................................................................ 11

5.3.1. Caution ............................................................................................................................. 11

5.3.2. Warning............................................................................................................................. 11

5.3.3. Game Loss ......................................................................................................................... 12

5.3.4. Disqualification ................................................................................................................. 12

5.4. Types of Infractions ............................................................................................................................ 12

5.4.1. Gameplay Error ................................................................................................................. 13

5.4.2. Team Error ........................................................................................................................ 13

5.4.3. Procedural Error ................................................................................................................ 14

5.4.4. Unsporting Conduct .......................................................................................................... 16

Appendix A Manual Hack Checking ..................................................................................................... 17

Section 1 ...................................................................................................................................................... 17

Section 2 ...................................................................................................................................................... 18

Appendix B Document Updates ........................................................................................................ 19

Play! Pokémon – Video Game Rules, Formats, and Penalty Guidelines

Date of last revision: July 26, 2017

1. Team Construction

Players are responsible for ensuring that their team adheres to any restrictions set forth by the tournament format and this document. The rules and restrictions that follow are considered the “Standard format.”

1.1. Battle Team Setup

o A player must designate a Battle Team and keep the Battle Team unchanged from the beginning to the end of the event.

• A player must designate a Battle Team and keep the Battle Team unchanged from the beginning to the end of the event. Note: Event staff may alter a Battle Team to apply a penalty earned by the player.

o Teams must have a minimum of 4 Pokémon.

• Teams must have between four and six Pokémon depending on the event format (please see Events Tethered by Local Distribution and Events Tethered by QR Code below).

1.2. Nicknames

o A player’s team cannot contain two Pokémon with the same nickname.

• A player’s team cannot contain two Pokémon with the same nickname.

o A player’s team cannot contain a Pokémon nicknamed with the name of another Pokémon (for example, an Unfezant named “Pidove”).

• A player’s team cannot contain a Pokémon nicknamed with the name of another Pokémon (for example, an Unfezant named “Pidove”).

o Players must avoid the use of potentially inappropriate, obscene, or otherwise offensive words or phrases when naming their Trainer or their Pokémon.

• Players must avoid the use of potentially inappropriate, obscene, or otherwise offensive words or phrases when naming their Trainer or their Pokémon.

• Any player found to be in breach of the above rules during an event may be subject to penalties up to, and including, Disqualification.

1.3. Items

o Each Pokémon may hold an item, though no two Pokémon may hold the same item.

• Each Pokémon may hold an item, though no two Pokémon may hold the same item.

o Players may only use items that can be obtained through regular gameplay (including the Pokémon Global Link and related functions of games released by The Pokémon Company and Nintendo) or that have been awarded as part of a distribution or special event.

• Players may only use items that can be obtained through regular gameplay (including the Pokémon Global Link and related functions of games released by The Pokémon Company and Nintendo) or that have been awarded as part of a distribution or special event.

o Pokémon may not hold a Mega Stone.

• Pokémon may not hold a Mega Stone.

1.4. Pokémon

o A player’s team cannot contain two Pokémon with the same Alola Pokédex number.

• A player’s team cannot contain two Pokémon with the same Alola Pokédex number.

o Pokémon may only use moves that have been learned through normal gameplay or from an official Pokémon event or promotion.

• Pokémon may only use moves that have been learned through normal gameplay or from an official Pokémon event or promotion.

o Pokémon may have Hidden Abilities.

• Pokémon may have Hidden Abilities.

o Pokémon may use Z-Moves.

• Pokémon may use Z-Moves.

o Pokémon must have the black clover on their summary screen.

• Pokémon must have the black clover on their summary screen, shown below:

o Pokémon above and below Level 50 are permitted, but will be auto-leveled to Level 50 during battle.

• Pokémon above and below Lv. 50 are permitted, but will be auto-leveled to Lv. 50 during battle.

o Players may use Pokémon from the Alola Pokédex, from No. 001–204, No. 206 - 288 and No. 293 - 299, that are caught or hatched in the game or received at an official event or distribution. Only the Alola Form of Pokémon with regional variants can be used.

• Players may use Pokémon from the Alola Pokédex with the following Pokédex numbers, provided they are caught or hatched in the game, or received at an official event or distribution:

o #001–204

o #206–288

o #293–299

• Where Pokémon have a regional variant, only the Alola form may be used.

Play! Pokémon – Video Game Rules, Formats, and Penalty Guidelines

Date of last revision: July 26, 2017

2. Equipment Rules

2.1. Game Cards

o Only legitimate versions of Pokémon Sun or Pokémon Moon can be used in Play! Pokémon tournaments. This includes Game Cards and downloadable versions of Pokémon Sun or Pokémon Moon. Players are restricted on which region Game Cards they can use, based on the country where they are playing.

• Only legitimate versions of Pokémon Sun or Pokémon Moon can be used in Play! Pokémon tournaments. This includes game cards and downloadable versions of Pokémon Sun or Pokémon Moon.

▪ Players at European events may only use European Game Cards.

• Players are responsible for ensuring that their game card or downloadable game is fully functional.

▪ Players at North American events may only use North American Game Cards.

• Players are restricted on which region game cards they can use, based on the country where they are playing.

▪ Players in the Oceania, Latin America, South Africa, and Russia rating zones may only use Game Cards distributed in their local market.

o Players at European events may only use European game cards.

▪ Players at the World Championships or International Championships may only use Game Cards that are distributed in their local markets.

o Players at North American events may only use North American game cards.

o Players in the Oceania, Latin America, South Africa, and Russia rating zones may only use game cards distributed in the player’s local market.

• Players at the World Championships or International Championships may use game cards from any region or market.

2.2. Game Systems

o Players may use any system in the Nintendo 3DS™ family of systems during the competition. This includes the New Nintendo 3DS™, New Nintendo 3DS XL™, Nintendo 3DS™, Nintendo 3DS XL™, and Nintendo 2DS™. Players are responsible for bringing a charger that is compatible with their system.

• Players may use any system in the Nintendo 3DS™ family of systems during the competition. This includes the New Nintendo 3DS™, New Nintendo 3DS XL™, Nintendo 3DS™, Nintendo 3DS XL™, and Nintendo 2DS™. Players are responsible for bringing a charger that is compatible with their system.

• Players are responsible for ensuring that their game system is fully functional.

o Players at European events may only use systems in the European Nintendo 3DS™ family.

o Players at North American events may only use systems in the North American Nintendo 3DS™ family.

o Players in the Oceania, Latin America, South Africa, and Russia rating zones may only use systems distributed in their local market.

o Players in the Oceania, Latin America, South Africa, and Russia rating zones may only use systems distributed in the player’s local market.

o Players at the World Championships or International Championships may only use Game Cards and systems that are distributed in their local markets.

• Players at the World Championships or International Championships may use systems from any region or market.

2.3. Game Patches and Updates

2.3. Game Patches, Updates, and Firmware

o Players are responsible for ensuring their version of Pokémon Sun or Pokémon Moon has the latest game update downloaded prior to the start of the tournament. Players may be penalized, including disqualification, in the event their game does not have the latest update.

Players are responsible for ensuring their version of Pokémon Sun or Pokémon Moon has the latest game update downloaded prior to the start of the tournament. Players may be penalized, including Disqualification, in the event their game does not have the latest update, or if their console is not running on the latest firmware.

2.4. Headphone Use

o Headphones may be worn by players only if they are wired and plugged directly into their game system. The headphone wire must be clearly visible.

Headphones may be worn by players only if they are wired and plugged directly into their game system. The headphone wire must be clearly visible.

Play! Pokémon – Video Game Rules, Formats, and Penalty Guidelines

Date of last revision: July 26, 2017

2.5. Notes

o Players may take notes at any time during their match but must begin each match with a blank sheet. Lined, ruled, or grid paper are permitted. No written or printed aids, including type charts, are permitted in the play space.

Players may take notes at any time during their match but must begin each match with a blank sheet. Lined, ruled, or grid paper are permitted. No written or printed aids, including type charts, are permitted in the play space.

2.6. Objects in Play Area

o Players are permitted to have good luck charms or objects in the play space but must keep the play space neat. Players must avoid objects obstructing the IR port connection between game systems.

Players are permitted to have good luck charms or objects in the play space but must keep the play space neat. Players must avoid objects obstructing the IR port connection between game systems.

3. Match Play

3.1. Double Battle Format

o Each player selects four Pokémon from their Battle Team to battle with. At the start of the battle, players send out the first two Pokémon in their party, making a total of four Pokémon on the battlefield. Gameplay continues until a player makes all four of their opponent’s Pokémon faint or one player’s time limit has expired.

Each player selects four Pokémon from their Battle Team to battle with. At the start of the battle, players send out the first two Pokémon in their party, making a total of four Pokémon on the battlefield. Gameplay continues until a player makes all four of their opponent’s Pokémon faint or one player’s time limit has expired.

3.2. Tethered Tournaments

3.2. Events Tethered by Local Distribution

o A tethered tournament is a tournament where the Battle Team is locked electronically.

An event that is tethered by local distribution is a tournament where the Battle Team is locked electronically via infrared distribution of tournament regulations.

o “Cancelling Participation” after the Battle Team is locked may result in disqualification.

• Teams must contain a minimum of four Pokémon to participate in these events.

o Players must submit Team Sheets at the start of the tournament that matches the player’s Pokémon, items, and moves exactly as they appear in the Battle Team. They must use the this team during the entire tournament.

