Pokémon Coordinator: Difference between revisions

Originating in the [[Hoenn]] [[region]], Pokémon coordinating is based on showing off Pokémon in visually impressive ways. It also refers to the act of {{DL|Pokémon training|raising Pokémon}} particularly for {{pkmn|Contest}}s, rather than for regular {{pkmn|battle}}s. As a result, it provides {{pkmn|Trainer}}s with an alternative to the [[Badge]]-collecting quest, giving them a different look at the many charms of Pokémon, as well as a distinct method for interacting with them. Trainers who focus in this area are called Coordinators.

Pokémon Coordinators typically concern themselves with the outward appearances of their Pokémon. Because of this, they tend to give them special, [[Contest condition|condition]]-enhancing treats made out of {{Berries}} that keep them looking good. They also concentrate on the [[move]]sets of their Pokémon, teaching them [[appeal]]ing, attention-grabbing attacks that can be easily [[Contest combination|combined]] to grant them additional points when used in Contests. Like Trainers, Coordinators are also responsible for their Pokémon's overall health and well-being.

In all forms of Pokémon media, a Coordinator's [[Pokémon journey]] is focused on gathering a certain number of Contest [[Ribbon]]s by competing in regional Pokémon Contests. In order to earn a Ribbon, they must compete against other Coordinators in different rounds of judging. A [[Contest Pass]] is usually required for entering Contests. Additionally, in the [[Sinnoh]] region, Coordinators generally wear formal attire or costume to compete.

It is not uncommon for seasoned Trainers, such as [[Wallace]], to become interested in Pokémon Contests. Other Trainers, such as [[Nando]], dedicate themselves to do both Contests and [[Gym]] battles, collecting Ribbons and Badges.

In some of the [[core series]] [[Pokémon games]], {{player}}s may choose to focus on raising Pokémon for the exclusive purpose of doing well in Contests, making them part-time Coordinators. In order to increase their chances of winning Ribbons, they have to maximize one particular condition of their Pokémon and prioritize the Contest properties when selecting the moves they will teach them, since battle properties, such as [[power]] and [[accuracy]], have no effect in Contests.

They are able to enter their Pokémon in five different categories, namely {{OBP|Cool|condition}}ness, [[Beautiful (condition)|Beauty]], {{OBP|Cute|condition}}ness, {{OBP|Clever|condition}}ness, and {{OBP|Tough|condition}}ness. Each category has four {{OBP|rank|Contest}}s, but the Normal Rank is the only one unlocked at the start. For the higher ranks, they must first win the previous rank to participate. During a Contest, they compete against three other Coordinators to determine which of them has the most appealing Pokémon. At the conclusion of judging, the winning Coordinator receives a Ribbon according to the category and rank they won.

In {{game2|Ruby|Sapphire|Emerald}}, and their [[remake]]s, {{pkmn|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}}, a Contest has two stages of judging, primary and secondary. In the {{DL|Pokémon Contest|primary judging}}, competing Coordinators present their Pokémon before the audience. To prepare their Pokémon for this stage, they must feed them [[Pokéblock]]s compatible with their [[Nature]]s, as the audience members evaluate the Pokémon's condition and luster. In the {{DL|Pokémon Contest|secondary judging}}, Coordinators showcase their Pokémon's moves in five rounds. They need to plan appeals carefully to earn the most attention of the Judge and excite the audience.

In {{game2|Diamond|Pearl|Platinum}}, Contests are divided into three stages, each stage focusing on a different skill. In the [[Visual Competition]], Coordinators have to dress up their high-condition Pokémon in theme-appropriate [[Accessory|Accessories]] within the 60-second time limit. Contest preparations include raising their Pokémon's condition and sheen with [[Poffin]]s. In the second stage, known as the [[Dance Competition]], Coordinators command their Pokémon to dance according to the rhythm, either as lead or back dancer. The third and final stage is the {{DL|Pokémon Super Contest|Acting Competition}}, where Coordinators display the appeal of their Pokémon's moves for judging in four rounds.

In the [[Pokémon anime]], Coordinators first appeared in ''[[AG013|All Things Bright and Beautifly!]]'', with the introduction of Pokémon Contests in the {{series|Advanced Generation}}. However, before that, many Trainers were seen raising their Pokémon to execute their attacks in an appealing way as well as teaching them how to battle in a stylish manner. In this [[canon]], Coordinators go on stage to present their Pokémon in two rounds, the Performance Stage and the Battle Stage. Because of this, they have to {{pkmn|training|train}} Pokémon for both [[appeal]]s and [[Contest Battle|battles]].

They travel across one or more [[region]]s, competing in Contests and collecting Ribbons with the goal of winning the [[Grand Festival]] to receive the [[Ribbon Cup]] and the title of {{DL|Grand Festival|Top Coordinator}}. In a similar way to how a [[Pokémon Trainer]] needs to collect eight [[Gym]] [[Badge]]s to participate in the [[Pokémon League Conference]], a Pokémon Coordinator needs to garner five {{pkmn|Contest}} [[Ribbon]]s to compete in the Grand Festival. However, since a Contest is an event that occurs within a given period of time, Coordinators get just one chance to earn a certain Ribbon.

[[File:Contest items.png|thumb|left|210px|Items given upon registration in Sinnoh]]

During the Performance Stage, Coordinators need to showcase their Pokémon's charms in order to appeal to the judges, by displaying an array of moves that bring out the very best in their Pokémon while captivating the audience with showiness. The second round consists of [[wp:single-elimination tournament|single-elimination]] Contest Battles, where Coordinators and Pokémon are judged on the style of their moves and the way they're able to dodge their opponents' attacks. In a competition featuring the [[Double Performance]] format, Coordinators are required to show off two Pokémon at once.

When entering a Pokémon Contest for the first time, Coordinators are given a regional [[Contest Pass]] and a Ribbon case. These items are also provided when registering for another region's Contests, since a Contest Pass can only be used to enter Contests held in the region in which it was originally obtained. Because their Pokémon have to make a good first impression right out of the [[Poké Ball]], Coordinators in [[Sinnoh]] are also supplied upon registration with a [[Ball Capsule]] and a few [[Seal]]s, which can be used to create a showy entrance.

Since its introduction, the concept of Pokémon coordinating has appeared in multiple [[Pokémon manga]] series. In addition to the characters who have been shown to raise Pokémon especially to compete in Contests, there are those that have entered Contests just for fun and excitement. The following is a list of manga featuring characters who fall into the class of Coordinators: