Video Game Rules, Formats, &

Penalty Guidelines
Date of last revision: February 1, 2024

NOTE: In the case of a discrepancy between the content of the English-language version of
this document and that of any other version of this document, the English-language version
shall take priority.
Play! Pokémon VG Rules, Formats, & Penalty Guidelines
Contents
Contents .................................................................................................................................................. 1
1. Team Construction ............................................................................................................................ 3
1.1. Battle Team Setup ...................................................................................................................... 3
1.2. Regulation Changes .................................................................................................................... 3
1.2.1. Regulation Set F ...................................................................................................................... 3
1.3. Items........................................................................................................................................... 4
1.4. Pokémon .................................................................................................................................... 4
1.4.1. Nicknames and Customization.................................................................................................. 5
1.5. Team Lists ................................................................................................................................... 5
1.5.1. Contents of the Team List ......................................................................................................... 5
1.5.2. Language of the Team List ........................................................................................................ 6
2. Equipment Rules ............................................................................................................................... 7
2.1. Game Cards ................................................................................................................................ 7
2.2. Game Systems ............................................................................................................................ 7
2.3. Controllers .................................................................................................................................. 8
2.4. Game Patches, Updates, and Firmware ..................................................................................... 8
2.5. Connectivity ............................................................................................................................... 8
2.6. Headphone Use .......................................................................................................................... 9
2.7. Notes .......................................................................................................................................... 9
2.8. Objects in Play Area ................................................................................................................... 9
3. Match Play ......................................................................................................................................... 9
3.1. Double Battle Format ................................................................................................................. 9
3.2. Number of Games .................................................................................................................... 10
3.3. Match Structure ....................................................................................................................... 10
3.3.1. Game Time Limits .................................................................................................................. 10
3.4. Match Resolution ..................................................................................................................... 11
3.4.1. Resolving Best-of-Three Matches in Swiss Rounds ............................................................... 11
3.4.2. Resolving Best-of-Three Matches in Single-Elimination Rounds .......................................... 12
3.4.3. Sudden Death ........................................................................................................................ 13
3.4.4. Double Game Freeze ............................................................................................................. 13

Play! Pokémon VG Rules, Formats and Penalty Guidelines February 1, 2024 1

4. Team Checks.................................................................................................................................... 14
4.1. Team List Check........................................................................................................................ 14
4.2. Legality Check........................................................................................................................... 15
4.2.1. Electronic Team Check .......................................................................................................... 15
4.2.2. Manual Team Check .............................................................................................................. 15
4.2.3. Rental Team ID Check ........................................................................................................... 15
4.3. Illegally Manipulated Pokémon................................................................................................ 15
4.4. Reporting Illegal Manipulation................................................................................................. 15
5. Pokémon Video Game Penalty Guidelines ...................................................................................... 16
5.1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 16
5.2. Assigning Penalties ................................................................................................................... 16
5.2.1. Deviating from Recommended Penalties ............................................................................. 16
5.2.2. Reporting Penalties to Pokémon Organized Play.................................................................. 17
5.3. Types of Penalties in the Pokémon Video Game ..................................................................... 18
5.3.1. Caution .................................................................................................................................. 18
5.3.2. Warning ................................................................................................................................. 18
5.3.3. Game Loss ............................................................................................................................. 18
5.3.4. Disqualification...................................................................................................................... 19
5.4. Types of Infractions .................................................................................................................. 19
5.4.1. Gameplay Error ..................................................................................................................... 20
5.4.1.1. Minor .................................................................................................................................. 20
5.4.1.2. Major .................................................................................................................................. 20
5.4.2. Team Error............................................................................................................................. 20
5.4.2.1. Minor .................................................................................................................................. 20
5.4.2.2. Major .................................................................................................................................. 21
5.4.2.3. Severe................................................................................................................................. 23
5.4.3. Procedural Error .................................................................................................................... 23
5.4.3.1. Minor .................................................................................................................................. 23
5.4.3.2. Major .................................................................................................................................. 23
5.4.3.3. Severe................................................................................................................................. 24
5.4.4. Unsporting Conduct .............................................................................................................. 24
5.4.4.1. Minor .................................................................................................................................. 24
5.4.4.2. Major .................................................................................................................................. 25

Play! Pokémon VG Rules, Formats and Penalty Guidelines February 1, 2024 2

 5.4.4.3. Severe................................................................................................................................. 25
Appendix A. Manual Team Checking .................................................................................................. 27
Section 1............................................................................................................................................ 27
Section 2............................................................................................................................................ 27
Appendix B. Document Updates ......................................................................................................... 28
Revisions made for latest publication (February 1, 2024) ................................................................ 28

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 put the Pokémon to be used for a tournament in a Battle Team and keep the
Battle Team unchanged from the beginning to the end of the event. All other unlocked Battle
Teams must be empty. 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.