• Selecting Cancel Participation after the Battle Team is locked may result in Disqualification.

o When requested, players must permit a judge to review gameplay of their last match through the ‘View Previous Match’ function on the Live Competition menu.

• Players must submit a Team Sheet at the start of the tournament that matches the player’s Pokémon, items, and moves exactly as they appear in the Battle Team.

o They must use this team during the entire tournament.

• When requested, players must permit a judge to review gameplay of their last match through the View Previous Match function on the Live Competition menu.

3.2.1. Game Time Limits

▪ Tethered tournaments will automatically enforce the following time limits:

• Tournaments tethered by local distribution will automatically enforce the following time limits:

• Team preview: 90 seconds

o Team preview: 90 seconds

• Move time limit: 45 seconds

o Move time limit: 45 seconds

• Player time limit: 10 minutes

o Player time (“Your Time”) limit: 10 minutes

▪ Players may take notes at any time during a turn.

• Players may take notes at any time during a turn.

▪ Players may use as much time as allowed each turn.

• Players may use as much time as allowed each turn.

3.2.2. Match Time Limits

▪ There is a match time limit of 50 minutes for best-of-three games and 20 minutes for best-of-one games. When match time is called, players will have 3 additional turns to complete the current game.

There is a match time limit of 50 minutes for best-of-three games and 20 minutes for best-of-one games. When match time is called, players will have three additional full turns to complete the current game.

3.3. Untethered Tournaments

Play! Pokémon – Video Game Rules, Formats, and Penalty Guidelines

o An untethered tournament is a tournament where the Battle Team is not locked electronically. Players should use Festival Plaza and select Battle – Link Battle - Double Battle - 2017 World Championships Rules when setting up a battle. Players should download the “2017 World Championships Rules” from the Festival Plaza prior to attending the event.

Date of last revision: July 26, 2017

o Players must submit Team Sheets at the start of the tournament that matches the player’s Pokémon, items, and moves exactly as they appear in the Battle Team. They must use this team during the entire tournament.

o After a match, players must select the option to save video of the last battle.

3.2.2.1 Definition of a Full Turn

• A turn begins when the Run/Fight menu is displayed for both players, and lasts until all battle animations have completed and the Run/Fight menu is displayed once again.

3.3.1. Untethered Time Limits

• If time is called at any point in the current turn other than when the Run/Fight menu is displayed for both players, the current turn does not constitute a full turn.

▪ Untethered tournaments should use the following time limits:

o In this situation, the turn must be completed, and the three additional full turns will begin when the Run/Fight menu is once again displayed for both players.

• Game Enforced

3.3. Events Tethered by QR Code

o Team Preview: 1 minute 30 seconds

An event that is tethered by QR Code is a tournament where the Battle Team is locked electronically via the use of a QR Code generated by the organizer.

Beginning July 26, 2017, all Premier Events must be tethered by QR Code, unless they are operated by, or in conjunction with, TPCi. If the event is operated by or with TPCi, then it may be tethered by local distribution, provided this method is available.

• Battle Teams must contain six Pokémon to participate in these events.

• Players must submit a Team Sheet at the start of the tournament that matches the player’s Pokémon, items, and moves exactly as they appear in the Battle Team.

o Players must use this Battle Team during the entire tournament.

• After a match, players must select the option to save video of the last battle.

• Players are prohibited from using the Live Competition feature to play friendly games in between rounds. If a player runs out of the 30 available playable games at a QR Code tournament, they will be unable to continue playing in the event.

3.3.1. QR Code Time Limits

• Tournaments tethered by QR Code will automatically enforce the following time limits:

o Team preview: 90 seconds

o Move time limit: 45 seconds

o Player time: 10 minutes

o Player time (“Your Time”) limit: 10 minutes

• Organizer or Judge Enforced Match Time Limits

• Players may take notes at any time during a turn.

o Single game: 20 minutes + three turns

• Players may use as much time as allowed each turn.

o Best-of-three games: 50 minutes + three turns

▪ Players may take notes at any time during a turn.

3.4. Match Resolution

o Players are unable to resolve a match with an intentional draw (ID).

• A player wins by making their opponent’s final Pokémon faint.

o A player wins by making their opponent’s final Pokémon faint.

• If both players’ Pokémon faint during the last turn of a match, the player whose Pokémon faints last wins the game.

o If both players’ Pokémon faint during the last turn of a match, the player whose Pokémon faints last wins the game.

• Players are unable to resolve a match with an intentional draw (ID).

3.4.1. Resolving Time Outs

o The player time will automatically count down the time left in the game.

• Each player’s personal “Your Time” timer will automatically count down the time left in the game available to that player.

o A player who runs out of time will lose at the end of the turn.

• A player who runs out of “Your Time” will lose at the end of the turn.

o If both players run out of time on the same turn the game will automatically determine the winner using the following conditions in hierarchical order. This should also be applied by the tournament staff for any game that is not finished when match time is called and the final turn has resolved:

Play! Pokémon – Video Game Rules, Formats, and Penalty Guidelines

1. Whoever has the most Pokémon remaining wins.

Date of last revision: July 26, 2017

2. If both players have the same number of Pokémon remaining, the player with the highest ratio of total HP remaining / total maximum HP for all Pokémon in his or her party wins.

o (Current HP of remaining Pokémon) / (Maximum HP of all four Pokémon brought to battle)

• If both players run out of “Your Time” on the same turn, the game will automatically determine the winner using the following conditions in hierarchical order. This should also be applied by the tournament staff for any game that is not finished when match time is called and the final turn has resolved:

3. If there is no clear winner from conditions 1 or 2, then the Player with the highest total HP remaining wins.

o Whoever has the most Pokémon remaining wins.

4. If there is still no clear winner, the game will be a draw.

o If both players have the same number of Pokémon remaining, the player with the highest ratio of total HP remaining / total maximum HP for all Pokémon in their party wins.

3.4.2. Resolving Best-of-Three

▪ This is found using the following equation: (Current HP of remaining Pokémon) / (Maximum HP of all Pokémon brought to battle)

o Best-of-Three Matches

• If there is no clear winner from conditions 1 or 2, then the player with the highest total HP remaining wins.

▪ Use the following criteria, in order, to determine the outcome of a match that is unresolved after any given game has ended. After one of the criteria has been met, none of the others are applied.

• If there is still no clear winner, the game will be a tie.

• GAME 1:

3.4.2. Resolving Best-of-Three Matches in Swiss Rounds

o The players proceed to Game 2.

Refer to the following charts to determine at which point the winner of the match is decided.

• GAME 2:

Example

o If the winner of Game 2 also won Game 1, that player wins the match. If the winner of Game 2 did not win Game 1, or either game ended in a tie, players proceed to Game 3.

Player

Game 1 outcome

o During Swiss rounds, if players are tied after Game 2 has been completed and match time has been called, players will play a Sudden Death game. This will only occur if there is a tie during Swiss rounds after two games are played.

Game 2 outcome

• GAME 3:

Game 3 outcome

o The winner of Game 3 wins the match if there were no ties. If there was a tie in one game continue to play games until one player has more wins than their opponent. If there was a tie in two games the player who won the single game wins the match.

Sudden Death

▪ During Single Elimination, if players have won the same number of games after either Game 2 or Game 3 have completed and match time has been called, players will play a Sudden Death game.

Match outcome

3.4.3. Sudden Death

o During Sudden Death, players begin a new game. Players are required to gain an advantage in number of remaining Pokémon over their opponent. Tournament staff will evaluate the game at the end of each turn to determine if an advantage has been gained. After each turn has been completed, the tournament staff will determine the number of Pokémon that each player has remaining.

Player 1

▪ If both players have the same number of Pokémon remaining at the end of the turn, the game continues for another turn.

Win

▪ If a player has more remaining Pokémon than the opponent at the end of any turn, that player wins the game.

Win Unnecessary Unnecessary

Illegal Pokémon

Player 1 wins

Player 2

Loss

Loss B Player 1 Win Loss Win Unnecessary Player 1 wins Player 2 Loss Win Loss

Player 1

Win

Tie

Win Unnecessary

Player 1 wins

Player 2

Loss

Loss D Player 1 Tie Win Tie Unnecessary Player 1 wins Player 2 Loss

Player 1

Tie

Win

Win Unnecessary

Player 1 wins

Player 2

Loss

Loss F Player 1 Tie Tie Tie Win Player 1 wins Player 2

Loss

Player 1

Tie

Win

Loss

Win

Player 1 wins

Player 2

Loss

Win

Loss

If match time is called and both players have each won one game following the resolution of Game 2, then players will proceed to Sudden Death instead. This ONLY occurs during Swiss rounds if two games have been completed and match time has been called. In this case, it is appropriate to use the following solution:

Example

Player

Game 1 outcome

Game 2 outcome

Game 3 outcome

Sudden Death

Match outcome

Player 1

Win

Loss Unnecessary Win

Player 1 wins

Player 2

Loss

Win Loss

Play! Pokémon – Video Game Rules, Formats, and Penalty Guidelines

Date of last revision: July 26, 2017

3.4.3. Resolving Best-of-Three Matches in Single Elimination Rounds

Refer to the following charts to determine at which point the winner of the match is decided.

