Resources and Documents

Play! Pokemon Accessibility Policy

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We are dedicated to hosting inclusive, accessible Championship Series events (Regional Championships, International Championships, and World Championships) that accommodate the broadest range of abilities possible. Our goal is to make our events accessible to everyone by providing reasonable accommodations where possible. To request accessibility accommodation(s) at an event, or for inquiries about accessibility at these events, please contact the event organizer. The contact information for each event organizer is accessible from the registration portal. We cannot guarantee that the specific accommodation requested will be granted, but requests will be reviewed in good faith and accommodations offered when possible and required by applicable law. Depending on the nature of the accessibility need, coordination with the applicable venue may be necessary. Accessibility accommodation(s) should be requested as far in advance of the event as possible to enhance the ability to evaluate and fulfill the request. Should an individual wait until they pick up their badge at the event, for example, our event staff may not be able to provide as many accommodation options. It should be noted that a reasonable accommodation at one event may differ from a similar reasonable accommodation at another event based on space, staffing, etc.

Examples of reasonable accommodations we strive to provide when appropriate and necessary (subject to any structural, space, and other applicable limitations in the applicable third-party venue(s) where events are held) may include the following:

  • Accessible and static seating (with access to an electrical outlet when needed)

  • Accessible check-in processes per event

  • Accessible seating areas in stage audience

  • Wheelchair accessibility on-stage

  • Allowance of wearing certain sensory input dampeners, provided we have confirmed they do not have the capability of relaying audio/video/communications (e.g., noise-reducing earmuffs or earplugs)

  • Allowance of housebroken service animals and/or guide animals

  • Allowance of a maximum of one (1) support person (provided by the player) to assist with card shuffling or reading status effects to a player with impaired vision

    • Please note: Any support person is subject to the same rules as the player, as outlined in the Tournament Rules Handbook (TRH). As such, any errors in play due to error from the support person may incur penalties described in the TRH. A support person is there for reasonable accommodation. Any hints, turn information, or additional suggestions to play are subject to the appropriate penalties per the TRH.

It is important to us that our events are as accessible and inclusive as possible. However, there are certain circumstances where we will not be able to provide accommodations. For example, if an accommodation would create a fundamental change to the nature of the program, such as impacting the integrity of our competitive events, we and our event organizers reserve the right to deny the request (subject at all times to applicable law). The below is a non-exhaustive list of specific accommodations that are unlikely to be granted:

  • Extending the length of time of rounds, and/or allowing a player to have more time than their opponent when making moves within a round

  • Marking cards, including by providing braille on cards

  • Decreasing stage volume and/or other scenic effects

  • Providing wheelchairs or scooters

  • Providing a dedicated staff member to perform functions for a player with an impairment

However, all requests will still be reviewed for such accommodations on a case-by-case basis, especially to explore the possibility of alternative accommodations should there be other ways to address the applicable accessibility need. We are continually striving to improve accessibility at our events. This policy may change from time to time and updates will be posted on our website, and it is your responsibility to check back and ensure you understand the most current policy.