VGC VGC 2015 rules and formats announced

[Pokemon Trainer]

The official website announced the rules and formats for the next VGC.

Prepare for the 2015 Pokémon Video Game World Championships with a look at the tournament format.
The format, rules, and regulations for the 2015 Pokémon Video Game Play! Pokémon Championship Series have been announced! In the new format, all battles will be played with the Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire video games. The battles will be standard Double Battles, and most of the Pokémon in the National Pokédex (including many Legendary Pokémon) are permitted. To check an individual Pokémon’s eligibility, look for a blue pentagon on its summary page, underneath its image. View the updated tournament rules and regulations for complete details of the new format.

The new format begins on January 1, 2015, and will be used all the way through the 2015 Pokémon World Championships, to be held in August in Boston, Massachusetts, where more than $500,000 in scholarships, Travel Awards, and other prizes will be on the line! Get details on the Pokémon World Championships, including prizes, on the Frequently Asked Questions page.

Practice with the new format and rules at Premier Challenges taking place throughout the year. They‘re always a great place to compete and improve your team. And remember that the Winter Regional Championships are in February, providing a great test for all Pokémon competitors! Check the Event Locator for dates, times, and locations of Play! Pokémon events near you.

Good luck in the 2015 Play! Pokémon Championship Series season, Trainers!

Only Pokémon Omega Ruby and 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:
o 150 – Mewtwo
o 151 – Mew
o 249 – Lugia
o 250 – Ho-Oh
o 251 – Celebi
o 382 – Kyogre
o 383 – Groudon
o 384 – Rayquaza
o 385 – Jirachi
o 386 – Deoxys
o 483 – Dialga
o 484 – Palkia
o 487 – Giratina
o 489 – Phione
o 490 – Manaphy
o 491 – Darkrai
o 492 – Shaymin
o 493 – Arceus
o 494 – Victini
o 643 – Reshiram
o 644 – Zekrom
o 646 – Kyurem
o 647 – Keldeo
o 648 – Meloetta
o 649 – Genesect
o 716 – Xerneas
o 717 – Yveltal
o 718 – Zygarde
o 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.

More detailed rules can be found on the official website: http://support.pokemon.com/FileManagement/Download/07294296edc545bca57c76266cef60fe