Example

Player

Game 1 outcome

Game 2 outcome

Game 3 outcome

Sudden Death

Match outcome

Player 1

Win

Win Unnecessary Unnecessary

Player 1 wins

Player 2

Loss

Loss B Player 1 Win Loss Win Unnecessary Player 1 wins Player 2 Loss Win Loss

Player 1

Win

Tie

Win Unnecessary

Player 1 wins

Player 2

Loss

Loss D Player 1 Tie Win Tie Unnecessary Player 1 wins Player 2 Loss

Player 1

Tie

Win

Win Unnecessary

Player 1 wins

Player 2

Loss

Loss F Player 1 Tie Tie Tie Win Player 1 wins Player 2

Loss

Player 1

Tie

Win

Loss

Win

Player 1 wins

Player 2

Loss

Win

Loss

If match time is called and both players have each won one game following the resolution of Game 2 OR Game 3, then players will proceed to Sudden Death instead.

Example

Player

Game 1 outcome

Game 2 outcome

Game 3 outcome

Sudden Death

Match outcome

Player 1

Win

Loss Unnecessary Win

Player 1 wins

Player 2

Loss

Win Loss I Player 1 Win Tie Loss Win Player 1 wins Player 2 Loss Win Loss

3.4.4. Sudden Death

During Sudden Death, players begin a new game. Players are required to gain an advantage in number of remaining Pokémon over their opponent. Tournament staff will evaluate the game at the end of each turn to determine if an advantage has been gained. After each turn has been completed, the tournament staff will determine the number of Pokémon that each player has remaining.

• If both players have the same number of Pokémon remaining at the end of the turn, the game continues for another turn.

Play! Pokémon – Video Game Rules, Formats, and Penalty Guidelines

Date of last revision: July 26, 2017

• If either player has more remaining Pokémon than their opponent at the end of the turn, that player wins the game.

3.4.5. Double Game Freeze

In some rare circumstances, players may experience a situation where both games freeze, and it is not clear which player is at fault. In this situation, the game cannot progress any further by organic means, and must be resolved as outlined below.

The point in the game at which the double game freeze happens has an impact on how the resolution should occur.

Pokémon remaining in team

Game resolution 4-4 (including during Team Preview) Game void, restart from the beginning

4-3

Tie 4-2 Tie

4-1

Win for player with most remaining Pokémon 3-3 Tie

3-2

Tie 3-1 Win for player with most remaining Pokémon

2-2

Tie 2-1 Tie

1-1

Tie

4. Illegal Pokémon

4.1. Illegally Manipulated Pokémon

o The use of external devices, such as a mobile app, to modify or create items or Pokémon in a player’s Battle Team is expressly forbidden. Players found to have Pokémon or items that have been tampered with may be disqualified from competition, regardless of whether the Pokémon or items belong to that player or were traded for.

The use of external devices, such as a mobile app, to modify or create items or Pokémon in a player’s Battle Team is expressly forbidden. Players found to have Pokémon or items that have been tampered with may be disqualified from competition, regardless of whether the Pokémon or items belong to that player or were traded for.

4.2. Electronic Hack Checking

o A player’s Battle Team may be checked at any time for illegal Pokémon using an electronic hack check.

A player’s Battle Team may be checked at any time for illegal Pokémon using an electronic hack check. If a player is unable to connect to the Internet due to device error or is blacklisted from game online functionality, the player will not be able to participate in the event. If it is discovered during an event that staff are unable to perform a hack check for the above reasons, the player may receive Disqualification from the event.

o If you are unable to connect to the Internet due to device error or are blacklisted from game online functionality you will not be able to participate in the event.

4.3. Manual Hack Checking

o A player’s Battle Team may be manually checked by an organizer or a judge for known hacks as outlined in the appendix below. Only hacks outlined in the Manual Hack Checking Appendix or uncovered through the electronic hack check may be penalized.

A player’s Battle Team may be manually checked by an organizer or a judge for known hacks as outlined in the Manual Hack Checking Appendix. Only hacks outlined in the Manual Hack Checking Appendix or uncovered through the electronic hack check may be penalized.

Play! Pokémon – Video Game Rules, Formats, and Penalty Guidelines

Date of last revision: July 26, 2017

4.4. Reporting Suspected Hacks

o Suspected new hacks should be reported to Pokémon Organized Play (POP) through Customer Support – support.pokemon.com

Suspected new hacks should be reported to the Pokémon Organized Play team through Customer Support at support.pokemon.com.

5. Pokémon Video Game Penalty Guidelines

5. Manual Hack Checking Appendix

5.1. Introduction

This appendix outlines known hacks which are not currently caught by the electronic hack check.

Play! Pokémon protocols and procedures are intended to foster a spirit of friendly competition at all Play! Pokémon events. However, there occasionally arise situations, whether intentionally or unintentionally, in which players and spectators do not abide by the Play! Pokémon rules or the spirit of the game. In these cases, penalties can be earned, ranging from Cautions and Warnings that do not represent substantial corrective action to more lasting forms of penalties, including Disqualification from an event.

5.1. Case 1 – Severe Tier 2

This section of the document is intended to provide organizers and judges with guidelines by which they can assign and report penalties in a fair, even, and logical way.

o Any Alola Pokémon with Hidden Abilities that cannot be obtained through normal gameplay.

5.2. Assigning Penalties

5.2. Case 2 – Severe Tier 2

Play! Pokémon Professors should seek to create fun, safe, and non-stressful play experiences for our players. For this reason, the application of penalties should be handled in the most polite and discreet manner possible.

o Any Legendary or Mythical Pokémon (with the black clover) that has Hidden Power as a Fighting-type move.

Every time a penalty is assigned, it should be accompanied by an explanation of specifically how the player’s actions are disallowed by the Play! Pokémon Tournament Rules documents, and by a clear description of what penalty will result from a repeated infraction. The application of penalties should be handled in a way that is positive and that moves the player toward a better overall understanding of the rules. To avoid singling players out or making a spectacle of an incident, organizers and judges may want to assign penalties in private.

5.3. Case 3 – Severe Tier 1

In some cases, a player may choose to drop from the event in an attempt to avoid receiving a serious penalty. This tactic is unacceptable. The Head Judge should notify the player that the penalty will still be assessed and reported to Pokémon Organized Play (POP) accordingly.

o Any of these Alola Pokédex numbers (with the black clover) that is also shiny

5.2.1. Deviating from Recommended Penalties

o #285 - #288

▪ With the following exception: #285 is legal as shiny if the below criteria are met:

• Contained in a Cherish Ball

• Timid nature

• OT “メレメレ”

▪ No. 293–299

5.4. Case 4 – Severe Tier 1

o Any Pokémon that lists “From: Nursery Helpers” on its summary screen and that is contained in a Master Ball or a Cherish Ball.

5.5. Case 5 – Severe Tier 1

o Any of these Pokémon (with the black clover) that has the following real level.

o No. 076 under Lv. 54

o No. 078 under Lv. 54

6. Penalty Guidelines

6.1. Penalty Types

o Caution

▪ Verbal warning to inform the player that they did something wrong.

o Warning

▪ Must be reported to POP by the Head Judge or Tournament Organizer of the event in which they occur.

o Game Loss

▪ Game loss for the current game (or next immediate game in best of three). If the penalty is issued between rounds, the penalty will be applied to the player’s next game.

o Disqualification

▪ Players who receive this penalty are removed from the tournament and become ineligible to receive any prizes.

6.2. Game Play Error

o Minor

▪ Holding/Moving your game system in a way that results in a fixable frozen match delay

• Double Frozen Game State – If both players’ game systems are stuck in an unfixable frozen game state and it cannot be determined which player’s Game Card or system is responsible for the frozen state, both players will receive a tie for that game.

▪ Attempting to view your opponent’s screen to gain an advantage

• Recommended Penalty

o Tier 1 – Caution

o Tier 2 – Warning

o Tier 3 – Game Loss for the current game (or next game in best of three)

o Major

▪ Removal of Game Card mid-game

▪ Loss of power to game system

▪ Holding/Moving your game system in a way that results in an unfixable frozen game state.

▪ Failure to save video of the last battle. (untethered).

▪ Refusal to select ‘View Previous Match’ when requested by a judge (tethered).

• Recommended penalty

o Tier 1 – Game loss for the current game.

o Severe

▪ Pokémon or item that does not match the team list.

• Recommended Penalty

o Tier 1 – Remove incorrect Pokémon or item from party and apply a game loss. Also use if Manual Hack Checking Appendix Case 3, 4 or 5 apply.

o Tier 2 – If fewer than 4 Pokémon remain, apply a game loss and disqualify player from event. Also use if Manual Hack Checking Appendix Case 1 or 2 apply.

Appendix A. Document Updates Changes for April 4th 2017

5.3 – Added an exception in the Manual Hack Check Appendix.

All rules in this document take precedence over the General Event Rules document. General Event Rules still apply where there is no contradicting information.

