THE KING’S ACADEMY KNIGHT’S BASEBALL

Participant Information Packet 2018

“If anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown

unless he competes according to the rules.” 2 Timothy 2:5

THE KING’S ACADEMY KNIGHT’S

The King’s Academy Knight’s (TKA) athletic program is a not-for-profit organization established in 2005 for the benefit of TKA studentswho are interested in participating in competitive sports programs. We offer a wide range of sports programs for student athletes including cheerleading, cross country, baseball, baseball, football, golf, soccer, softball, swim, tennis, 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 primary doctrine for teaching. King’s does not promote or endorse any denomination. We maintain this position for unity and fairness to each student. Other doctrinal issues upon which this ministry has no official stance will be secondary doctrine and will not be taught. In the event secondary doctrine is brought up, students will be referred to the family and church for final authority. We desire to remain united in the salvation and love of Christ, avoiding any dissension that may be caused by denominational distinctive. The King’s Academy does not accept families from a non-Christian background or from denominations that do not adhere to the following doctrinal 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). The Bible speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind, and is the sole and final source of all that we believe. For purposes of The King’s Academy’s faith, doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline, our School Board is The King’s Academy’s final interpretive authority on the Bible’s meaning and application.
  • 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 that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. (Acts 3:19-21; Rom 10:9-10; 1 Cor 6:9-11.)
  • 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 by who’s indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a Godly life (Romans 8:13-14; I Corinthians 3:16; 6:19-20; Ephesians 4:30; 5:18).
  • We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. (Mark 12:28-31; Luke 6:31.) Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of The King’s Academy.

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.)

BASEBALL PROGRAM

The King’s Academy Knight’s offerVarsity, Junior Varsity and Middle Schoolbaseball to students in grade 6-12. The Knight’sbaseball 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’ baseball players are“Ambassadors” for the Knight’sand The King’s Academy 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 baseball.

The primary goal of the Knight’s baseball program is to teach life lessons and skills that will equip our young men and women for the world beyond high school athletics. It is our desire to provide the very best opportunity possible 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.”

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 baseball committeeis 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.

ELIGIBILITY

High school players reaching the age of 19 before May 1st of the sports’ year will not be eligible to participate in any of theathletic competitions. Middle School playersreaching the age of 15 prior to September 1 of the current school year of participation will not be eligible to play middle school sports.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.

GICAA rules for non-TKA players:

†The King’s Academy will become the non-TKA student’s “home base” for all sports.

†Once the non-TKA student begins the 9th grade playing for a TKA, they are ineligible for one year if they transfer to another GICAA school without a legitimate move.

†Non-TKA students have four years of eligibility beginning in the 9th grade assuming they make the cut at tryouts each season.

† Non-TKA students must live within 30 miles of the member school.

The Coaches and Athletic Director will determine any out-of-town tournament play. The Coaches will communicate with the parents and players the details of the tournament. All tournament entry fees will be paid by the team. All other expenses are out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the players attending. Fundraising for these expenses is encouraged and optional. All fundraising must be approved by the AD.

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 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, baseball and forms/documents.

TRYOUTS

October 21, 2017 from 9am to Noon at Mount Paran field off Allgood Road.

Participants must bring the following to TRYOUTS:

  • High School Affidavit of Eligibility (new HS students 9-12th)
  • Copy on Insurance Card (front and back)
  • Birth Certificates (new players only)
  • AES Agreement Form (New Non-TKA students only)
  • Copy of current report card signed by parent (New Non-TKA students only)
  • Current Sport’s Physical Form – deadline for form is January 8th.

RESULTS

The maximum number of players on a team will determined by the coach. Team rosters will be posted on the TKA website within 48 hours of each teams’ last tryout date. Players must declare their intentions within 48 hours by emailing coach. Players failing to declare within the 48-period will be dropped from the roster and coaches will then have the option to consider and contact alternate players.

UNIFORM FITTINGS

All players will be required to attend a uniform fitting which will be held at The King’s Academy. Days and times for fittings will be emailed to the teams.

