5.3 Tournaments during League Sessions
It is very important to Pokémon Organized Play that players understand the difference between
league play and sanctioned tournament play. Leagues are casual play environments, whereas
tournaments are a more competitive setting. Leagues reward players for playing games, win or
lose; tournaments reward players for winning. We are determined to provide events for players
at all levels of competition, from casual league settings to the competitive Championship series.
However, we do realize that some players would rather participate in a more structured format,
such as a tournament, while still earning league stamps.
Should your players decide that they would like to participate in a tournament but still earn
league stamps for their matches, you may hold any non-sanctioned tournament during a league
session. Players who do not want to participate in a tournament that is run during a league
session should still be allowed to participate in the standard league format during that session.
Tournaments run during league sessions may not be sanctioned. This will prevent your
tournaments from appearing in the tournament locator, creating confusion for players who are
looking for a tournament but are not members of your league. Additionally, prize support has
already been delegated for your event via your league kits. Should you decide to reward additional prizes above and beyond the stamps that players earn on their scorecards, these
prizes are to be provided by the League Owner or League Leader, not POP. You should never
award league stamps for matches played in a sanctioned event.
