League Rules · Philly Pokémon League

The Philadelphia Pokémon League uses a unique format that attempts to emulate the gym battles seen in the main series Pokémon video games. Battles are fought using the latest handheld Nintendo game system (currently the Switch).

Every month we host events throughout Philadelphia. Sign up for our Facebook group to be invited to the next event.

Wanna challenge a Gym at one of our events? Don’t be shy! Although, Gym Leaders will require a small fee, usually a drink from the host bar, to challenge them. This is used to offset the cost of the Badges.

Gym Leaders will only be allowed to use Pokémon of their gym's typing. Check out the Gym Leaders page to learn more about our Gym Leaders!

All games will be played in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Teams of six, Gym Battles played as Singles Battles using the local tournament system hosted by the Gym Leader or another league member. Battles are best two out of three, and both Challenger and Gym Leader may change their teams between matches.

Universal Clauses

All combatants must follow all of the clauses below during a Gym battle.

Endless Battle Clause: There are some combos that can cause endless loops such as Leppa Berry + Recycle + Heal Pulse. ALL FORMS OF ENDLESS LOOPS ARE BANNED.
Species Clause: You may not have two of the same Pokémon on your team.
Variant Exception: Pokémon such as Rotom have several variants — although they share the same National Dex number you may use more than one of a Pokémon such as this if they are not the same variant. This variant exception will also apply to Regional Forms.
Item Clause: You may not have two or more Pokémon with the same item on your team.
Evasion Clause: A player cannot increase their Pokémon's evasion stat with a move that specifically increases evasion. Items or indirect boosts do not break this clause.
One Hit KO Clause: You may not use any move that may result in a one hit KO such as: Fissure, Horn Drill, Sheer Cold, and Guillotine.
Sleep Clause: You may not willingly put to sleep more than two enemy Pokémon at the same time.
Fair Fight Clause: You may not use the internet or receive aid from another player during any Gym Battle, however you may use a blank sheet of paper and a writing utensil. It is good practice to not have your phone out during matches.
Timer Clause: Due to the restrictive 20 minute time in link battles all Gym battles will be hosted as local tournaments by a member of the league. Our official settings for Gym matches are a 10 minute personal or chess timer coupled with an unlimited match timer. Note — as of now this is not possible in Scarlet/Violet, although we will implement this rule when able.
Big Screen Clause: With the ability to spectate matches on a big screen with Sword/Shield we will be hosting as many Gym Battles on the big screen at events as possible. Although, if you would not like your battle to be spectated you may request so. All requests will be honored for Gym Battles.

Team Construction

Gym Leaders must use Pokémon of their designated typing. They are also allowed up to two “Legendary” Pokémon in their team composition. In this regard Palafin, all Paradox Pokémon, and the move Last Respects will be considered a “Legendary” slot.

Banned Legendary & Mythic Pokémon

Arceus, Articuno, Azelf, Calyrex, Chien-Po, Chi-Yu, Cresselia, Darkrai, Dialga, Diancie, Enamorus, Eternatus, Fezandipiti, Giratina, Glastrier, Groudon, Heatran, Hoopa, Iron Leaves, Koraidon, Kyogre, Lunala, Landorus, Magearna, Manaphy, Meloetta, Mespirit, Mew, Mewtwo, Miraidon, Moltres, Munkidori, Ogerpon, Okidogi, Palkia, Phione, Pecharunt, Rayquaza, Regidrago, Regieleki, Regice, Regirock, Registeel, Shaymin, Spectrier, Solgaleo, Suicune, Entei, Raikou, Terapagos, Thundurus, Ting-Lu, Tornadus, Uxie, Urshifu, Volcanion, Walking Wake, Wo-Chien, Zacian, Zamezenta, Zapdos, Zarude, and Zeraroa.

Palafin & Paradox Pokémon

Iron Treads, Iron Bundle, Iron Hands, Iron Jugulis, Iron Moth, Iron Thorns, Roaring Moon, Iron Valiant, Great Tusk, Scream Tail, Brute Bonnet, Flutter Mane, Silther Wing, Sandy Shocks, Walking Wake, Gouging Fire, Raging Bolt, Iron Leaves, Iron Boulder, and Iron Crown.

Gym Challenge Vetoes: Gym Leaders are allowed 4 vetoes on which Pokémon may be used to challenge them — listed at the bottom of this page.

Gym Challenge Restrictions

We have moved back to a more simple format as this is easier for new players. “Restricted” in this sense means not allowed. Gym Challengers and Gym Leaders are allowed to use Tera-typing.

Restricted Ability: Imposter
Restricted Move: Last Respects (the move itself is restricted, not the Pokémon that may learn it)
Restricted Legendary Pokémon: As listed above
Restricted Pokémon: Palafin and all Paradox Pokémon — all considered legendaries for Gym Leaders as well

Gym Vetoes

Each Gym is allowed four vetoes for Pokémon people may use to challenge them. These vetoes only apply to their respective Gym, are subject to change at the Gym Leader's discretion, and are not honored when challenging the Elite Four.