NINTENDO’S POKÉMON 13 & OLDER EXHIBITION TOURNAMENT
@ COMIC-CON

OFFICIAL RULES

 

1.         OVERVIEW:

 

2.  ELIGIBILITY; PARTICIPATION. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN; PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE ODDS OF WINNING.  THE TOURNAMENT IS OPEN ONLY TO LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE U.S./D.C. EXCLUDING PUERTO RICO, WHO ARE AGE 13 OR OLDER.  NINTENDO RESERVES THE RIGHT NOT TO ALLOW PARTICIPATION OR AWARD PRIZES TO PARTICIPANTS RESIDING IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS. PARTICIPANTS MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN A PRIZE.No person may participate on another’s behalf.  All participants must comply with these Official Rules, and any other Tournament rules and restrictions supplied by Nintendo upon registration.  Participant’s failure to comply with such rules will lead to his/her disqualification from the Tournament. Participation constitutes participant’s full and unconditional agreement to and acceptance of these Official Rules. Any participant under the age of 18 or the legal age of majority in the participant’s state of residence (a “Minor”) may be asked to have a parent or legal guardian submit a signed, written statement that the parent or legal guardian has read, understands and agrees to these Official Rules and the Release Forms (defined below), and that such agreement constitutes acceptance of these Official Rules and the Release Forms on behalf of both the parent or legal guardian and the Minor.  Employees, officers, directors, and agents of Nintendo, Nintendo Co., Ltd., Nintendo World store, or their respective parent companies, affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising, Tournament, and fulfillment agencies (together “Related Parties”), or their immediate family members and persons living in their same household are not eligible to participate in the Tournament.  Void where prohibited by law. All federal, state, and local laws and regulations apply.

 

3.         TOURNAMENT STRUCTURE; RULES.There will be a total of up to 64 players in the Tournament.  Participation in the Tournament will be by pre-event signup only, as set forth above.

 

3.1. Game Versions

Only legitimate versions of Pokémon Omega Ruby or Pokémon Alpha Sapphire can be used in the Tournament. This includes Game Cards and downloadable versions of Pokémon Omega Ruby or Pokémon Alpha Sapphire . Players in the Tournament may only use North American Game Cards.

 

3.1.1. Game Systems

Players may use any system in the Nintendo 3DSfamily of systems during the competition. This includes the Nintendo 3DS,Nintendo 3DS XL, and Nintendo 2DS systems. Players are responsible for bringing a charger that is compatible with their system. Players may only use systems in the North American Nintendo 3DSfamily.

 

3.1.2. Game Patch and Updates

Players are responsible for ensuring their version of Pokémon Omega Ruby or Pokémon Alpha Sapphire has the latest game patch downloaded prior to the start of the Tournament. Players may be penalized, including disqualification, in the event their game does not have the latest update.

 

3.2. Team Restrictions

Players may only use Pokémon that are legal for the Tournament format.

 

3.2.1. Illegally Manipulated Pokémon

The use of external devices, such as a mobile app, to modify or create items or Pokémon in a player’s Battle Box is expressly forbidden. Players found to have Pokémon or items that have been tampered with will be disqualified from competition, regardless of whether the Pokémon or items belong to that player or were traded for. Sponsor recommends players only use Pokémon that they have raised themselves and items that they have received through normal gameplay. It is always the player’s responsibility to have legal Pokémon and items during the competition.A player’s Battle Box may be checked at any time for illegal Pokémon. Any player who fails this check may be immediately disqualified and be unable to participate in the tournament.

 

3.2.2. Trainer and Pokémon Names

Players are responsible for using appropriate names for their Trainer character and any Pokémon placed in their Battle Box. Players must avoid the use of potentially inappropriate, obscene, or otherwise offensive words or phrases when naming their Trainer or their Pokémon.

 

3.3. Untethered Battle Box Team Registration

Players must submit a physical team list prior to the first round of the Tournament. A player’s team must still be placed in the Battle Box, and the team must match this team list during the Tournament. Once round 1 has begun, a player may not remove or move any Pokémon or items from the Battle Box.

 

3.4. Time Limits

Tournament staff is responsible for running a timely event. To assist in this effort, Sponsor has established guidelines for time limits during various portions of the event. Players may take notes at any time during their match but must begin each match with a blank sheet.

3.4.1. Pre-game Time Limit

Players will have 90 seconds to view their opponent’s team and select their Pokémon.