1.2. Regulation Changes

With each new set of Ranked Battle regulations in the Battle Stadium, adjustments may be
made to the list of permitted Pokémon. See below for details.

Regulation Set F runs until April 30, 2024, at 23:59 UTC.

Sometimes, a new set of regulations may come into effect midway through a tournament
that spans multiple days (for example, a Regional Championship). If this happens, the
tournament will continue with the format it started with until the end of the event. Single-
day Premier Events held as side events at such locations should use the format that is live on
the day they occur.

1.2.1. Regulation Set F

During this series of play, the following additional restrictions will be in place on the Pokémon
used in battle.

Play! Pokémon VG Rules, Formats and Penalty Guidelines February 1, 2024 3

 Paldea Pokédex No. 001–398, Kitakami Pokédex No. 001–200, and Blueberry Pokédex
No. 001–239, 241, and 242, as well as certain other Pokémon are eligible to participate.
Certain Pokémon may not be used.

o Only Pokémon obtained in the Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet games—

including those found in The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC—or those
transferred from Pokémon HOME are eligible.

o See Pokémon HOME or the in-game Poké Portal for a detailed list of eligible
Pokémon.

Terastallizing is permitted.

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

Players may use any items that can be obtained through regular gameplay
(including—but not limited to—rewards earned through participation in online battles
and other functions of games released by The Pokémon Company and Nintendo) or
items that have been awarded as part of a distribution or special event.

1.4. Pokémon
Players may use the following Pokémon:

o Pokémon obtained in the Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet games

o Pokémon transferred from Pokémon HOME

o Pokémon received at an official event or distribution

A player’s team cannot contain more than one Pokémon with the same National
Pokédex number.

Pokémon may make use of any move or Ability available to that Pokémon through
normal gameplay. This includes but is not limited to:

o Hidden Abilities, if available

o Moves and Abilities made available through an official Pokémon event or

promotion

o Exception: Pokémon may not have the Battle Bond Ability

Play! Pokémon VG Rules, Formats and Penalty Guidelines February 1, 2024 4

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

Any regional Pokémon form that meets the above criteria and series regulations may
be used.

1.4.1. Nicknames and Customization

When customizing any aspect of their game, players must not use potentially inappropriate,
obscene, or otherwise offensive terminology or deliberately make reference to matters that
go against the Spirit of the Game.

The nicknames of Pokémon in a player’s Battle Team may be visible to the opponent. In such
cases, the following rules will apply.

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, a Raichu named “Pikachu”).

Any player found to be in breach of the above rules during an event may be asked to modify
the problematic aspect of their game and/or be subject to penalties up to and including
Disqualification.

1.5. Team Lists

The 2024 Video Game Championship Season will utilize an open team list format. Players are
required to provide a legible and accurate list of the Pokémon that comprise their team. All
Pokémon information provided on the team list (see below) will be made available to the
opponent except for the Pokémon’s stats (Speed, etc.).

1.5.1. Contents of the Team List

As long as the team list records the player’s name, in-game Trainer name of the profile they
will be participating under, Player ID, and date of birth, alongside the following information
for each Pokémon, it will be accepted:

Pokémon species, including whether that Pokémon is a regional variant (such as

Galarian) or a specific named form (such as Wash Rotom instead of Rotom)

o Form name is required in the case of a form with any changes to stats, types,
Ability, move pool, weight, or any other battle statistic. Examples include
Gourgeist, Oricorio, and Toxtricity.