Saved diffs

Original text

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1
2017 Pokémon VGC Rules, Format, and Penalty Guidelines
Last Updated: April 4th, 2017
Table of Contents
1. Team Construction ................................................................................................................................ 2
1.1. Battle Team Setup ............................................................................................................................. 2
1.2. Nicknames ......................................................................................................................................... 2
1.3. Items ................................................................................................................................................. 2
1.4. Pokémon ........................................................................................................................................... 2
2. Equipment Rules ................................................................................................................................... 3
2.1. Game Cards ....................................................................................................................................... 3
2.2. Game Systems ................................................................................................................................... 3
2.3. Game Patches and Updates .............................................................................................................. 3
2.4. Headphone Use ................................................................................................................................. 3
2.5. Notes ................................................................................................................................................. 3
2.6. Objects in Play Area .......................................................................................................................... 4
3. Match Play ............................................................................................................................................ 4
3.1. Double Battle Format ........................................................................................................................ 4
3.2. Tethered Tournaments ..................................................................................................................... 4
3.3. Untethered Tournaments ................................................................................................................. 4
3.3.1. Untethered Time Limits ................................................................................................................ 5
4.1. Illegally Manipulated Pokémon ........................................................................................................ 6
4.2. Electronic Hack Checking .................................................................................................................. 6
4.3. Manual Hack Checking ...................................................................................................................... 6
4.4. Reporting Suspected Hacks ............................................................................................................... 6
5. Manual Hack Checking Appendix .......................................................................................................... 7
5.1. Case 1 – Severe Tier 2 ....................................................................................................................... 7
5.2. Case 2 – Severe Tier 2 ....................................................................................................................... 7
5.3. Case 3 – Severe Tier 1 ....................................................................................................................... 7
5.4. Case 4 – Severe Tier 1 ....................................................................................................................... 7
5.5. Case 5 – Severe Tier 1 ....................................................................................................................... 7
6. Penalty Guidelines ................................................................................................................................ 7
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1. Team Construction
Players are responsible for ensuring that their team adheres to any restrictions set forth by the tournament format and this document. The rules and restrictions that follow are considered the “Standard format.”
1.1. Battle Team Setup
o A player must designate a Battle Team and keep the Battle Team unchanged from the beginning to the end of the event.
o Teams must have a minimum of 4 Pokémon.
1.2. Nicknames
o A player’s team cannot contain two Pokémon with the same nickname.
o A player’s team cannot contain a Pokémon nicknamed with the name of another Pokémon (for example, an Unfezant named “Pidove”).
o Players must avoid the use of potentially inappropriate, obscene, or otherwise offensive words or phrases when naming their Trainer or their Pokémon.
1.3. Items
o Each Pokémon may hold an item, though no two Pokémon may hold the same item.
o Players may only use items that can be obtained through regular gameplay (including the Pokémon Global Link and related functions of games released by The Pokémon Company and Nintendo) or that have been awarded as part of a distribution or special event.
o Pokémon may not hold a Mega Stone.
1.4. Pokémon
o A player’s team cannot contain two Pokémon with the same Alola Pokédex number.
o Pokémon may only use moves that have been learned through normal gameplay or from an official Pokémon event or promotion.
o Pokémon may have Hidden Abilities.
o Pokémon may use Z-Moves.
o Pokémon must have the black clover on their summary screen.
o Pokémon above and below Level 50 are permitted, but will be auto-leveled to Level 50 during battle.
o Players may use Pokémon from the Alola Pokédex, from No. 001–204, No. 206 - 288 and No. 293 - 299, that are caught or hatched in the game or received at an official event or distribution. Only the Alola Form of Pokémon with regional variants can be used.
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2. Equipment Rules
2.
2.1. Game Cards
o Only legitimate versions of Pokémon Sun or Pokémon Moon can be used in Play! Pokémon tournaments. This includes Game Cards and downloadable versions of Pokémon Sun or Pokémon Moon. Players are restricted on which region Game Cards they can use, based on the country where they are playing.
▪ Players at European events may only use European Game Cards.
▪ Players at North American events may only use North American Game Cards.
▪ Players in the Oceania, Latin America, South Africa, and Russia rating zones may only use Game Cards distributed in their local market.
▪ Players at the World Championships or International Championships may only use Game Cards that are distributed in their local markets.
2.2. Game Systems
o Players may use any system in the Nintendo 3DS™ family of systems during the competition. This includes the New Nintendo 3DS™, New Nintendo 3DS XL™, Nintendo 3DS™, Nintendo 3DS XL™, and Nintendo 2DS™. Players are responsible for bringing a charger that is compatible with their system.
o Players at European events may only use systems in the European Nintendo 3DS™ family.
o Players at North American events may only use systems in the North American Nintendo 3DS™ family.
o Players in the Oceania, Latin America, South Africa, and Russia rating zones may only use systems distributed in their local market.
o Players at the World Championships or International Championships may only use Game Cards and systems that are distributed in their local markets.
2.3. Game Patches and Updates
o Players are responsible for ensuring their version of Pokémon Sun or Pokémon Moon has the latest game update downloaded prior to the start of the tournament. Players may be penalized, including disqualification, in the event their game does not have the latest update.
2.4. Headphone Use
o Headphones may be worn by players only if they are wired and plugged directly into their game system. The headphone wire must be clearly visible.
2.5. Notes
o Players may take notes at any time during their match but must begin each match with a blank sheet. Lined, ruled, or grid paper are permitted. No written or printed aids, including type charts, are permitted in the play space.
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2.6. Objects in Play Area
o Players are permitted to have good luck charms or objects in the play space but must keep the play space neat. Players must avoid objects obstructing the IR port connection between game systems.
3. Match Play
3.1. Double Battle Format
o Each player selects four Pokémon from their Battle Team to battle with. At the start of the battle, players send out the first two Pokémon in their party, making a total of four Pokémon on the battlefield. Gameplay continues until a player makes all four of their opponent’s Pokémon faint or one player’s time limit has expired.
3.2. Tethered Tournaments
o A tethered tournament is a tournament where the Battle Team is locked electronically.
o “Cancelling Participation” after the Battle Team is locked may result in disqualification.
o Players must submit Team Sheets at the start of the tournament that matches the player’s Pokémon, items, and moves exactly as they appear in the Battle Team. They must use the this team during the entire tournament.
o When requested, players must permit a judge to review gameplay of their last match through the ‘View Previous Match’ function on the Live Competition menu.
3.2.1. Game Time Limits
▪ Tethered tournaments will automatically enforce the following time limits:
• Team preview: 90 seconds
• Move time limit: 45 seconds
• Player time limit: 10 minutes
▪ Players may take notes at any time during a turn.
▪ Players may use as much time as allowed each turn.
3.2.2. Match Time Limits
▪ There is a match time limit of 50 minutes for best-of-three games and 20 minutes for best-of-one games. When match time is called, players will have 3 additional turns to complete the current game.
3.3. Untethered Tournaments
o An untethered tournament is a tournament where the Battle Team is not locked electronically. Players should use Festival Plaza and select Battle – Link Battle - Double Battle - 2017 World Championships Rules when setting up a battle. Players should download the “2017 World Championships Rules” from the Festival Plaza prior to attending the event.
o Players must submit Team Sheets at the start of the tournament that matches the player’s Pokémon, items, and moves exactly as they appear in the Battle Team. They must use this team during the entire tournament.
o After a match, players must select the option to save video of the last battle.
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3.3.1. Untethered Time Limits
▪ Untethered tournaments should use the following time limits:
• Game Enforced
o Team Preview: 1 minute 30 seconds
o Move time limit: 45 seconds
o Player time: 10 minutes
• Organizer or Judge Enforced Match Time Limits
o Single game: 20 minutes + three turns
o Best-of-three games: 50 minutes + three turns
▪ Players may take notes at any time during a turn.
3.4. Match Resolution
o Players are unable to resolve a match with an intentional draw (ID).
o A player wins by making their opponent’s final Pokémon faint.
o If both players’ Pokémon faint during the last turn of a match, the player whose Pokémon faints last wins the game.
3.4.1. Resolving Time Outs
o The player time will automatically count down the time left in the game.
o A player who runs out of time will lose at the end of the turn.
o If both players run out of time on the same turn the game will automatically determine the winner using the following conditions in hierarchical order. This should also be applied by the tournament staff for any game that is not finished when match time is called and the final turn has resolved:
1. Whoever has the most Pokémon remaining wins.
2. If both players have the same number of Pokémon remaining, the player with the highest ratio of total HP remaining / total maximum HP for all Pokémon in his or her party wins.
o (Current HP of remaining Pokémon) / (Maximum HP of all four Pokémon brought to battle)
3. If there is no clear winner from conditions 1 or 2, then the Player with the highest total HP remaining wins.
4. If there is still no clear winner, the game will be a draw.
3.4.2. Resolving Best-of-Three
o Best-of-Three Matches
▪ Use the following criteria, in order, to determine the outcome of a match that is unresolved after any given game has ended. After one of the criteria has been met, none of the others are applied.
• GAME 1:
o The players proceed to Game 2.
• GAME 2:
o If the winner of Game 2 also won Game 1, that player wins the match. If the winner of Game 2 did not win Game 1, or either game ended in a tie, players proceed to Game 3.
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o During Swiss rounds, if players are tied after Game 2 has been completed and match time has been called, players will play a Sudden Death game. This will only occur if there is a tie during Swiss rounds after two games are played.
• GAME 3:
o The winner of Game 3 wins the match if there were no ties. If there was a tie in one game continue to play games until one player has more wins than their opponent. If there was a tie in two games the player who won the single game wins the match.
▪ During Single Elimination, if players have won the same number of games after either Game 2 or Game 3 have completed and match time has been called, players will play a Sudden Death game.
3.4.3. Sudden Death
o During Sudden Death, players begin a new game. Players are required to gain an advantage in number of remaining Pokémon over their opponent. Tournament staff will evaluate the game at the end of each turn to determine if an advantage has been gained. After each turn has been completed, the tournament staff will determine the number of Pokémon that each player has remaining.
▪ If both players have the same number of Pokémon remaining at the end of the turn, the game continues for another turn.
▪ If a player has more remaining Pokémon than the opponent at the end of any turn, that player wins the game.
Illegal Pokémon
4.1. Illegally Manipulated Pokémon
o The use of external devices, such as a mobile app, to modify or create items or Pokémon in a player’s Battle Team is expressly forbidden. Players found to have Pokémon or items that have been tampered with may be disqualified from competition, regardless of whether the Pokémon or items belong to that player or were traded for.
4.2. Electronic Hack Checking
o A player’s Battle Team may be checked at any time for illegal Pokémon using an electronic hack check.
o If you are unable to connect to the Internet due to device error or are blacklisted from game online functionality you will not be able to participate in the event.
4.3. Manual Hack Checking
o A player’s Battle Team may be manually checked by an organizer or a judge for known hacks as outlined in the appendix below. Only hacks outlined in the Manual Hack Checking Appendix or uncovered through the electronic hack check may be penalized.
4.4. Reporting Suspected Hacks
o Suspected new hacks should be reported to Pokémon Organized Play (POP) through Customer Support – support.pokemon.com
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5. Manual Hack Checking Appendix
This appendix outlines known hacks which are not currently caught by the electronic hack check.
5.1. Case 1 – Severe Tier 2
o Any Alola Pokémon with Hidden Abilities that cannot be obtained through normal gameplay.
5.2. Case 2 – Severe Tier 2
o Any Legendary or Mythical Pokémon (with the black clover) that has Hidden Power as a Fighting-type move.
5.3. Case 3 – Severe Tier 1
o Any of these Alola Pokédex numbers (with the black clover) that is also shiny
o #285 - #288
▪ With the following exception: #285 is legal as shiny if the below criteria are met:
• Contained in a Cherish Ball
• Timid nature
• OT “メレメレ”
▪ No. 293–299
5.4. Case 4 – Severe Tier 1
o Any Pokémon that lists “From: Nursery Helpers” on its summary screen and that is contained in a Master Ball or a Cherish Ball.
5.5. Case 5 – Severe Tier 1
o Any of these Pokémon (with the black clover) that has the following real level.
o No. 076 under Lv. 54
o No. 078 under Lv. 54
6. Penalty Guidelines
6.1. Penalty Types
o Caution
▪ Verbal warning to inform the player that they did something wrong.
o Warning
▪ Must be reported to POP by the Head Judge or Tournament Organizer of the event in which they occur.
o Game Loss
▪ Game loss for the current game (or next immediate game in best of three). If the penalty is issued between rounds, the penalty will be applied to the player’s next game.
o Disqualification
▪ Players who receive this penalty are removed from the tournament and become ineligible to receive any prizes.
6.2. Game Play Error
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o Minor
▪ Holding/Moving your game system in a way that results in a fixable frozen match delay
• Double Frozen Game State – If both players’ game systems are stuck in an unfixable frozen game state and it cannot be determined which player’s Game Card or system is responsible for the frozen state, both players will receive a tie for that game.
▪ Attempting to view your opponent’s screen to gain an advantage
• Recommended Penalty
o Tier 1 – Caution
o Tier 2 – Warning
o Tier 3 – Game Loss for the current game (or next game in best of three)
o Major
▪ Removal of Game Card mid-game
▪ Loss of power to game system
▪ Holding/Moving your game system in a way that results in an unfixable frozen game state.
▪ Failure to save video of the last battle. (untethered).
▪ Refusal to select ‘View Previous Match’ when requested by a judge (tethered).
• Recommended penalty
o Tier 1 – Game loss for the current game.
o Severe
▪ Pokémon or item that does not match the team list.
• Recommended Penalty
o Tier 1 – Remove incorrect Pokémon or item from party and apply a game loss. Also use if Manual Hack Checking Appendix Case 3, 4 or 5 apply.
o Tier 2 – If fewer than 4 Pokémon remain, apply a game loss and disqualify player from event. Also use if Manual Hack Checking Appendix Case 1 or 2 apply.
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Appendix A. Document Updates Changes for April 4th 2017
5.3 – Added an exception in the Manual Hack Check Appendix.
All rules in this document take precedence over the General Event Rules document. General Event Rules still apply where there is no contradicting information.