3.4.2. Mid-game Time Limit

Any mid-game effects, such as selecting a move or retreating Pokémon, are to take place within the 45 seconds allocated per turn.

3.4.3. Match Time Limits

Single-game matches will be 15 minutes. For best-of-three matches, each game in the match will be 15 minutes.

3.4.4. Untethered Time Limits

At tournaments where Battle Boxes are not locked, the time limits outlined in sections 3.4.1–3.4.3 will be enforced by judge ruling. Time limits may be extended or adjusted at the Tournament Organizer’s discretion but must be communicated prior to the beginning of the tournament and may never be shorter than the time limits outlined in 3.4.1–3.4.3. Ties may be broken manually by a judge in accordance with section 6.1. Increased pace of play may be enforced at the discretion of a judge.

 

3.5. Technical Issues

Over the course of the Tournament, a player’s game connection may become disrupted in a number of ways.

3.5.1. Single Frozen Game State

If one player’s game system is stuck in an unfixable frozen game state, the player whose game system is frozen will receive a game loss.

3.5.2. Double Frozen Game State

If both players’ game systems are stuck in an unfixable frozen game state and it cannot be determined which player’s game or system is responsible for the frozen state, both players will receive a tie for that game.

3.5.3. Game State Disruption

Players should attempt to fix any game disruption by checking their Nintendo 3DS systems and making sure they are aligned properly. If issues persist, contact a judge for immediate assistance. If consistent disruptions are determined to be due to actions on the part of a player, Sponsor may issue an appropriate penalty as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion.

 

3.6. Match Resolution

A player wins by making his or her opponent’s final Pokémon faint.

·      If a player’s final Pokémon used Selfdestruct, Explosion, Destiny Bond, or Final Gambit, and both players’ final Pokémon faint as a result, the player who used the move loses that game.

·      If a player’s final Pokémon used Double‐Edge, Volt Tackle, Flare Blitz, Take Down, Submission, Brave Bird, Wood Hammer, Head Smash, Struggle, Head Charge, or Wild Charge, or was holding Life Orb, and both players’ final Pokémon faint as a result, the player who used the move wins that game.

·      If both players’ final Pokémon faint due to a weather condition, such as Hail or Sandstorm, the player whose Pokémon faints last wins the game. This includes the effects of Perish Song.

·      If a Pokémon’s Ability (such as Rough Skin, Aftermath, Liquid Ooze, or Iron Barbs) or held item (such as Rocky Helmet) results in both players’ final Pokémon fainting, the player whose Pokémon had the Ability or held item wins the game.

 

·      A player who selects “Run” during a battle will count as the loser of that game, whether selected intentionally or not.Players may not intentionally play a match to a tie nor agree to record a match as a tie without playing.

3.6.1. Tiebreakers

Should the time limit expire before a player makes his or her opponent’s final Pokémon faint, the winner of the game is determined based on the criteria below.

1. Remaining Pokémon

a. If one player has more remaining Pokémon than the other, that player wins the game.

b. If both players have the same number of Pokémon remaining, the result of the game is determined by average percentage of HP remaining, as described below.

2. Average Percentage of HP Remaining

a. If one player’s team has a higher average percentage of HP remaining, that player wins the game.

b. If both players’ teams have the same average percentage of HP remaining, the result of the game is determined by amount of HP remaining, as described below.

3. Amount of Total HP Remaining

a. If one player’s team has a higher total HP remaining, that player wins the game.

b. If both players’ teams have the same total HP remaining, the result of the game is a tie.

 

3.6.2. Sudden Death

If a game ends in a tie during the single-elimination portion of an event, a single Sudden Death game is played to determine the winner of the match. Players are required to gain an advantage in number of remaining Pokémon over their opponent. Tournament staff will evaluate the game at the end of each turn to determine if an advantage has been gained. After each turn has been completed, the Tournament staff will determine the number of Pokémon that each player has remaining.

·      If both players have the same number of Pokémon remaining at the end of the turn, the game continues for another turn.

·      If a player has more remaining Pokémon than his or her opponent at the end of any turn, that player wins the game.

 

3.7. Format Style

The Tournament requires players to assemble a team of Pokémon, with items, prior to the start of the event.

Each player must select four Pokémon from his or her party of six to battle with. At the start of the battle, players send out the first two Pokémon in their party, making a total of four Pokémon on the battlefield. Gameplay continues until a player makes all four of his or her opponent’s Pokémon faint.