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 o If the gender of the Pokémon affects any battle statistics, the gender should
be listed as a form. Examples include Meowstic and Indeedee. The genders of
Nidoran♀ and Nidoran♂ are part of their species names and should be
included.

o Form name is not required in the case of forms that are purely aesthetic in
nature or entirely dictated by other criteria listed on the team list. Examples
include Gastrodon, Sawsbuck, and Alcremie.

o It is strongly recommended that the player list the form name regardless of
whether the above criteria applies, as failing to list the form name in a case for
which it is required could result in penalties.

Ability

Held item

All known moves

Tera Type

Level (this should be the actual level the Pokémon is seen to be when viewed in the
player’s in-game Party or Box)

All stats (HP / Attack / Defense / Sp. Atk / Sp. Def / Speed), recorded at the Pokémon’s
actual level

1.5.2. Language of the Team List

Many large events will require team list submission through RK9 Labs’ Team List Creator. In
these cases, the player may fill out their team list in any language they wish, as translations
are made automatically available to the staff team, though it is recommended they use the
same language as their game to minimize the risk of error. If team lists are submitted through
a platform that does not provide automatic translation, they should be completed using the
language to which the player’s game is set to allow for easy comparison to their in-game
team by staff performing team checks.

It is the responsibility of the Tournament Organizer to make it clear to players how team lists
will be shared with their opponents. If the organizer is providing the team lists to be shared—
for example, by printing off a player view of the lists submitted through a digital platform
such as RK9 Labs—they must provide the lists in at least the local language in the location
where the event is held. At International Championships, the lists must also be provided to
players in English.

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Some tournaments (particularly local events) may require players to bring their own paper
copies of their team list; such must be clearly communicated to players within a reasonable
time frame before the event. In these cases, two copies of the list will be required: one for
event staff and one for opponents. The version of the list provided to the opponent should
be in the local language in the location where the event is held.

It is strictly against the Spirit of the Game to deliberately obfuscate information on the team
list or present it in a way that intentionally makes it harder for opponents or staff to
understand.

2. Equipment Rules
2.1. Game Cards
Only legitimate versions of Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet can be used in Play!
Pokémon tournaments. This includes Game Cards and downloadable versions of
these games.

Players are responsible for ensuring that their Game Card or downloadable game is
fully functional.

2.2. Game Systems

Players may use any system in the Nintendo Switch™ family of systems during the competition.
This includes—but is not restricted to—the Nintendo Switch™ and Nintendo Switch Lite™
systems. Players are responsible for bringing an AC adapter that is compatible with their
system.

Players are responsible for keeping their system charged for the duration of the
tournament.

At a Judge’s discretion, a match may be moved to a new station. Players must not
move their match without receiving permission from a Judge. A match may only be
moved between games and never while a game is in progress.

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

Players should ensure that game systems with which they enter Play! Pokémon
tournaments are unmodified—that is, free from both custom software and firmware
as well as any physical technological modification to the console itself. Players found

Play! Pokémon VG Rules, Formats and Penalty Guidelines February 1, 2024 7

 to be using modified systems may be subject to penalties up to and including
Disqualification.

Players may be unable to continue to play in a tournament if Parental Controls

prevent their system from performing actions that are necessary for tournament play.

An active Nintendo Switch Online membership (paid) is required for participation in

Video Game Championship Series events and the console must be able to connect to
the internet via an Organizer-provided network.

Players must have their wired internet settings set to Automatic.

At live events played using an internet connection (whether wired or Wi-Fi), the
console must be in Airplane Mode during matches.

Players may be asked by event staff to register their Battle Teams as Rental Teams
and provide the Rental Team IDs. Rental Teams may be used for recordkeeping or
team checks, and they may be utilized on a provided console for streamed matches,
particularly if players are using a Nintendo Switch Lite console to participate in the
tournament. Players may not alter or delete their Rental Teams for the duration of
the tournament plus any specified additional time afterward as instructed by event
staff.

2.3. Controllers
Joy-Con controllers must remain attached to the Nintendo Switch at all times during match
play.

Players are permitted to bring their own officially licensed wired controller at Organizer
discretion. Wireless controllers are not permitted.

2.4. Game Patches, Updates, and Firmware

Players are responsible for ensuring they have the latest game update downloaded prior to
the start of the tournament and that the latest software update has been performed on their
system. Players may be penalized, including Disqualification, if their game is found to be
missing the latest update, or if their system is not running on the latest firmware at any time
during the tournament.

