THE KING’S ACADEMY KNIGHT’S FOOTBALL
2018Participant Information Packet
“If anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crownunless he competes according to the rules.”
2 Timothy 2:5
THE KING’S ACADEMY KNIGHTS
The King’s Academy Knight’s (TKA) athletic program is a not-for-profit organization established in 2005 for the benefit of TKA students who are interested in participating in competitive sports programs. We offer a wide range of sports programs for student athletes including cheerleading, cross country, baseball, bass fishing, basketball, football, golf, soccer, softball, swim, tennis, track and volleyball. Our team name/mascot is the Knight’s, and our colors are navy and silver. For more information regarding sports programs, please visit
We strive to provide consistent biblical reinforcement through athletic competition. Parents work with us to help their child build character and a strong work ethic through athletics and encourage them to accept growing responsibility as they mature. We provide a vital athletic experience that facilitates encouragement, confidence in one's ability and discipline. Parents play a vital role in their student's athletic performance, and in their emotional, social and spiritual development. In cooperation with parents, we seek to help build strong, confident, yet humble servants for Christ.
OUR STATEMENT OF FAITH
Our Statement of Faith is based on fundamental Christian beliefs that we strongly support as the foundation of our organization. The King’s Academy does not promote or endorse any denomination. We desire to remain united in the salvation and love of Christ, avoiding any dissension that may be caused by denominational distinctive.
†We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative, inerrant Word of God. (II Timothy 3:15; II Peter 1:21)
†We believe there is only one God, eternally existent in three persons—Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (Genesis 1:1; Matthew 28:19; John 10:30)
†We believe in the deity of Christ (John 10:33)
†His virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:35)
†His sinless life (Hebrews 4:15; 7:26)
†His miracles (John 2:11)
†His vicarious and atoning death (I Corinthians 15:3; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 2:9)
†His resurrection (John 11:25; I Corinthians 15:4)
†His ascension to the right hand of the Father (Mark 16:19)
†His personal return in power and glory (Acts 1:11; Revelation 19:11)
†We believe that men are justified on the single ground of faith in the shed blood of Christ and that only by God’s grace and through faith alone we are saved. (John 3:16-19; 5:24; Romans 3:23; 5:8-9; Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 3:5).
†We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life, and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation (John 5:28,29)
†We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 8:9; I Corinthians 12:12-13; Galatians 3:26, 28)
†We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit who’s indwelling the Christian who is enabled to live a Godly life. (Romans 8:13-14; I Corinthians 3:16; 6:19-20; Ephesians 4:30; 5:18)
Statement on Marriage, Gender and Sexuality
†We believe that all human life is sacred and created by God in His image. Human life is of inestimable worth in all its dimensions, including pre-born babies, the aged, the physically or mentally challenged, and every other stage or condition from conception through natural death. We are therefore called to defend, protect, and value all human life. (Ps 139.)
†We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God. (Gen 1:26-27.) Rejection of one’s biological sex is a rejection of the image of God within that person.
†We believe that the term “marriage” has only one meaning: the uniting of one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture. (Gen 2:18-25.) We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other. (1 Cor 6:18; 7:2-5; Heb 13:4.) We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman.
†We believe that any form of sexual immorality, including adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, and use of pornography, is sinful. (Matt 15:18-20; 1 Cor 6:9-10.)
STAFF
Michelle Rutledge serves as the Athletic Director at The King’s Academy. She has years of athletic managerial experience and has served at several levels including coach, committee member and board member prior to taking on the director position. A football committee is made up of participating volunteer parents and will be established after tryouts. These members are nominated and contacted by the Athletic Director to confirm their willingness to serve in this capacity.
FOOTBALL PROGRAM
The King’s Academy Knight’s offer Varsity, Junior Varsity and Middle School football to male students in grade 6-12. Spring training, camps and practices, are a part of the football programs. The Knight’s football program has worked hard to earn and maintain a reputation of excellence and high character among The King’s’ family and the local community. TKA Knight’s’ football players are “Ambassadors” for the Knight’s on and off the field. Therefore, the coaches will have high expectations of each player which includes but is not limited to: attendance, work ethic, a positive and willing attitude, Christ-like behavior, good sportsmanship, respect for their coach and teammates and a passion for the sport football.
The primary goal of the Knight’s football program is to teach life lessons and skills that will equip our young men for the world beyond high school athletics. It is our desire to provide the very best opportunity to those who wish to play at the next level. Winning is a desired goal but it is not the most important goal. The most important goal is brining honor and glory to God in how we play. “It is possible to win a game yet lose our ability to shine light in to a dark world.”