3.8. Team Construction Rules

When building a team for a Pokémon tournament, all players must adhere to these standard construction rules.

·      A player’s team cannot contain two Pokémon with the same Pokédex number.

·      Each Pokémon on a player’s team can hold an item, though no two Pokémon may hold the same item.

·      A player’s team cannot contain two Pokémon with the same nickname.

·      A player’s team cannot contain a Pokémon nicknamed with the name of another Pokémon (for example, an Unfezant named “Pidove”).

·      Pokémon may only use moves that have been learned through one of the following methods:

·      By leveling up

·      By TM or HM

·      As an Egg Move, through breeding

·      From a character in the game

·      A move already known by a Pokémon received at an official Pokémon event or promotion

 

3.9. Tournament Format

The Tournament format is the standard tournament format for Pokémon video game events.

·      Only Pokémon Omega Rubyand Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Game Cards or downloadable versions are permitted for use.

·      Players may use Pokémon from the National Pokédex, from No. 001–719, that are caught in the game, transferred from a previous Pokémon title, or received at an official event or distribution.

·      The following Pokémon may not be on a player’s team:

·      150 – Mewtwo

·      151 – Mew

·      249 – Lugia

·      250 – Ho-Oh

·      251 – Celebi

·      382 – Kyogre

·      383 – Groudon

·      384 – Rayquaza

·      385 – Jirachi

·      386 – Deoxys

·      483 – Dialga

·      484 – Palkia

·      487 – Giratina

·      489 – Phione

·      490 – Manaphy

·      491 – Darkrai

·      492 – Shaymin

·      493 – Arceus

·      494 – Victini

·      643 – Reshiram

·      644 – Zekrom

·      646 – Kyurem

·      647 – Keldeo

·      648 – Meloetta

·      649 – Genesect

·      716 – Xerneas

·      717 – Yveltal

·      718 – Zygarde

·      719 – Diancie

·      Pokémon must be placed in the Battle Box.

·      Pokémon are allowed to Mega Evolve.

·      Pokémon may not hold the item Soul Dew.

·      Pokémon above Level 50 are permitted, but they are auto-leveled down to 50 for the duration of battle.

·      Players may use Pokémon with Hidden Abilities.

·      Players may use items that have been officially released via Pokémon X, Pokémon Y, Pokémon Omega Ruby, Pokémon Alpha Sapphire,the Pokémon Global Link, or an official event or promotion.

 

3.9.2. Blue Pentagon

·      In addition to the requirements outlined in section 3.9.1, Pokémon used in the Standard format must have a blue pentagon in the Pokémon summary screen. This indicates that the Pokémon was caught during regular gameplay, hatched from an Egg, obtained within the game, or was officially gifted in either Pokémon X, Pokémon Y, Pokémon Omega Ruby , or Pokémon Alpha Sapphire.

 

4.      Prizes: Odds of winning a prize depend on the number and skill of qualified entrants.  All prizes will be awarded.  No alternative prize, cash, or other substitution shall be permitted, but Nintendo reserves the right to substitute any prize with a prize of equal or greater value, should any prize become unavailable for any reason.  Arrangements for the fulfillment of all prizes will be made by Nintendo.  Prizes are non-transferable. All prizes are awarded "AS IS" and WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, express or implied, (including, without limitation, any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose). All federal, state, and/or local taxes applicable to the prizes shall be solely the responsibility of each winner. Prizes will be delivered as soon as practicable by Nintendo upon verification/confirmation of the winners.  Prizes won by a Minor will be awarded to a parent or legal guardian on the Minor’s behalf.


5.         Requirements of Tournament Participants and Winners: All participants, including all prize winners, may be required to sign and return the applicable written parental releases, affidavit of eligibility, acceptance of these Official Rules, release of liability and tax forms (collectively, the "Release Forms"), together with other such documentation as Nintendo may request. If a winner is not present or otherwise cannot be contacted, is ineligible or disqualified, or fails to timely return the completed and executed agreements as required by Nintendo, the winner’s status may be forfeited and an alternate winner may, at Nintendo’s discretion, be designated, provided sufficient time remains to verify an alternate winner.


