From the Charter of the League of Rapier Academies:
III. The Ranks
The League consists of four ranks, based on the London Masters of Defense. These ranks are signified by a colored cord worn on the left shoulder. They are, in order, as follows:
Scholar (Black Cord) requirements:
- Must be an authorized fencer in the East Kingdom of the SCA.
Act honorable both on and off the lists.
Make an attempt to dress in a period fashion.
Own at least some of their own fencing arms and armor.
Free-Scholar (Green Cord) requirements:
- Must have been participating in The League a minimum of 6 months.
Must be authorized in at least 3 out of 6 weapons forms.
Dress in a period fashion.
Act honorable both on and off the lists.
Provost (Blue Cord) requirements:
- Must meet all the requirements of the previous ranks.
Must have been a Free-Scholar a minimum of 9 months.
Must be qualified in five of six weapons forms.
Should be involved in aspects of teaching period fencing.
Should be a warranted fencing Marshall, or MIT of the East Kingdom.
Captain (Gold Cord) requirements:
- Must meet all the requirements of the previous ranks.
Must have been a Provost a minimum of 12 months.
Must be authorized in all 6 weapons forms.
Must be a warranted fencing Marshall of the East Kingdom.
Must be involved in teaching the arte of defense.
Must be doing research, or other service to the arte of defense.
Should have organized and run fencing tournaments, and/or prize fights.