ESTIMATEDPARTICIPATION FEES:

HS Fee $800

MS Fee TBD

Payment can be made online with a credit card or by check. Checks should be made payable to TKA Athletics with V, JV or MS Baseball Reg. Fee in the memo line. The deadline for registration fees is February 8th. Players who have not paid their fees by the deadline will not be eligible to play.

Checks can be turned in to the team treasurer, sent to the attention of the AD via doc folder or mailed to P.O. Box 675, Woodstock, GA 30188.

Participation fees cover program administration, athletic fees, secondary insurance, uniforms, honorariums, equipment, field rental, umpires, awards, and banquet. Additional costs may be incurred throughout the season beyond the initial registration fee. These costs typically include, but are not limited to:

•Baseball shoes, pants, socks, belts

•Transportation costs to and from away games (ride sharing)

•Team and individual athlete pictures (optional)

•Personal equipment or other team-related items or apparel (optional)

•Banquet Meal for parents and siblings

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 practiceminus any expenses incurred for equipment, uniforms, 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 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 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

Scholarships will not be offered for baseball this season to help lower the registration fee Typically, however, a limited number of funds have been set aside in the budget for scholarships and will be given out on as needed first-come-first-serve basis. Any family requesting a scholarship must submit a financial aid application and set up an appointment before the registration deadline with the AD and Committee. All scholarship awards will be determined by the AD, Committee and Board Liaison.

GICAA ALL STAR PLAYER FEES

GICAA All Star players (Seniors only) will be required to pay for ½ of the All-Star fee if they choose to participate in the GICAA All Star Game.The team’s budget will cover the other half of the player’s fee as well as coaches’ expenses, if any.

FUNDRAISING

Fundraisers may be offered during the year by the baseball 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 andproceeds 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.

ATHLETES IN MULTIPLE PROGRAMS
TKA athletes may participate in multiple sports programs during a calendar year provided there is no conflict in practice and game schedules, athletes may participate in multiple programs during the same season. Athletes must fulfill their commitment to the first program they join while participating in a second program. In the event of schedule conflicts, coaches of both programs must be notified and coordinate practice and game schedules.

TEAM PHOTOGRAPHER

Gina Cellino is The King’s Academy school and sport’s photographer. The volunteer committee will schedule team and individual photos.

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.

TKA Student Athlete Leave Policy

We are excited to have so many of our middle and high school Students involved in athletic programs and events. At times, however, participation in these extracurricular activities can take a toll on the educational aspect of the school day. This is particularly true when a sports activity requires Students to leave early and miss all or part of a class.

Please be aware of the following guidelines for Student athletes who need to leave school early:

  • Early release is limited to athletic participants ONLY. Other Students may not miss class to ride with an athlete to an event.
  • Students must bring a parent-signed note of permission explaining what time they will need to leave, who will be picking them up, and which class(es) they will miss. Please send a note IN ADVANCE* and EACH DAY your Student will be leaving school early for an athletic event. Our Staff cannot keep up with individual Student schedules. Students will not be released without a parent-signed note of excuse.
  • *Please notify teachers in advance of the game day. Most game schedules are published in advance to athletes, and it is very helpful to teachers in their planning to know as early as possible that students will miss class.
  • Students are responsible for material covered in class. They should find a classmate to take notes for them in their absence.
  • Students must pick up their Doc Folders prior to departure or make arrangements with someone to bring their Doc Folder home.
  • Students must make arrangements with their Teacher regarding any in-class tests, quizzes, or special activities they may miss. Teachers may require that Students arrive early or stay late on another school day or come to class during lunch period to make up an in-class test, quiz or activity. (This is at the Teacher’s discretion, but most do not view it as fair that Student athletes be allowed to take a test at home which other Students were required to take under classroom conditions.)
  • Students should not ask to be excused during class to change into their uniforms. They should either change between classes, or wait until they depart to change.
  • Students should check out between classes unless the Teacher prefers the Student attend class for the time they have available.
  • Students should leave quietly, not disrupting a class in progress.
  • Student athletes MUST sign out before leaving.

Player Carpool/Pick up should be arranged in the Main Building lower lot or High School upper parking lot. Please do not use parking space in the front lot during or near Carpool time