Gym Challenge Rules

The DC Pokémon League uses the Philadelphia Pokémon League's unique format that is trying to emulate the gym battles seen in the Pokémon video games. Battles are fought using the Nintendo Switch game system.

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 or a Pokémon Tera Typed into their typing.

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

All Players must follow the Clause List.

Clause List

Endless Battle Clause

Species Clause

You may not have two of the same Pokémon on your team. Pokémon such as Rotom have several variants although they share the same National Dex number you may use more than one of Pokémon such as this if they are not the same variant. This variant exception will also apply to Galarian 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 Pokèmon at the same time. This amount is not affected by secondary effects such as certain Gmax moves.

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.

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 (or one Pokémon from outside their typing that must be Terasyalized in at it's earliest convenience, as seen in the Paldea Gyms. Failure on the gym leader to tera in their Pokémon immediately when able counts as an automatic loss for the gym leader.) 

Legendary Pokémon

Challengers may not include any Legendary or Mythic Pokémon such as: 

Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres, Mewtwo, Mew, Raikou, Entei, Suicune, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Celebi, Regirock, Regice, Registeel, Latias, Latios, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Girachi, Deoxys, Uxie, Mesprit, Azelf, Dialga, Palkia, Heatran, Regigigas, Giratina, Cresselia, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Cobalion, Terrakion, Virizion, Tornadus, Thundurus, Reshiram, Zekrom, Landorus, Kyurem, Victini, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde, Diancie, Hoopa, Volcanion, Type: Null, Silvally, Tapu Koko, Tapu Lele, Tapu Bulu, Tapu Fini, Cosmog, Cosmoem, Solgaleo, Lunala, Nihilego, Buzzwole, Pheromosa, Xurkitree, Celesteela, Kartana, Guzzlord, Poipole, Naganadel, Stakataka, Blacephalon, Necrozma, Magearna, Marshado, Zeraora, Meltan, Melmetal, Zacian, Zamazenta, Eternatus, Kubfu, Ushifu, Regieleki, Regidrago, Glastrier, Spectrier, Calyrex, Enamorus, Zarude, Wo-Chien, Chien-Pao, Tin-Lu, Chi-Yu, Koraidon, Miraidon, Walking Wake, Iron Leaves, Okidogi, Munkidori, Fezandipiti, Ogerpon, Gouging Fire, Raging Bolt, Iron Boulder, Iron Crown, Terapagos, and Pecharunt

Point System / GYM CHALLENGE RESTRICTIONS

Gym Challengers are allowed ONE Point to spend on any of the following restricted items/moves/Pokémon. Gym Leaders are allowed 4 points to spend in the defense of their own gym. 

• Restricted Mechanic: Terra-typing (1pt) 

• Restricted Items: Booster Energy (1pt) 

• Restricted Abilities: Imposter (2pts) 

• Restricted Moves: Last Respects (1pt), Revival Blessing (2pts) 

• Restricted Pokémon: 

  • (1pt Each) Palafin and Paradox Pokémon you can catch multiples of - Iron Treads, Iron Bundle, Iron Hands, Iron Jugulis, Iron Moth, Iron Thorns, Iron Valiant, Great Tusk, Scream Tail, Brute Bonnet, Flutter Mane, Silther Wing, Sandy Shocks. 

  • (2pts Each) Legendary Pokémon: - As listed above. 

    • This includes the paradox Pokémon: Walking Wake, Gouging Fire, Raging Bolt, Iron Leaves, Iron Boulder, and Iron Crown.

Gym Vetoes

Each Gym will be allowed four vetoes in regards to the Pokémon people may use to challenge them. These vetoes only apply to their respective Gym. These veto lists are subject to change at the discretion of their respective Gym Leader, although, the vetoes are as listed at the time of the challenge.

*All entries are subject to change as this is a new format we are creating.  Make sure you check this page before challenging a Gym Leader.