Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  Under the former process, my Sponsor is my direct supervisor. Can he continue as my Sponsor and validate my logs from now on?
A:  No, under the new process, the Sponsor of a Candidate (Provisional) Member cannot be his or her direct supervisor, direct subordinate, or a close work colleague. Note that these direct reporting relationships disqualify certain people from being Sponsors. Also, note that the Sponsor must have been a Full Member in good standing for three years as of the date s/he signs the Validation Form.
 
Q:  But I work in a small organization – all the RPPs there are in direct reporting relationships with me, and therefore are disqualified as Sponsors. How can I find a new Sponsor?
A: Ask your current Sponsor for leads on a potential new Sponsor. As well, you probably know other Candidate (Provisional) Members at other organizations, and they may have some leads, or their Sponsor might be willing to act as your Sponsor as well. In fact, other Candidate (Provisional) Members you know may be in the same situation as you. You could consider trading Sponsors.
 
Q: My Sponsor was formerly my direct supervisor. Is she still eligible to remain my Sponsor?
A: Yes. Only current direct relationships disqualify Sponsors.
 
Q: My Sponsor and I belong to the same dragon boat team and are on an alumni committee together. Do we have a personal or business conflict of interest that disqualifies him from continuing as my Sponsor?
A: Not all casual acquaintances would disqualify an individual from being a Sponsor. It would not be a conflict of interest unless your Sponsor was a relative or partner or close personal friend. That being said, it is up to your Sponsor to determine whether or not he should continue. To validate your logs, he has to sign the Validation Form, certifying that he does not have a conflict of interest with you, and that he can fairly and objectively judge your logs.
 
Q: I have to get a new Sponsor, and this seems unfair to me especially if this will delay my path to Full membership.
A: OPPI understands that that this change in process will necessitate an inconvenient change for a small number of Candidate (Provisional) Members. However, ultimately even they will benefit, since moving forward they will be able to have their logs reviewed and validated more efficiently and quickly.