Changed text

Open file

Play! Pokémon – Video Game Rules, Formats, and Penalty Guidelines
Date of last revision: July 26, 2017
1
Pokémon Video Game Rules, Formats, and Penalty Guidelines
Date of last revision: July 26, 2017
Table of Contents
1. Team Construction ................................................................................................................................ 3
1.1. Battle Team Setup ................................................................................................................................ 3
1.2. Nicknames ............................................................................................................................................. 3
1.3. Items ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.4. Pokémon ............................................................................................................................................... 3
2. Equipment Rules ................................................................................................................................... 4
2.1. Game Cards ........................................................................................................................................... 4
2.2. Game Systems....................................................................................................................................... 4
2.3. Game Patches, Updates, and Firmware ............................................................................................... 4
2.4. Headphone Use .................................................................................................................................... 4
2.5. Notes ..................................................................................................................................................... 5
2.6. Objects in Play Area .............................................................................................................................. 5
3. Match Play ............................................................................................................................................ 5
3.1. Double Battle Format ........................................................................................................................... 5
3.2. Events Tethered by Local Distribution .................................................................................................. 5
3.2.1. Game Time Limits .............................................................................................................. 5
3.2.2. Match Time Limits .............................................................................................................. 5
3.2.2.1 Definition of a Full Turn ...................................................................................................... 6
3.3. Events Tethered by QR Code ................................................................................................................ 6
3.3.1. QR Code Time Limits .......................................................................................................... 6
3.4. Match Resolution .................................................................................................................................. 6
3.4.1. Resolving Time Outs ........................................................................................................... 6
Play! Pokémon – Video Game Rules, Formats, and Penalty Guidelines
Date of last revision: July 26, 2017
2
3.4.2. Resolving Best-of-Three Matches in Swiss Rounds ............................................................ 7
3.4.3. Resolving Best-of-Three Matches in Single Elimination Rounds ....................................... 8
3.4.4. Sudden Death ..................................................................................................................... 8
3.4.5. Double Game Freeze ........................................................................................................... 9
4. Illegal Pokémon ..................................................................................................................................... 9
4.1. Illegally Manipulated Pokémon ............................................................................................................ 9
4.2. Electronic Hack Checking ...................................................................................................................... 9
4.3. Manual Hack Checking .......................................................................................................................... 9
4.4. Reporting Suspected Hacks ................................................................................................................ 10
5. Pokémon Video Game Penalty Guidelines ......................................................................................... 10
5.1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 10
5.2. Assigning Penalties ............................................................................................................................. 10
5.2.1. Deviating from Recommended Penalties ......................................................................... 10
5.2.2. Reporting Penalties to Pokémon Organized Play ............................................................. 11
5.3. Types of Penalties in the Pokémon Video Game ................................................................................ 11
5.3.1. Caution ............................................................................................................................. 11
5.3.2. Warning............................................................................................................................. 11
5.3.3. Game Loss ......................................................................................................................... 12
5.3.4. Disqualification ................................................................................................................. 12
5.4. Types of Infractions ............................................................................................................................ 12
5.4.1. Gameplay Error ................................................................................................................. 13
5.4.2. Team Error ........................................................................................................................ 13
5.4.3. Procedural Error ................................................................................................................ 14
5.4.4. Unsporting Conduct .......................................................................................................... 16
Appendix A Manual Hack Checking ..................................................................................................... 17
Section 1 ...................................................................................................................................................... 17
Section 2 ...................................................................................................................................................... 18
Appendix B Document Updates ........................................................................................................ 19
Play! Pokémon – Video Game Rules, Formats, and Penalty Guidelines
Date of last revision: July 26, 2017
3
1. Team Construction
Players are responsible for ensuring that their team adheres to any restrictions set forth by the tournament format and this document. The rules and restrictions that follow are considered the “Standard format.”
1.1. Battle Team Setup
• A player must designate a Battle Team and keep the Battle Team unchanged from the beginning to the end of the event. Note: Event staff may alter a Battle Team to apply a penalty earned by the player.
• Teams must have between four and six Pokémon depending on the event format (please see Events Tethered by Local Distribution and Events Tethered by QR Code below).
1.2. Nicknames
• A player’s team cannot contain two Pokémon with the same nickname.
• A player’s team cannot contain a Pokémon nicknamed with the name of another Pokémon (for example, an Unfezant named “Pidove”).
• Players must avoid the use of potentially inappropriate, obscene, or otherwise offensive words or phrases when naming their Trainer or their Pokémon.
• Any player found to be in breach of the above rules during an event may be subject to penalties up to, and including, Disqualification.
1.3. Items
• Each Pokémon may hold an item, though no two Pokémon may hold the same item.
• Players may only use items that can be obtained through regular gameplay (including the Pokémon Global Link and related functions of games released by The Pokémon Company and Nintendo) or that have been awarded as part of a distribution or special event.
• Pokémon may not hold a Mega Stone.
1.4. Pokémon
• A player’s team cannot contain two Pokémon with the same Alola Pokédex number.
• Pokémon may only use moves that have been learned through normal gameplay or from an official Pokémon event or promotion.
• Pokémon may have Hidden Abilities.
• Pokémon may use Z-Moves.
• Pokémon must have the black clover on their summary screen, shown below:
• Pokémon above and below Lv. 50 are permitted, but will be auto-leveled to Lv. 50 during battle.
• Players may use Pokémon from the Alola Pokédex with the following Pokédex numbers, provided they are caught or hatched in the game, or received at an official event or distribution:
o #001–204
o #206–288
o #293–299
• Where Pokémon have a regional variant, only the Alola form may be used.
Play! Pokémon – Video Game Rules, Formats, and Penalty Guidelines
Date of last revision: July 26, 2017
4
2. Equipment Rules
2.1. Game Cards
• Only legitimate versions of Pokémon Sun or Pokémon Moon can be used in Play! Pokémon tournaments. This includes game cards and downloadable versions of Pokémon Sun or Pokémon Moon.
• Players are responsible for ensuring that their game card or downloadable game is fully functional.
• Players are restricted on which region game cards they can use, based on the country where they are playing.
o Players at European events may only use European game cards.
o Players at North American events may only use North American game cards.
o Players in the Oceania, Latin America, South Africa, and Russia rating zones may only use game cards distributed in the player’s local market.
• Players at the World Championships or International Championships may use game cards from any region or market.
2.2. Game Systems
• Players may use any system in the Nintendo 3DS™ family of systems during the competition. This includes the New Nintendo 3DS™, New Nintendo 3DS XL™, Nintendo 3DS™, Nintendo 3DS XL™, and Nintendo 2DS™. Players are responsible for bringing a charger that is compatible with their system.
