The Philadelphia Pokèmon League uses a unique format that is trying to emulate the gym battles seen in the Pokèmon video games. Battles are fought using the Nintendo Switch game system.
Every month we host events throughout Philadelphia. Sign up for our FACEBOOK group to be invited to the next event or check out our Schedule page on the website for details.
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 Pokèmon of their gym's typing. Check out the Gym Leader page above to learn more about our Gym Leaders!
All games will be played in Pokèmon Scarlet and Violet. They will be teams of Six, Gym Battles will be played as Singles Battles 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.
Universal Clause LIST:
ALL Combatants must follow all of the Clauses 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 Pokèmon on your team.
Variant Exception: Pokèmon such as Rotom have several variants although they share the same National Dex number you may use more than one of a Pokèmon 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 Pokèmon 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.
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 Pokemon of their designated typing. They are also allowed up to two “Legendary” Pokémon in their team composition. In this regard Palafin as well as all Paradox Pokemon, and the Move Last Respects will be considered a “Legendary” Slot.
Legendary Pokémon: Challengers may not include any Legendary or Mythic Pokémon Such as: You may not use any Legendary Pokèmon, or Mythics such as: 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 and all 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. These are 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.
Gym Challengers and Gym Leaders are allowed to use Tera-typing.
Restricted Abilities: Imposter
Restricted Moves: 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 - 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. These will all be considered legendaries for Gym leaders as well.
Gym Vetoes:
Each Gym will be allowed Four vetoes in regards to the Pokèmon 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. These will also not be honored if challenging the Elite 4.
Dark Gym Vetoes:
Heracross
Blaziken
Quaquaval
TBD
Steel Gym Vetoes:
Garganacl
Volcarona
Skelederge
Bug Gym Vetoes:
Ceruledge
Skelederge
Volcarona
Blaziken
Dragon Gym Vetoes:
Cloyster
Grimmsnarl
Ninetails
Electric Gym Vetoes:
Grimmsnarl
Goodra
Amoongus
Ghost Gym Vetoes:
Zoroark
Grimmsnarl
Clodsire
Rock Gym Vetoes:
Rillaboom
Ursaluna
Excadrill
*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.