ELIGIBILITY
The Knight’s varsity and middle school football programs are a Division II member of the Georgia Independent Christian Athletic Association (GICAA). The JV football programs is not sanctioned by the league and plays an independent schedule. Middle School players must be in the 6th – 8th grades. A student who turns 15 prior to September 1 of the current school year of participation will not be eligible to play middle school sports that year. Once a student designates they are in the 9th grade, the four years of eligibility “clock” starts ticking. Students must not “walk” during Senior Recognition at games until they are graduating from high school. Seniors will be required to complete a “Senior Exit Form” once these eligibility limitations have been met, and this will serve as communication that their participation with The Knight’s has ended.
The Knight’s football program has a limited number of spots available for non-TKA students complying with the
GICAA Alternative Education Students (AES):
†AES students must live within 30 miles of the member school.
†The King’s Academy will become the AES student’s “home base” for all sports.
†AES students have four years of eligibility beginning in the 9th grade assuming they make the cut at tryouts each season.
†Once the AES student begins the 9th grade playing for a TKA, they must out for one year if they transfer to another GICAA school without a legitimate move.
SPORT’S PHYSICALS
With over 300 student-athletes participating in sports, the TKA Athletic Department and Administration believe that the health and safety of our student athletes is very important. All TKA athletes will be required to pass and submit a signed sport’s physical to the Athletic Department before the first day of regular season practice of each sport’s year. Physicals may be done at your health provider’s office, CVS and/or other practices that offer sport’s physicals. Most medical facilities offering sport’s physical request or require that the athlete provide a “Pre-participant Physical Evaluation” form. This form is available for download at go to sports, football and forms/documents.
PLAYER PARTICIPATION FEES:
- $700.00 fee
The $700 participation fee is due in full byJuly 16th. Players who have not registered online, paid registration fees or submitted volunteer & equipment checks by the first day of season practices will not be eligible to participate. Checks should be made payable to TKA Athletics with “MS or HSFootball Fee” written in the memo line. Checks should be turned in to the TKA the team treasurer.
Participation fees cover program administration, secondary insurance, supplies, coaches’ honorariums, equipment and trophies/awards as well as:
•Administrative fees
•Secondary insurance
•Use of game and practice uniforms (game jerseys may be purchased by team members)
•Use of protective equipment and gear
•Pre-game meals (Varsity Only)
•½ the cost of the Spirit Pack (Varsity Only – Includes shorts, socks and tee shirt)
Additional costs may be incurred throughout the season beyond the initial registration fee. These costs typically include, but are not limited to:
•Cleats (football shoes)
•Girdles
•Transportation costs to and from away games (ride sharing)
•Team and individual athlete pictures (optional)
•Personal equipment (girdles) or other team-related items or apparel (optional)
•Banquet Meal
MANDATORY ASSESSMENTEQUIPMENT DISTRIBUTION DAY: Player & one parent must attend equipment distribution day held at the practice field, Legacy Church, 1040 Blackwell Road, Marietta, GA 30066. Dates and times are subject to change due to weather.
Monday, April 23rd5:30pm – 7:30pm
MS Assessments
V/JV Equipment Issue
1)Rising Seniors
2)Rising Juniors
3)Rising Sophomores
4)Rising Freshmen
Warm Up & Stretching
Tuesday, Apr 24th5:30pm – 7:30pm
V/JV Assessments
MS Equipment Issue
1)Rising Six Graders
2)Rising Seventh Graders
3)Rising Eighth Graders
SPRING PRACTICES:
April 26-May14th (10 practice days within a 21-day period)
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 5:30pm – 8:00pm
FEES REQUIRED ON ASSESSMENTEQUIPMENT DAY:
- $200 first installment of participation fee (NON-REFUNDABLE)
- Refundable $500 equipment check
- Refundable $150 volunteer check
- Players will not be issued a game jersey until above fees have been turned in. All uniform and issued equipment are property of TKA Athletics. If a game jersey is lost or damaged due to negligence, a fee of $75.00 will be charged for a replacement jersey.
NEW PLAYER REQUIRED FORMS:
- Proof of Physical Signed by Physician
- High School Affidavit of Eligibility
- Copy of Birth Certificate
- Copy of Insurance Card (front and back)
- Report Card Signed by Parent (non-TKA students only)
- AES Agreement Form (non-TKA students only)
RETURNING PLAYERS REQUIRED FORMS:
- Proof of Physical Signed by Physician
- Copy of Insurance Card (front and back if insurance has changed since last season)
REGULAR SEASON PRACTICES:
Regular season practices begin July 26that the practice field from 5:30--8:00 pm. Practice schedules will be posted on Shutterfly pages and updated by the Coaches and/or AD.
