Pokemon League battling

Pokemon League battling is the official battling system recognised and regulated by the Pokemon League. It is this style of battling that is present in the official pokemon games and anime.

Trainers participating in Pokemon League official battles are required to obtain eight badges from a given region within a year which will gain them entry into a special winners tournament. The top four entrants in this tournament earn the right to challenge the regional Elite Four and Champion at any time in the following year.

Making money
As any pokemon game will attest, money is earn after defeating a trainer in a pokemon battle and this applies to all levels of battling in official Pokemon League battles. Upon defeat the losing trainer is required to hand over 50% of the money on their persons to the victor.

In addition to this, Gym Leaders, Elite Four members and regional Champions are employed by the Pokemon League for a fixed wage and are required to give a specific amount of money to challengers upon defeat. These jobs come with a lot of responsibility, however, up to and including the control of wild pokemon, protection of the region and analysis of trainers' skills and abilities when they are faced in battle. There are also frequent aptitude tests that must be passed to mantain the position of Gym Leader, Elite Four member or Champion. The higher the title the more responsibility and higher the salary.

Gym Leaders
Gym Leader positions are advertised locally for trainers to apply for and positions are awarded based on battling skill and the ability to cope with administrative duties required. Recommendations from current Gym Leaders may also increase the chances of an application being accepted.

Elite Four members
After defeating an existing Elite Four member in battle, trainers are offered the chance to take an aptitude test to see if they are capable of fulfilling the role and responsibilities of becoming an Elite Four member.

Regional Champions
Like with Elite Four members, when a trainer defeats a Champion in battle they are offered an aptitude test to see if they are suitable for the role of Champion. Alternatively, if a Champion resigns from their post then Elite Four members may apply for the position of Champion without having to defeat the previous Champion in battle.

Famous competitors

 * Cynthia (Sinnoh)
 * Lance (Kanto/Johto)
 * Steven (Hoenn)