• Players are responsible for ensuring that their game system is fully functional.
o Players at European events may only use systems in the European Nintendo 3DS™ family.
o Players at North American events may only use systems in the North American Nintendo 3DS™ family.
o Players in the Oceania, Latin America, South Africa, and Russia rating zones may only use systems distributed in the player’s local market.
• Players at the World Championships or International Championships may use systems from any region or market.
2.3. Game Patches, Updates, and Firmware
Players are responsible for ensuring their version of Pokémon Sun or Pokémon Moon has the latest game update downloaded prior to the start of the tournament. Players may be penalized, including Disqualification, in the event their game does not have the latest update, or if their console is not running on the latest firmware.
2.4. Headphone Use
Headphones may be worn by players only if they are wired and plugged directly into their game system. The headphone wire must be clearly visible.
Play! Pokémon – Video Game Rules, Formats, and Penalty Guidelines
Date of last revision: July 26, 2017
5
2.5. Notes
Players may take notes at any time during their match but must begin each match with a blank sheet. Lined, ruled, or grid paper are permitted. No written or printed aids, including type charts, are permitted in the play space.
2.6. Objects in Play Area
Players are permitted to have good luck charms or objects in the play space but must keep the play space neat. Players must avoid objects obstructing the IR port connection between game systems.
3. Match Play
3.1. Double Battle Format
Each player selects four Pokémon from their Battle Team to battle with. At the start of the battle, players send out the first two Pokémon in their party, making a total of four Pokémon on the battlefield. Gameplay continues until a player makes all four of their opponent’s Pokémon faint or one player’s time limit has expired.
3.2. Events Tethered by Local Distribution
An event that is tethered by local distribution is a tournament where the Battle Team is locked electronically via infrared distribution of tournament regulations.
• Teams must contain a minimum of four Pokémon to participate in these events.
• Selecting Cancel Participation after the Battle Team is locked may result in Disqualification.
• Players must submit a Team Sheet at the start of the tournament that matches the player’s Pokémon, items, and moves exactly as they appear in the Battle Team.
o They must use this team during the entire tournament.
• When requested, players must permit a judge to review gameplay of their last match through the View Previous Match function on the Live Competition menu.
3.2.1. Game Time Limits
• Tournaments tethered by local distribution will automatically enforce the following time limits:
o Team preview: 90 seconds
o Move time limit: 45 seconds
o Player time (“Your Time”) limit: 10 minutes
• Players may take notes at any time during a turn.
• Players may use as much time as allowed each turn.
3.2.2. Match Time Limits
There is a match time limit of 50 minutes for best-of-three games and 20 minutes for best-of-one games. When match time is called, players will have three additional full turns to complete the current game.
Play! Pokémon – Video Game Rules, Formats, and Penalty Guidelines
Date of last revision: July 26, 2017
6
3.2.2.1 Definition of a Full Turn
• A turn begins when the Run/Fight menu is displayed for both players, and lasts until all battle animations have completed and the Run/Fight menu is displayed once again.
• If time is called at any point in the current turn other than when the Run/Fight menu is displayed for both players, the current turn does not constitute a full turn.
o In this situation, the turn must be completed, and the three additional full turns will begin when the Run/Fight menu is once again displayed for both players.
3.3. Events Tethered by QR Code
An event that is tethered by QR Code is a tournament where the Battle Team is locked electronically via the use of a QR Code generated by the organizer.
Beginning July 26, 2017, all Premier Events must be tethered by QR Code, unless they are operated by, or in conjunction with, TPCi. If the event is operated by or with TPCi, then it may be tethered by local distribution, provided this method is available.
• Battle Teams must contain six Pokémon to participate in these events.
• Players must submit a Team Sheet at the start of the tournament that matches the player’s Pokémon, items, and moves exactly as they appear in the Battle Team.
o Players must use this Battle Team during the entire tournament.
• After a match, players must select the option to save video of the last battle.
• Players are prohibited from using the Live Competition feature to play friendly games in between rounds. If a player runs out of the 30 available playable games at a QR Code tournament, they will be unable to continue playing in the event.
3.3.1. QR Code Time Limits
• Tournaments tethered by QR Code will automatically enforce the following time limits:
o Team preview: 90 seconds
o Move time limit: 45 seconds
o Player time (“Your Time”) limit: 10 minutes
• Players may take notes at any time during a turn.
• Players may use as much time as allowed each turn.
3.4. Match Resolution
• A player wins by making their opponent’s final Pokémon faint.
• If both players’ Pokémon faint during the last turn of a match, the player whose Pokémon faints last wins the game.
• Players are unable to resolve a match with an intentional draw (ID).
3.4.1. Resolving Time Outs
• Each player’s personal “Your Time” timer will automatically count down the time left in the game available to that player.
• A player who runs out of “Your Time” will lose at the end of the turn.
Play! Pokémon – Video Game Rules, Formats, and Penalty Guidelines
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• If both players run out of “Your Time” on the same turn, the game will automatically determine the winner using the following conditions in hierarchical order. This should also be applied by the tournament staff for any game that is not finished when match time is called and the final turn has resolved:
o Whoever has the most Pokémon remaining wins.
o If both players have the same number of Pokémon remaining, the player with the highest ratio of total HP remaining / total maximum HP for all Pokémon in their party wins.
▪ This is found using the following equation: (Current HP of remaining Pokémon) / (Maximum HP of all Pokémon brought to battle)
• If there is no clear winner from conditions 1 or 2, then the player with the highest total HP remaining wins.
• If there is still no clear winner, the game will be a tie.
3.4.2. Resolving Best-of-Three Matches in Swiss Rounds
Refer to the following charts to determine at which point the winner of the match is decided.
Example
Player
Game 1 outcome
Game 2 outcome
Game 3 outcome
Sudden Death
Match outcome
A
Player 1
Win
Win Unnecessary Unnecessary
Player 1 wins
Player 2
Loss
Loss B Player 1 Win Loss Win Unnecessary Player 1 wins Player 2 Loss Win Loss
C
Player 1
Win
Tie
Win Unnecessary
Player 1 wins
Player 2
Loss
Loss D Player 1 Tie Win Tie Unnecessary Player 1 wins Player 2 Loss
E
Player 1
Tie
Win
Win Unnecessary
Player 1 wins
Player 2
Loss
Loss F Player 1 Tie Tie Tie Win Player 1 wins Player 2
Loss
G
Player 1
Tie
Win
Loss
Win
Player 1 wins
Player 2
Loss
Win
Loss
If match time is called and both players have each won one game following the resolution of Game 2, then players will proceed to Sudden Death instead. This ONLY occurs during Swiss rounds if two games have been completed and match time has been called. In this case, it is appropriate to use the following solution:
Example
Player
Game 1 outcome
Game 2 outcome
Game 3 outcome
Sudden Death
Match outcome
H
Player 1
Win
Loss Unnecessary Win
Player 1 wins
Player 2
Loss
Win Loss
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3.4.3. Resolving Best-of-Three Matches in Single Elimination Rounds
Refer to the following charts to determine at which point the winner of the match is decided.
Example
Player
Game 1 outcome
Game 2 outcome
Game 3 outcome
Sudden Death
Match outcome
A
Player 1
Win
Win Unnecessary Unnecessary
Player 1 wins
Player 2
Loss
Loss B Player 1 Win Loss Win Unnecessary Player 1 wins Player 2 Loss Win Loss
C
Player 1
Win
Tie
Win Unnecessary
Player 1 wins
Player 2
Loss
Loss D Player 1 Tie Win Tie Unnecessary Player 1 wins Player 2 Loss
E
Player 1
Tie
Win
Win Unnecessary
Player 1 wins
Player 2
Loss
Loss F Player 1 Tie Tie Tie Win Player 1 wins Player 2
Loss
G
Player 1
Tie
Win
Loss
Win
Player 1 wins
Player 2
Loss
Win
Loss
If match time is called and both players have each won one game following the resolution of Game 2 OR Game 3, then players will proceed to Sudden Death instead.
Example
Player
Game 1 outcome
Game 2 outcome
Game 3 outcome
Sudden Death
Match outcome
H
Player 1
Win
Loss Unnecessary Win
Player 1 wins
Player 2
Loss
Win Loss I Player 1 Win Tie Loss Win Player 1 wins Player 2 Loss Win Loss
3.4.4. Sudden Death
During Sudden Death, players begin a new game. Players are required to gain an advantage in number of remaining Pokémon over their opponent. Tournament staff will evaluate the game at the end of each turn to determine if an advantage has been gained. After each turn has been completed, the tournament staff will determine the number of Pokémon that each player has remaining.
• If both players have the same number of Pokémon remaining at the end of the turn, the game continues for another turn.
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• If either player has more remaining Pokémon than their opponent at the end of the turn, that player wins the game.
3.4.5. Double Game Freeze
In some rare circumstances, players may experience a situation where both games freeze, and it is not clear which player is at fault. In this situation, the game cannot progress any further by organic means, and must be resolved as outlined below.
The point in the game at which the double game freeze happens has an impact on how the resolution should occur.
Pokémon remaining in team
Game resolution 4-4 (including during Team Preview) Game void, restart from the beginning
4-3
Tie 4-2 Tie
4-1
Win for player with most remaining Pokémon 3-3 Tie
3-2
Tie 3-1 Win for player with most remaining Pokémon
2-2
Tie 2-1 Tie
1-1
Tie
4. Illegal Pokémon
4.1. Illegally Manipulated Pokémon
The use of external devices, such as a mobile app, to modify or create items or Pokémon in a player’s Battle Team is expressly forbidden. Players found to have Pokémon or items that have been tampered with may be disqualified from competition, regardless of whether the Pokémon or items belong to that player or were traded for.
4.2. Electronic Hack Checking