2.5. Connectivity
Various styles of tournament system communication exist for Championship Series events:

• Local wireless

Play! Pokémon VG Rules, Formats and Penalty Guidelines February 1, 2024 8

 o This is recommended for local events, but the risk of unstable communication
at higher player numbers means it is not recommended for larger events.

• Internet

o This setup consists of players connecting and playing over the internet via a
network provided by the Organizer. It is recommended for all larger events,
though Organizers are permitted to utilize it at events of any size.

In all cases, players will connect to each other using the Link Battle function on the X menu.

Link Codes are utilized to facilitate players finding the correct opponent in-game. Players are
welcome to select their own Link Code, though choosing an unusual number is
recommended to avoid pairing with the wrong opponent; for example, the number 1111
1111 should be avoided. Once an opponent has been found, players should verify they are
paired with the correct opponent.

2.6. 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.

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

2.8. 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. No food or drinks are permitted on the play table.

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 until the in-game time limit has expired.

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3.2. Number of Games
Matches played during Swiss rounds may be best-of-one or best-of-three at the Tournament
Organizer’s discretion, although best-of-three is strongly recommended for events at the
Regional Championships level and above. Any top cut portion of the event must be run as
best-of-three.

There is no round time for Video Game Championship Series events. The expectation is that
all matches are allowed to run their course of up to three games. No game should be
interrupted or terminated before the natural end of the game unless exceptional
circumstances occur (such as Sudden Death – see section 3.4.3.).

3.3. Match Structure

At the start of each round, players sit down across from their opponent. While
awaiting announcements for the round to start, appropriate preparations should be
made, such as docking consoles into provided stands (where applicable) and agreeing
upon a Union Circle Link Code.

Once the announcement has been made to start the round, players are expected to
promptly connect to their opponent and begin their battle without delay.

Once both players are connected via Union Circle and have selected Preparations
Complete, they should then exchange team lists. Team lists can be reviewed and
referenced at any point throughout the match. If either player does not understand
their opponent’s team list at this time, they should inform a staff member
immediately.

Players are not to delay between games within a match.

Once the match is over, the score should be promptly reported to the scorekeepers.

For certain Official Pokémon Tournaments—such as Regional Championships,

International Championships, or World Championships—players may be required to
use a method other than the Union Circle for matchmaking. In these cases, any
specific instructions will be provided by the Tournament Organizer.

3.3.1. Game Time Limits

Players may use as much time as allowed each turn. Championship Series tournaments will
automatically enforce the following time limits:

Team Preview: 90 seconds

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 Move time limit: 45 seconds

Player time (Your Time) limit: 7 minutes

Game time: 20 minutes

In the interest of maintaining an enjoyable tournament environment, Pokémon Organized

Play may decide to make revisions to these limits during the season based on feedback from
Organizers.

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 game will decide a
winner based on a set of coded rules (e.g., whose Pokémon fainted first, what moves
were used on the last turn, etc.).

Players are unable to resolve a match with an intentional draw (ID), nor are they
allowed to attempt to manipulate gameplay to force a draw.

A player who selects the Run option is electing to forfeit the game. Should both
players select the Run option during the same turn, the game will be recorded as
having no winner.

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

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

1. If one player was late to the match or was away from the match without a Judge’s
permission for any period of time during the round, that player loses the match. To
avoid an automatic loss, the absent player must have notified the Judge of this
absence before the end of the match.

2. If both players were on time and present for the entire match, refer to the following
charts to determine at which point the winner of the match is decided.

Game 1 Game 2 Game 3 Sudden Match

Example Player
Outcome Outcome Outcome Death Outcome

Player 1 Win Win Player 1

A Unnecessary Unnecessary
Player 2 Loss Loss wins

Play! Pokémon VG Rules, Formats and Penalty Guidelines February 1, 2024 11

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

Player 1 Win Win Player 1

C Tie Unnecessary
Player 2 Loss Loss wins

Player 1 Win Player 1

D Tie Tie Unnecessary
Player 2 Loss wins

Player 1 Win Win Player 1

E Tie Unnecessary
Player 2 Loss Loss wins

Player 1 Win Player 1

F Tie Tie Tie
Player 2 Loss wins

Player 1 Win Loss Win Player 1

G Tie
Player 2 Loss Win Loss wins

See Section 3.4.3. for the definition of and protocol for Sudden Death games.

