Been wondering

[Cyber_the_Gamer]

Is there like no restrictions on who can be a gym leader? Cuz we have multiple examples of young gym leaders, like Allister and Bea from SW/SH or Caitlin from Platinum, Gold, and Silver (how the hell did a 14 year old get a position on the Elite Four), but for some their ages aren't really given. Meanwhile, we also have really old gym leaders, like Opal at 88, and some who seem pretty old like Wulfric, Kobu, Ramos, Drayden, etc. According to Bulbapedia, all the trial captains in Sun and Moon are somewhere between 11 and 19 and have to surrender their position upon turning 20, and that's all I can find regarding concrete regulations for the position of Gym Leader or an equivalent position.

 

[Devalue]

Recalls no specific requirement. Stuck Poppy in the Paldea Elite Four at nine years old. Elevated Hapu to the level of island kahuna by talking with Tapu Fini, though. Presumes the others to be selected the same way.

Speaking of Opal: Held auditions for gym leader as her gym challenge. Probably comes down to whoever captures the current gym leader's eye for succession. May be decided by other means in other gyms/regions, though.

 

[Sheep]

Doesn't seem like there are any, which is both weird and funny. Poppy kind of went a little far for me because she speaks and behaves like she is 5, but she's actually 9 years old which is amusing - especially since she behaves and looks so much younger than some of the other 10 year olds we have seen in the series. Makes me wonder how she gets by when she has to do non-battling E4 work, and how many people don't take her seriously lol.

 

[CoolKid575]

Requirements for gym leaders aren't really elaborated on in detail and probably varies by region. For example, all the Kanto gym leaders seem to be at least 20ish while other regions have multiple children in the role.