One of the coaches and/or committee members will be present at all practices, games and activities. Parents will need to pick up their players promptly following practices, clinics or other program activities. Coaches and committee member will not stay after a practice or other program event to supervise players who have not been picked up by their parents. Calling Post notification or Group Me may be used if a practice time or location is changed or canceled due to inclement weather or other reason. Alternate indoor and outdoor practice sites within a reasonable distance may be used under certain circumstances. Our team does not normally practice on Wednesday nights unless notified otherwise.
ONLINE TEAM REGISTRATION
- All players must be registered online by JULY 26TH
- TO REGISTER: go to and click REGISTER at top right of the home page.
- Returning players will log-in and new players must “Create a New Account.”
- Forms may be download at and documents.
REFUND AND NON-PAYMENT OF REGISTRATION FEES
Registration fees will be refunded at 100% if an athlete withdraws from the program in writing before the first day of regular season practicesless the $200 non-refundable installment payment and any expenses incurred for equipment, uniform, camp fees or other items that cannot be recovered by the program on behalf of that athlete. After the first day of practice, players who withdraw from the program for any reason are not eligible for a refund. Any exceptions to the refund policy must be submitted to the Athletic Director. Participants who have not paid their registration fee within the determined time of the program will be benched and/or become ineligible for play as determined by the individual program until the payment is received. Participants who leave the program without full payment of their registration fee will be ineligible for try outs and/or participation in any program until payment is made in full. Committees will report all non-paying participants to the Athletic Director.
SPONSORSHIPS
There is also opportunity provided by The King’s Academy Knight’s to obtain program sponsors. If a student obtains a program sponsor, the student receives 70% of the sponsor fees and 30% goes toward the program. Sponsors will receive a link on the website and an appreciation plaque. Sponsorship forms available via the website at Sponsors must email their contact and company logo to the Web Master at nd will have their contact and company displayed on the web site for 12 months. Sponsorship forms and checks must be made payable to TKA Athletics and turned in to the team treasurer.
SCHOLARSHIPS
LIMITED scholarships may be available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Any family requesting a scholarship should submit a financial aid application and set up an appointment before the registration deadline with the Athletic Director, Committee and/or Board Liaison. All scholarship awards will be determined by the AD, Committee and Board Liaison.
FUNDRAISING
The TKA Knight’s Touchdown Club has been established to help fundraise for team equipment and uniforms. We need everyone to participate in selling memberships and sponsors. Other fundraisers or sponsorship drives may be established during the year by the football program as needed. Families must agree to participate in any group fundraising activities or pay an equivalent net monetary amount as established by the program. All fundraising projects must be approved by the AD and proceeds should be turned into the team treasurer who will deduct it from your balance owed. Parents/participants will be responsible for any costs or fees that are not raised.
PARENTS
CONCUSSION POLICY
The state of Georgia passed the “Return to Play Act of 2013” that went into effect on January 1, 2014. The well-being of our student athletes is of paramount concern during any athletic contest. Officials, coaches and administrators are being asked to make every effort to ensure that athletes who exhibit symptoms of concussion are removed from practices and contests. Thus, coaches, players, officials, and administrators must be educated to recognize the signs of concussion in all athletes and remove them from participation until they have been evaluated by a medical professional and cleared to return to play.
We highly recommend (but not require) that all athletes, particularly athletes in football, cheerleading, soccer, baseball, softball and basketball, have a base-line concussion test done before participating in sports. Children’s Health Care of Atlanta offers online scheduling for their “Baseline ImPACT” Concussion Test. Call404-785-KIDS (5437), select option 3 and ask for the concussion nurse or call 1-800-785-CHOA.
INSURANCE
All students who have paid their registration fees are covered by a supplemental insurance policy. This policy is designed to assist with any expenses resulting from injuries sustained while participating in a TKA Knight’s’ event. All claims should be filed with the student’s primary insurance carrier. A portion of the expenses, not covered by the primary policy, may be covered by the supplemental policy provided through The King’s Academy Knight’s. It is recommended by our insurance company that any player who sustains an injury file an “Incident Report” with the insurance company whether a claim is filed so there is no dispute as to whether the injury occurred during the football season.
PARENT VOLUNTEERS AND COMMUNICATION
Parent involvement in the football program is a must! 30 Volunteer positions need to be filled for each HOME game. Both parents are required to volunteer at every home game. Every family will be required to serve in the concession stand during the season and will be assigned by the Volunteer Coordinator. Volunteer positions are outlined below, and online sign-up will be made available to participating families. Email via Shutterfly will be the primary source of communication and it is imperative that you check your email regularly and respond in a timely manner. “Rained Out,” or “Group Me” are the two types of communication that may be used for game schedule, rosters, and parent communication.