If Sudden Death resolves in a tie during Swiss rounds, a tie is given for the match.

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

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

1. If one player was late to the match or was away from the match without a Judge’s
permission for any period of time during the round, that player loses the match. To
avoid an automatic loss, the absent player must have notified the Judge of this
absence before the end of the match.

2. If both players were on time and present for the entire match, refer to the following
charts to determine at which point the winner of the match is decided.

Game 1 Game 2 Game 3 Sudden Match

Example Player
Outcome Outcome Outcome Death Outcome

Player 1 Win Win Player 1

A Unnecessary Unnecessary
Player 2 Loss Loss wins

B Player 1 Win Loss Win Unnecessary

Play! Pokémon VG Rules, Formats and Penalty Guidelines February 1, 2024 12

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

Player 1 Win Player 1

D Tie Tie Unnecessary
Player 2 Loss wins

Player 1 Win Win Player 1

E Tie Unnecessary
Player 2 Loss Loss wins

Player 1 Win Player 1

F Tie Tie Tie
Player 2 Loss wins

Player 1 Win Loss Win Player 1

G Tie
Player 2 Loss Win Loss wins

If Sudden Death resolves in a tie during Single Elimination rounds, a second Sudden Death
game will be played.
3.4.3. 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. After each turn has been completed,
tournament staff will determine the number of Pokémon that each player has remaining to
determine if an advantage has been gained.

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

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

If both players’ final Pokémon faint on the same turn, the game will end naturally. In
this case, the game will utilize in-built match resolution to determine the result of the
game.

3.4.4. 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 or it is clear that neither player is at fault. In most
such situations, the game must be resolved as outlined in the table below, as it cannot

Play! Pokémon VG Rules, Formats and Penalty Guidelines February 1, 2024 13

progress any further by organic means and/or the schedule of the tournament requires a
prompt resolution to be reached. The Head Judge reserves the right to override the
resolution of a double game freeze in exceptional situations in favor of a voided game at their
discretion, but they must discuss and clear any potential schedule impact with the
Tournament Organizer.

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. Team Checks
At all Championship events, team checks must be performed. It is recommended that team
checks be performed on at least 10 percent of teams over the course of the tournament. The
teams of all players advancing to a Single Elimination portion of a tournament should be
checked after Swiss rounds have concluded. The team check consists of two parts: a team list
check and a legality check.

4.1. Team List Check

Staff must verify that the player’s Battle Team matches the team list they submitted.

Play! Pokémon VG Rules, Formats and Penalty Guidelines February 1, 2024 14

4.2. Legality Check
Staff must verify that the player’s Battle Team is legal for tournament play, in terms of both
the parameters specified by the tournament format and checking for signs of illegal
manipulation. This is split into electronic and manual processes.

4.2.1. Electronic Team Check

This involves running a player’s Battle Team through the Battle Stadium check. To do this,
follow the below steps.

1. Enter Battle Stadium and begin to set up a Casual Battle. When prompted to choose a
Battle Team, select the team being used in the tournament for the battle.

2. When the message “Searching for an opposing Trainer” appears, press the POWER
Button to put the console into Sleep Mode and disconnect the search. At this point,
the team has passed. If, instead, a message appears saying that some Pokémon are
unable to participate, penalties may need to be applied appropriately.

4.2.2. Manual Team Check

A small number of criteria are not caught by the electronic team check. The team should be
viewed in-game and checked using Appendix A: Manual Team Checking.

4.2.3. Rental Team ID Check

Certain tournaments may require that each player submits a Rental Team ID that contains a
Battle Team that matches their Team List. It is the player’s responsibility to ensure the Rental
Team ID is correct.

4.3. 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 receive a Disqualification, regardless of whether the Pokémon
or items belong to that player or were traded for.

4.4. Reporting Illegal Manipulation

Any Play! Pokémon member who believes they have discovered a new method of illegal team
manipulation, via any means, should report this to the Pokémon Organized Play team

Play! Pokémon VG Rules, Formats and Penalty Guidelines February 1, 2024 15

through the Customer Support Portal.

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, situations occasionally arise—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 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 from the intimidation of playing in a competitive

Play! Pokémon VG Rules, Formats and Penalty Guidelines February 1, 2024 16

environment. Pokémon Organized Play 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
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 Pokémon Organized Play.

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. Pokémon Organized Play 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 [email protected]

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 below to
[email protected]:

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.

Play! Pokémon VG Rules, Formats and Penalty Guidelines February 1, 2024 17

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 Tournament
Organizer 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 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

Play! Pokémon VG Rules, Formats and Penalty Guidelines February 1, 2024 18

simultaneously. A game terminated in this manner is not a tie; it is recorded as having no
winner.

If a Game Loss 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.

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, Special
Championships, International Championships, or World Championships events, as players at

Play! Pokémon VG Rules, Formats and Penalty Guidelines February 1, 2024 19

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.

5.4.1.1. Minor
Recommended Penalty:

Tier 1—Caution (first offense); Warning (second offense); Game Loss (third offense)
Tier 2—Warning (first offense); Game Loss (second offense)

Examples of Gameplay Error: Minor include:

Inducing a fixable frozen match delay

5.4.1.2. Major
Recommended Penalty: Game Loss

Examples of Gameplay Error: Major include:

Removal of Game Card mid-game

Loss of power to game system

Inducing an unfixable frozen game state*

Attempting to view the opponent’s screen to gain an advantage (screen peeking)**

*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 3.4.4. 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.

5.4.2.1. Minor

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Recommended Penalty: Warning

Examples of Team Error: Minor may include:

A Pokémon or item in the player’s Battle Team does not match the team list, resulting
in no potential competitive advantage. Examples may include the following:

o A Pokémon is listed without accurate form information, but other information

contained on the team list makes it apparent which form is being used.

▪ Example #1: Rotom is listed on the team list when Heat Rotom is
contained in the Battle Team, but the form-exclusive move Overheat is
correctly listed in the move set on the team list.

▪ Example #2: Meowth alone is listed on the team list when Galarian
Meowth is contained in the Battle Team, but the form-exclusive Tough
Claws is correctly listed on the team list.

o A Pokémon is listed as holding Power Anklet but is holding a Power Bracer in

the Battle Team.

A Pokémon in the player’s Battle Team is nicknamed with the name of another
Pokémon.

o If the option to change that Pokémon’s nickname is available, the player

should change this nickname prior to their next game.

o If the option to change that Pokémon’s nickname is not available, that

Pokémon should be removed from the player’s Battle Team for the rest of the
tournament.

A player’s Battle Team and Team List match, but the Rental Team ID is incorrect.

o The player should provide the correct Rental Team ID to a judge prior to their
next match.

5.4.2.2. Major
Recommended Penalty: Game Loss

In all cases, the offending Pokémon or held item should be prohibited from play and the
appropriate penalty should be applied. If this results in a player having fewer than four usable
Pokémon remaining in their team, the infraction should be escalated to Team Error: Severe.
If the Pokémon or held item described on the team list is immediately available, the player
should be given the opportunity to add the correct one to their team.

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If the player is unable to present the correct held item, the offending item should be
removed and not replaced.

If an error is found after one match is completed but before the following round is paired,
any Game Loss penalties issued as a result should apply retroactively to the completed game.

Examples of Team Error: Major may include:

A Pokémon or item in the player’s Battle Team does not match the team list, resulting
in potential competitive advantage. Examples may include the following:

o A Pokémon is listed without accurate form information, and no other

information contained on the team list makes it apparent which form is being
used.

▪ Example #1: Rotom is listed on the team list when Wash Rotom is
contained in the Battle Team, and the correct association cannot be
reasonably made by event staff by considering the move set.

▪ Example #2: Meowth alone is listed on the team list when Galarian
Meowth is contained in the Battle Team, and the Ability field on the
team list has been left blank.

o There are inconsistencies with a players Battle Team, Team List and/or Rental
Team ID. Examples may include the following:

▪ Example #1: The player’s Battle Team and Rental Team ID match but
do not match their Team List.

▪ Example #2: The player’s Team List and Rental Team ID match but do
not match their Battle Team.

▪ Example #3: The player’s Battle Team, Team List, and Rental Team ID
do not match. Any inconsistencies across each should be removed
from the Battle Team for the rest of the tournament.

o A move is listed as “Thunder” on the team list when the move known by the
Pokémon in the Battle Team is actually Thunder Wave.

o A Pokémon’s stat is not listed or is listed incorrectly on the team list.