A player’s Battle Team may be checked at any time for illegal Pokémon using an electronic hack check. If a player is unable to connect to the Internet due to device error or is blacklisted from game online functionality, the player will not be able to participate in the event. If it is discovered during an event that staff are unable to perform a hack check for the above reasons, the player may receive Disqualification from the event.
4.3. Manual Hack Checking
A player’s Battle Team may be manually checked by an organizer or a judge for known hacks as outlined in the Manual Hack Checking Appendix. Only hacks outlined in the Manual Hack Checking Appendix or uncovered through the electronic hack check may be penalized.
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4.4. Reporting Suspected Hacks
Suspected new hacks should be reported to the Pokémon Organized Play team through Customer Support at support.pokemon.com.
5. Pokémon Video Game Penalty Guidelines
5.1. Introduction
Play! Pokémon protocols and procedures are intended to foster a spirit of friendly competition at all Play! Pokémon events. However, there occasionally arise situations, whether intentionally or unintentionally, in which players and spectators do not abide by the Play! Pokémon rules or the spirit of the game. In these cases, penalties can be earned, ranging from Cautions and Warnings that do not represent substantial corrective action to more lasting forms of penalties, including Disqualification from an event.
This section of the document is intended to provide organizers and judges with guidelines by which they can assign and report penalties in a fair, even, and logical way.
5.2. Assigning Penalties
Play! Pokémon Professors should seek to create fun, safe, and non-stressful play experiences for our players. For this reason, the application of penalties should be handled in the most polite and discreet manner possible.
Every time a penalty is assigned, it should be accompanied by an explanation of specifically how the player’s actions are disallowed by the Play! Pokémon Tournament Rules documents, and by a clear description of what penalty will result from a repeated infraction. The application of penalties should be handled in a way that is positive and that moves the player toward a better overall understanding of the rules. To avoid singling players out or making a spectacle of an incident, organizers and judges may want to assign penalties in private.
In some cases, a player may choose to drop from the event in an attempt to avoid receiving a serious penalty. This tactic is unacceptable. The Head Judge should notify the player that the penalty will still be assessed and reported to Pokémon Organized Play (POP) accordingly.
5.2.1. Deviating from Recommended Penalties
The penalties for infractions are simply recommendations and may be increased or decreased in severity based on circumstances. As a general rule, judges should take an especially easy approach with the Junior age division. Younger players are often prone to make mistakes due to lack of experience or the intimidation of playing in a competitive environment. POP recommends starting with a Caution for most penalties applied to players in the Junior age division. Younger or less-experienced players should always be given the benefit of the doubt, as they are often learning the game and most of the mistakes they make are accidental. These players may be given additional Caution penalties before a Warning is issued.
The final word on what penalties should be applied to which players and at what time is up to the Head Judge of the event. The Professor organizing the tournament and other judges may
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assign penalties, but they should always check with the Head Judge before assigning a penalty more severe than a Warning. All Cautions and Warnings assigned by any judge or organizer should be reported to the Head Judge of the event. The Head Judge is required to report any penalty above a Caution to POP.
5.2.2. Reporting Penalties to Pokémon Organized Play
Simple Cautions do not need to be reported to Pokémon Organized Play; however, penalties at the Warning level and above must be reported. POP tracks each player’s penalty history to differentiate intentional repetition of infractions from unintentional occurrences and to determine if long-term action is necessary.
Penalties that require reporting must be submitted to playercoordinator@pokemon.com within seven days of the event date. A penalty reporting form can be found on the Tournament Rules and Resources page for your convenience.
If you cannot access the penalty reporting form, please email the information to playercoordinator@pokemon.com:
• Tournament sanctioning number
• Player IDs and names of the relevant players
• Player ID and name of the judge issuing the penalty
• A detailed account of the relevant proceedings of the event, up to and including the infraction, the response from the judges and organizer, and the reaction, if any, of the involved players
In the event of a Disqualification, it is also the responsibility of the Head Judge to submit a full and thorough report of the incident to Pokémon Organized Play. This report should detail all factors that contributed to the decision to issue this penalty, as well as the names and Player ID numbers of all Professors who were present at the time of the incident.
5.3. Types of Penalties in the Pokémon Video Game
The following list details the various levels of penalty in order of severity. Only Pokémon Organized Play (POP) is authorized to add to or alter any of the penalties below. Organizers and judges may not issue any penalties other than those listed below. In addition to the below penalties, the judge or organizer may need to take further corrective action, such as removing an illegal Pokémon from a player’s team.
5.3.1. Caution
A Caution is the most basic of assigned penalties. In essence, the judge or TO assigning the Caution is merely notifying the player that they did something wrong. The Caution should be followed with an explanation to the player about the correct procedure as well as notification to the player that a repeated offense may result in a higher penalty.
5.3.2. Warning
A Warning is similar to a Caution in that both are minor penalties. They differ in that Warnings must be reported to POP by the Head Judge or organizer of the event in which they occur. If younger or less-experienced players commit a second offense that was penalized the first time with a Caution, a second Caution is a suitable second penalty, but a Warning may need to be
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issued on a third offense. Judges should always use discretion when escalating a penalty in the Junior age division, as this group is often still learning the game.
After a Warning has been issued, the issuing TO or judge should confirm that the erring player is aware of the proper rules and procedures as set forth in the Play! Pokémon VG Rules, Formats, and Penalty Guidelines document. The player should be informed that a repeat offense may result in an escalated penalty.
5.3.3. Game Loss
The Game Loss penalty is generally used when a mistake has been made that has a severe impact to the point where the game is irreparably broken and unable to continue. This penalty is also used for other major procedural errors or problems.
When issuing a Game Loss penalty during an active game, the game is recorded as a loss for the player receiving the penalty. In extreme cases where significant errors have been made by both players in a game, a Game Loss penalty may be issued to both players simultaneously. A game terminated in this manner is not a tie; it is recorded as having no winner.
If this penalty is issued between rounds, the penalty is applied to the player’s next game.
5.3.4. Disqualification
Disqualification is the most serious penalty that can be issued at a tournament. Its use should be strictly reserved for the most extreme cases, where a player’s actions (whether intentional or unintentional) have significantly and negatively impacted the integrity or operation of the entire event. Players who receive this penalty are removed from the tournament and become ineligible to receive any prizes. It is important that the removal be enacted in such a way so as not to inflame, extend, or call any more attention to the situation than is absolutely necessary.
The timing of a player’s Disqualification has an impact on the remainder of the tournament.
• If disqualified after pairings are posted or during an active match, the player is given a loss for that round, and then dropped from the event.
• If disqualified after their match is completed but before pairings for the next round are posted, the player is simply dropped from the event.
• If disqualified at any point during a Single Elimination cut, the player is dropped from the event, and their opponent receives a win for that round.
If the player’s actions warrant it, asking the player to leave the tournament site may be necessary. The player receiving the penalty should be given time to collect their belongings and to make arrangements with any other players they may have traveled with.
5.4. Types of Infractions
There are several categories of infraction, and each should be treated slightly differently based on the age and experience level of the involved players. Each infraction lists two penalties.
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The Tier 1 Penalty is the first penalty that should be assigned to a player committing this type of infraction at an event such as a Premier Challenge or Midseason Showdown.
The Tier 2 Penalty should be assigned at events such as Regional Championships, International Championships, or World Championships events, as players at these events are held to a higher standard of gameplay.
5.4.1. Gameplay Error
This infraction covers general mistakes made during a game. These mistakes can have very little impact on a game, or they can bring a game to an abrupt halt. This category defines the levels of errors and outlines the appropriate penalties for each.
Minor
Examples of Gameplay Error: Minor include:
• Holding or moving your game system in a way that results in a fixable frozen match delay
Recommended Penalty
• Tier 1 – Caution (first offense); Warning (second offense); Game Loss (third offense)
• Tier 2 – Warning (first offense); Game Loss (second offense)
Major
Examples of Gameplay Error: Major include:
• Removal of game card mid-game
• Loss of power to game system
• Holding or moving your game system in a way that results in an unfixable frozen game state*
• Refusal to select View Previous Match when requested by a judge
• Attempting to view your opponent’s screen to gain an advantage (screen-peeking)**
Recommended Penalty
• Tier 1 – Game Loss
• Tier 2 – Game Loss
*If both players are experiencing an unfixable frozen game state, and it is unclear which player is at fault, the problem should be resolved as outlined in 3.4.5. Double Game Freeze.
