Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I become a Professor?
- Why do I have to wait until I am 18 years old before I can be a Professor?
- Why are organizers asked to submit to a background check?
- What steps do I need to take to become a League Owner or Tournament Organizer?
- Why is it so hard to apply to be a Tournament Organizer or League Owner?
How do I become a Professor?
You can apply to become a Professor by taking the Professor and Organizer exams. Much of the information covered in the exams can be found at:
Play! Pokémon Tournament Rules and Resources page: https://www.pokemon.com/us/play-pokemon/about/tournaments-rules-and-resources/
Team Compendium's Compilation of Official Rulings: https://compendium.pokegym.net/
For more detailed information about getting started, visit https://www.pokemon.com/us/play-pokemon/organize/become-a-professor/.
Why do I have to wait until I am 18 years old before I can be a Professor?
The Professor Program is designed to expand Pokémon Organized Play. Professors often act as judges at Pokémon tournaments. They ensure that the rules of the game are followed during tournament games while answering question players may have. Professors can also be Tournament Organizers, League Leaders, or may assist in the organization, execution and marketing of Pokémon TCG events. Because of the responsibility involved with this role Pokémon Organized Play feels that those best suited to assist in these matters are adults.
Why are organizers asked to submit to a background check?
The Pokémon Company International, Inc. is committed to helping to create a safe environment for children who participate in Tournaments affiliated with Pokémon. In furtherance of that goal, The Pokémon Company International will be conducting both regular and random background checks on people involved in running Pokémon Tournaments.
Please keep in mind that applicants will have a finite number of opportunities to complete the background process. Taking some measure of care to ensure the accuracy and completeness of requested information, can prevent a scenario where you are unable to hold a Professor role.
What steps do I need to take to become a League Owner or Tournament Organizer?
To get set up to begin running approved POP events, you'll need to do the following.
First, create a Pokémon Trainer Club account by going to: https://www.pokemon.com/us/account/signup and following the instructions found there.
If you already have a Player ID, you will have an opportunity to enter it at this time. If not you can generate one online.
To generate a Player ID online, please do the following:
- Log into your profile on pokemon.com.
- Visit your profile by clicking on your profile picture on the left side of the page. Click 'View Profile' on top of the page now.
- Click on 'Play Pokémon Settings' on the left side.
- Tick 'Please assign me a new Player ID number' and accept the Terms and Conditions of the Play! Pokémon program.
- Press submit.
Once this is completed, you can log into your account, and then apply for a new league.
You can also apply to become a Tournament Organizer.
Fill out the appropriate application, and we will typically review it within the next two to three business days. Upon approval, you’ll receive additional instructions as to what the next steps are.
Why is it so hard to apply to be a Tournament Organizer or League Owner?
The application process is usually the only way we can gather information on how well suited a person will be for our program. Things like the way a person asks for information or assistance, past interactions with POP, the application itself, the results of a required background check, and any conversations we have with a venue over the phone all give us some indication about a potential applicant. By looking at these interactions we are able to get a fairly good idea of an applicant’s professionalism, ability to communicate with tact and clarity, and ability to follow instructions. Because these traits are all extremely important parts of being a good League Owner or Tournament Organizer, and because we dedicate a lot of effort and resources to supporting these applicants once they have been approved, we do have a system in place which requires some effort and communication on your part.
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