The Play! Pokémon rules and regulations are periodically reviewed to maintain competitive balance in the Championship Series. The documents have been updated to reflect the latest review in Q4 2024. Competitive Pokémon players and Professors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the latest rules and regulations ahead of their next competition.

See below for a list of changes that you’ll find in the League Handbook:

• Updated several sections related to the Retailer Portal and League administrative tasks now found on the Retailer Portal

• Prerelease allocation update in section 6.3.2

• Update to Early Release Program territories in section 6.3.4.2

• Added Appendix C: Cups and Challenges Eligibility by Region

See below for a change that you’ll find in the Standards of Conduct:

• The handshake clause in section 2.1.3 has been updated to say, “Reciprocate any gestures of good will.”

See below for a list of changes that you’ll find in the Tournament Rules Handbook:

• Adjustments to allowable attire at events (section 2.4.1)

  • Update on wearing Staff clothing when someone is not actively on Staff

  • Clarification on allowable attire for attendees with additional information on expectations if a Staff member requests a change to their attire

• Turn trackers are no longer considered pre-written aids. Competitors may now use these during matches, but they are responsible for their upkeep.

  • Any infractions caused by improper upkeep of a competitor’s turn tracker is subject to the appropriate penalties.

• Change in tiebreakers for matches: Tardiness is no longer the first tiebreaker.

• Midseason update to Championship Format table in section 4.6.3.3

• Section 5.2.3.3 has been updated to include Regional and Special Championships as exceptions to the legal languages clause for the Pokémon TCG. Competitors and participants are now able to use both English cards and cards in the language of their home country at Regional and Special Championships, as well as International Championships and our World Championships.

  • Clarification added that full translation teams can only be expected at our World Championships. We have added information regarding Pace of Play penalties related to card translation requests at all applicable Championship Series events.

• Section 7.3 is now called “Base Infractions” instead of “Penalty Categories.”

Good luck, Trainers!