**Game Loss is recommended as the starting penalty for a first offense. If the player is confirmed to have engaged in a second offense, the penalty should be escalated to Disqualification.
5.4.2. Team Error
This infraction encompasses problems found with a player’s Battle Team.
Minor
Take the following into account when penalties fall into this category:
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• In events tethered by local distribution, the offending Pokémon should be removed from the player’s Battle Team in addition to applying the appropriate penalty as described below.
• In events tethered by QR Code, the offending Pokémon should instead be prohibited from use for the remainder of the tournament rather than removed.
o A judge should check that players in receipt of such a penalty are not using the offending Pokémon at regular intervals throughout the remainder of the tournament.
• If either of the above scenarios results in a player having fewer than four usable Pokémon remaining in their team, the infraction should be escalated to Team Error: Major.
Examples of Team Error: Minor include:
• A Pokémon or item in the player’s Battle Team does not match the team list
• A Pokémon in the player’s Battle Team has an inappropriate nickname*
• A Pokémon on the player’s team also appears in Section 1 of the Manual Hack Checking Appendix
Recommended Penalty:
• Tier 1 – Game Loss
• Tier 2 – Game Loss
*Should the nickname in question be deliberately meant to cause offense, re-classification to Unsporting Conduct: Severe may be necessary.
Major Examples of Team Error: Major include:
• A player has fewer than four usable Pokémon remaining after receiving earlier penalties
• A Pokémon on the player’s team also appears in Section 2 of the Manual Hack Checking Appendix
• Any indication via official tools that a Pokémon has been illegally manipulated, such as a player’s team failing an electronic hack check
Recommended Penalty
• Tier 1 – Disqualification
• Tier 2 – Disqualification
5.4.3. Procedural Error
A player who causes an error in the operation of an event, such as misreporting a match, playing the wrong opponent, failing to notify a judge or TO that they are dropping from the event, or other such errors, needs to be reminded of the procedural rules of a Play! Pokémon event. As with Gameplay Errors or other accidental infractions, this reminder is customarily given with a Caution penalty. Repeated infractions may result in higher penalties.
Minor
This category covers smaller errors that do not have a serious impact on the operation of the event. If the situation can be corrected before any delay or disruption occurs, the correction should always be
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made and no higher penalty than a Caution should be dispensed for a first infraction. If the situation goes unreported until delay or disruption is caused, a Warning is a suitable first penalty.
Examples of Procedural Error: Minor include:
• Walking away from a match before both players’ game systems have recognized the results of the final game
• Forgetting to sign the match slip
• Entering marked or announced staff-only areas
• Interrupting staff during announcements to players or rulings in progress
Recommended Penalty:
• Tier 1 – Caution
• Tier 2 – Caution
Major
Occasionally errors are made that have a much larger impact on the tournament’s operation. Some can cause a major delay in the timeliness of the event; others can cause a significant inconvenience for the players around you. In some extreme cases the penalty for this infraction can be escalated to a Game Loss for a first offense.
Examples of Procedural Error: Major include:
• Incorrectly filling out a match slip
• Showing up to a match late (less than 5 minutes)
Recommended Penalty:
• Tier 1 – Warning
• Tier 2 – Warning
Severe
This category is typically reserved for an infraction that has a significant impact on the event, or is the result of a breakdown in event protocol.
Examples of Procedural Error: Severe include:
• Reporting the incorrect result of a match
• Showing up late to a match (5 minutes or more)
• Failure to report that you are dropping from an event before leaving the venue (This penalty should still be issued, regardless of whether the player is there to receive it or not.)
• Playing the incorrect opponent (In this case, the player sitting at the wrong table receives the penalty.)
Recommended Penalty:
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• Tier 1 – Game Loss
• Tier 2 – Game Loss
5.4.4. Unsporting Conduct
This group of penalties covers the inappropriate actions taken by players or spectators at an event. This category always assumes that the offending actions are intentional. A player does not have to be actively involved in a match to receive an Unsporting Conduct penalty. While players and spectators should enjoy their tournament experience, they also need to remember that their actions can have a negative impact on fellow participants.
Minor
Players are expected to behave in a respectful manner to all attendees and staff of a Pokémon event. Players who don’t behave properly need to be reminded with the issuance of a penalty. Infractions in this category have no impact on the event operation itself.
Examples of Unsporting Conduct: Minor include:
• Swearing in the tournament area
• Leaving a small amount of garbage in the tournament area
• Roughhousing
• Disturbing a match in progress
Recommended Penalty:
• Tier 1 – Warning
• Tier 2 – Warning
Major
Infractions in this category have a direct impact on event operation or cause a small degree of emotional distress to those around them.
Examples of Unsporting Conduct: Major include:
• Leaving a large amount of garbage in the tournament area
• Failure to comply with the instructions of the event staff
• Attempting to manipulate a match through intimidation or distraction
• Refusal to sign a match slip
Recommended Penalty:
• Tier 1 – Game Loss
• Tier 2 – Game Loss
Severe
Infractions in this category have a serious impact on event operation or integrity, cause great emotional distress to those around them, or involve a physical altercation.
Examples of Unsporting Conduct: Severe include:
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• Defacement of tournament area
• Determining the outcome of a match by random means, using bribery or coercion, or via other choosing methods/games
• Assault
• Use of profanity or physical threats to event staff
• Theft
• Use of slurs or insults
Recommended Penalty:
• Tier 1 – Disqualification
• Tier 2 – Disqualification
Appendix A Manual Hack Checking
This section outlines known hacks which are not currently caught by the electronic hack check.
Section 1
Any players found to have one of the Pokémon described below in their Battle Team have committed a Team Error: Minor infraction, and should be penalized appropriately as outlined in the Pokémon Video Game Penalty Guidelines.
The offending Pokémon should also be removed from the player’s Battle Team or prohibited from use, depending on the tournament type. Should this result in the player having fewer than four Pokémon remaining in their Battle Team, that player no longer meets a minimum tournament entry requirement and must also receive Disqualification from the event.
• Any Pokémon with the following Alola Pokédex numbers (with the black clover) that is also Shiny.
o #285–288
▪ With the following exception of #285 if the below criteria are met:
• Contained in a Cherish Ball
• Timid Nature
o # 293–299
• Any Pokémon that lists “From: Nursery Helpers” on its Summary screen and that is contained in a Master Ball or a Cherish Ball.
• Any Pokémon with the following Alola Pokédex numbers that is in any ball other than a Poké Ball.
o #001–009
o #203–204
• Any Pokémon with the following Alola Pokédex numbers that is contained in a Beast Ball.
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o #217–219
• Any of these Pokémon (with the black clover) that has the following true, in-game level.
o #076 under Lv. 54
o #078 under Lv. 54
Section 2
Any players found to have one of the Pokémon described below in their Battle Team have committed a Team Error: Major infraction, and should be penalized appropriately as outlined in the Pokémon Video Game Penalty Guidelines.
• Any Alola region Pokémon with a Hidden Ability that cannot be obtained through normal gameplay.
• Any of the following Pokémon (with the black clover) that has Hidden Power as a Fighting-type move.
o #203–204
o #285–288
o #293–299
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Appendix B Document Updates
Pokémon Organized Play reserves the right to alter these rules, as well as the right to interpret, modify, clarify, or otherwise issue official changes to these rules, with or without prior notice.
Document updates will be made available at www.pokemon.com.
Revisions made for latest publication (July 26, 2017)
• General revision and updating of language for the sake of uniformity and clarity.
• Updated Section 1.1 – Players’ teams must now contain a minimum of either four or six Pokémon depending on the event format.
• Updated Section 1.2 – Clarified that players may be subject to penalties for failure to adhere to rules specified in this section.
• Updated Sections 2.1 & 2.2 –
o Players are responsible for ensuring that their games and systems are fully functional for tournament play.
o Players my use game cards from any region or market at the World Championships or International Championships.
• Updated Section 2.3 – Players must now ensure their console is running on the latest firmware.
• Updated Sections 3.2 & 3.3 – Premier Events must now be tethered by QR Code (or by local distribution should the event be run by or in conjunction with TPCi).
o All references to Untethered removed, as this event format is no longer supported within the Championship Series.
• Added Section 3.2.2.1 – Definition of a full turn in relation to the Pokémon video game.
• Updated Sections 3.4.2 & 3.4.3 – Change to the way a match should be resolved in best-of-three matches if both players have won one game each and one tie has occurred.
• Added Section 3.4.5 – Changes to the way Double Game Freeze situations should be dealt with.
• Updated Section 4.2 – Clarified that players may be subject to Disqualification should they be unable to connect to the Internet for the purposes of an electronic hack check.
• Updated and restructured Section 5 – Added practical and philosophical guidance regarding penalties.
o Penalty classes clearly defined.
o Recommended penalties revised.
• Updated and restructured Appendix A for clarity.
• Updated Section 1 –
o Any Pokémon with the following Alola Pokédex numbers that is in any ball other than a Poké Ball is prohibited: #001–009; #203–204.
o Any Pokémon with the following Alola Pokédex numbers that is contained in a Beast Ball is prohibited: #217–219.