The Sponsor’s Role

The role of the Sponsor is to act as a mentor to the Student. At a minimum, the Sponsor must:

• appear at Court with the prospective Student when the Student is formally inducted into the Academy and when the Student rises in rank through the Academy,
• suggest and guide the Student in age-appropriate projects in the arts and sciences, classes/activities and opportunities for service to the local group, Kingdom and Society, and
• help the Page develop courtly skills and understand the requirements of courtesy.

It is encouraged that the Sponsor discuss with the Student and his or her parent(s) or legal guardian(s) how active a role is expected of the Sponsor. Sponsors are not the legal guardians of minors, and thus are not expected or required to fill such a role at events. Students must list their Sponsor(s) directly on the enrollment form.

The eligibility requirements of a Sponsor are as follows:

• The Sponsor must be a resident of Atlantia.
• The Sponsor must be a current member of the SCA.
• The Sponsor must be at least 18 years of age.
• The Sponsor is not a parent of the Student, the partner or significant other of a parent of the Student, or older sibling of the Student any time during the Student’s time in the Academy.
• The Sponsor cannot live at the same address as the Student any time during the Student’s time in the Academy.
• The Sponsor must be willing to help and guide the Student in his or her progress in the Academy.
• The prospective Student, the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the prospective Student, and the potential Sponsor must all agree to this appointment.

While we encourage peers, Barons and Baronesses, local and kingdom officers, Kingdom Notables and recipients of kingdom orders of Achievement to act as Sponsors, the only criteria for being a Sponsor is what is set forth above. Anyone who meets the above requirements may be a Sponsor.

A Student shall have only one official Sponsor. A single Sponsor can sponsor more than one Student so long as the Sponsor appropriately fills the role of Sponsor to each Student they take on. Sponsors need not live in the same geographic group as the Student.

Over time, it is possible that a Student may need to find a new Sponsor. Students should send a copy of the Registration/Change of Sponsor Form to the Registrar, but mark the box “Change of Sponsor.” It is encouraged that at the next local event where Student and the new Sponsor attend, such new Sponsorship should be formalized in court.