Though the rules seem complicated, they're easier than you think.  Here's what is required for Regulation H competition that runs from Sept. 1, 2024 until Jan. 5, 2025 (though 1upGames will use Regulation H rules for its August local play.

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1.  Pick six pokemon for your team, and you'll play with four pokemon for the match.  When the match is best of 3, you are allowed to change which four you use for each round.

2.  You will need to fill out the Team Sheet completely for play, both pages.  The judges get one page, the other you keep to show your opponent in each match.

3. WHICH POKEMON CAN I USE?  For Regulation H any pokemon from the Paldean, Kitakami, and Blueberry Academy pokedexes, as well as pokemon transferred from Pokemon Home, are legal for play.  Legal pokemon are not limited to pokemon caught in Paldea/Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, as long as they can be transferred from Pokemon Home. EXCLUDED pokemon that cannot be used are any legendary, mythical, paradox, or Treasures of Ruin pokemon.  

4.  Matches are double matches, meaning there are two pokemon on the field at a time (unless you only have one left, of course).

5. No two pokemon of the same species, or that have the same pokedex number.  Pokemon may hold items but no two pokemon can hold the same item.  No two pokemon may have the same name, and pokemon cannot be named after another species of pokemon (for instance, you cannot name your pikachu "Raichu" or "Bulbasaur". 

6.  You must bring your own Nintendo Switch, and you alone are responsible for being able to charge the system and keep it charged during each match.  Players whose systems lose power during a match will be penalized a match loss.  Players must also have a legal copy of the game, either an official cartridge or an official download from the online store.

7.  Players must also have a Pokemon Trainer account, which can be aquired at Pokemon.com.  Players will need to bring their Trainer Account Number to the competition.  This must be completed before the start of competition.

8.  LOCAL RULES OF PLAY - NO foul language.  No yelling.  No fighting.  No drugs or alcohol are permitted.  Good hygeine is expected and required by Pokemon International rules, and you can be disqualified and asked to leave the store for not following these rules.

9.  HAVE FUN!!!  This should be the golden rule.  Have fun, and allow others at the store to have fun as well.  Good sportsmanship and manners are key.