A Pokémon on the player’s team also appears in Section 1 of the Manual Team
Checking Appendix.

A Pokémon on the player’s team has a nickname, OT, or other attribute that
deliberately makes reference to matters that go against the Spirit of the Game.

Play! Pokémon VG Rules, Formats and Penalty Guidelines February 1, 2024 22

5.4.2.3. Severe
Recommended Penalty: Disqualification

Examples of Team Error: Severe include:

A player has fewer usable Pokémon remaining than the permitted minimum team size
after receiving earlier penalties

A Pokémon on the player’s team also appears in Section 2 of the Manual Team
Checking Appendix

Any indication via official tools that a Pokémon has been illegally manipulated, such as
a player’s team failing an electronic team check

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.

5.4.3.1. Minor
Recommended Penalty: Caution

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 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

5.4.3.2. Major

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Recommended Penalty: Warning

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 other players. 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:

Filling out a match slip incorrectly

Showing up late to a match (less than 5 minutes)

5.4.3.3. Severe
Recommended Penalty: Game Loss

This category is typically reserved for an infraction that has a significant impact on the event,
or that is the result of a breakdown in event protocol.

Examples of Procedural Error: Severe include:

Reporting an incorrect result for a match

Showing up late to a match (5 minutes or more)

Failing to report dropping from an event before leaving the venue (this penalty should
be issued whether or not the player is there to receive it)

Playing the incorrect opponent (in this case, the player sitting at the wrong table
receives the penalty)

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.

5.4.4.1. Minor
Recommended Penalty: Warning

Play! Pokémon VG Rules, Formats and Penalty Guidelines February 1, 2024 24

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

5.4.4.2. Major
Recommended Penalty: Game Loss

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

5.4.4.3. Severe
Recommended Penalty: Disqualification

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:

Defacement of tournament area

Determining the outcome of a match by random means, by the use of bribery or

coercion, or by any means other than those set forth in these guidelines

Assault

Use of profanity or physical threats to event staff

Play! Pokémon VG Rules, Formats and Penalty Guidelines February 1, 2024 25

 Theft

Use of slurs or insults

Lying to the event staff

Play! Pokémon VG Rules, Formats and Penalty Guidelines February 1, 2024 26

Appendix A. Manual Team Checking
This section outlines known examples of illegal manipulation which may not be caught by the
electronic team check.

In the event of non-consensus between event staff regarding whether or not a player’s
Pokémon meets any of the below criteria, the Head Judge is awarded the ultimate
determining authority.

Section 1
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.

The offending Pokémon should also be removed from the player’s Battle Team and not
replaced. Should this result in the player’s having fewer than the minimum tournament entry
requirement, the player must also receive Disqualification from the event.

A Pokémon with any attribute that indicates it was not obtained via normal gameplay
or official promotions but results in no discernible competitive advantage. Examples
may include the following:

o A Pokémon that is contained in a Poké Ball in which it cannot be found

through normal gameplay or official promotions

o A Pokémon that lists it was obtained from an Egg on its summary screen and
that is contained in a Master Ball or a Cherish Ball

o A Pokémon that is Shiny but is of a species that cannot be found as a Shiny

Pokémon through normal gameplay or official promotions

o A Pokémon with a nickname or OT that indicates it was not obtained via

normal gameplay or official promotions

Section 2
Any players found to have one of the Pokémon described below in their Battle Team have
committed a Team Error: Severe infraction and should be penalized appropriately as outlined
in the Pokémon Video Game Penalty Guidelines.

Any Pokémon with an attack, Ability, Nature, stat, or other attribute that results in a
potential competitive advantage that cannot be obtained through normal gameplay
or official promotions

Play! Pokémon VG Rules, Formats and Penalty Guidelines February 1, 2024 27

Appendix B. Document Updates
TPCi 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 The Official Pokémon Website.

Revisions made for latest publication (February 1, 2024)

Section Revision Details

Removed section for Regulation Set E.

1 Regulation Changes
Updated section for Regulation Set F.

Clarified the point of a match during which

3 Match Structure
players are expected to exchange team lists.

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