6.         General Terms and Conditions: PURCHASE WILL NOT IMPROVE ODDS OF WINNING.Nintendo and its agents may film, record and/or take photographs during the Tournament, and may use the resulting footage, recordings or photographs for a range of purposes, including, without limitation, for marketing and promoting Nintendo and its products and services.By participating in the Tournament, you (and if you are a Minor, your parent or legal guardian) hereby consent to being filmed, recorded or photographed during the Tournament, and grant Nintendo and those acting under its authority (and agree to confirm that grant in writing) the royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable right and license to publish, reproduce, perform, distribute, adapt, edit, modify, translate, create derivative works based upon, and otherwise use and display any or all of the details of your participation, including your name, player name, Pokémon names, photograph, voice and/or likeness, and any of the film, photographs or recordings taken pursuant to this Section 6 without further notice, review or approval, without territorial, time, media or medium or other limitations, for any and all purposes, including, but not limited to, marketing and advertising purposes, except where prohibited by law. By participating in the Tournament, participant (and, if participant is a minor, his or her parent or legal guardian) agrees that he/sheVOLUNTARILY ASSUMES AND ACCEPTS ANY AND ALL RISKS RELATED TO HIS/HER PARTICIPATION IN THE TOURNAMENTS AND RELEASES THE RELEASED PARTIES (DEFINED BELOW) FROM AND HEREBY WAIVES, ANY AND ALL CLAIMS RELATED TO THE PROMOTION, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY DANGERS, HARM, INJURIES AND/OR LOSSES THAT MAY OCCUR TO PARTICIPANT AND/OR HIS/HER PROPERTY DURING SUCH PARTICIPATION whether under a theory of contract, tort (including negligence), warranty or other theory.Nintendo will not be responsible for late, lost, illegible, incomplete, damaged entries or problems with the gaming or otherTournamentequipment and accept no responsibility for any injury, loss or damage of any kind resulting from an entrant’s participation in this Promotion.Participant (and if participant is a Minor, participant's parent or legal guardian) further agrees that under no circumstances, including, but not limited to, negligence, shall Nintendo or its affiliates, or any of their respective officers, directors, employees, shareholders, agents, successors, and assigns or any of the Related Parties (the “Released Parties”) be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages, including any injuries, losses or damages of any kind to persons, including death, or property, arising in whole or in part, out of participant’s participation in the Tournament or any Tournament-related activity, or participant’s acceptance, possession, misuse or use of any prize, or for any printing, production, typographical, human or other error in the printing, offering or announcement of any prize,even if any or all of the Released Parties have been advised of the possibility of such damages.  By participating in the Tournament, participant (and if participant is a Minor, participant's parent or legal guardian) waives any and all rights to bring any claim or action related to his/her participation in the Tournament in any forum beyond one (1) year after the first occurrence of the kind of act, event, condition or omission upon which the claim or action is based.


7.         Winners List and Official Rules: A winners’ list may be posted online at Nintendo’s sole discretion.  These Official Rules will be available at the Nintendo Loungeduringthe Tournament.  You may also request a copy of the winners list or Official Rules by writing to Nintendo at the address below.

 

8.         Copyright Notice. The Tournament and all accompanying materials are copyright © 2015 by Nintendo of America Inc. and its licensors.  Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire are © 2014 Pokémon. © 1995 - 2014 Nintendo / Creatures Inc. / GAME FREAK inc.  All rights reserved. 

 

9.         Governing Law.The Tournament and these Official Rules shall be governed, construed and interpreted under the laws of the State of Washington. Participants agree to be bound by these Official Rules and by the decisions of Nintendo, which are final and binding in all respects.  Nintendo reserves the right to change these Official Rules at any time, in its sole discretion, and to suspend or cancel the Tournament or any participant’s participation therein should viruses, bugs, unauthorized human intervention or other causes beyond Nintendo’s control affect the administration, security or proper execution of the Tournament or Nintendo otherwise becomes (as determined in its sole discretion) incapable of running the Tournament as planned.  Participants who violate these Official Rules, tamper with the operation of the Tournament or engage in any conduct that is detrimental or unfair to Nintendo, the Tournament or any other participant (in each case as determined in Nintendo’s sole discretion) are subject to disqualification from the Tournament.  Nintendo reserves the right to disqualify persons whose eligibility is in question, who do not comply with these Official Rules, or who are otherwise ineligible to participate in the Tournament.  Nintendo is the sponsor of this Tournament.  If you have any questions about these Official Rules or the Tournament, please send them to: Nintendo of America Inc., 4600 150th Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052, Attn: POKÉMON 13 & OLDER EXHIBITION TOURNAMENT @ COMIC-CON.