2016Participant Information Packet
THE KING’S ACADEMY KNIGHTS FOOTBALL
2016Participant 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, basketball, football, golf, soccer, softball, swim, tennis, and volleyball. Our team name/mascot is the Knight’s, and our colors are navy, maroon 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 particular 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)
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.
The King’s Academy Executive Board works closely with the Athletic Director to organize and direct the programs. Each member serves as a liaison for one or more of the athletic programs. The football program Board Liaison is Ben Lee. The King’s Academy Executive Board members are actively involved at The King’s Academy and their local churches. Each member has demonstrated leadership skills, a servant heart, and interest and experience in various sports.
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 2 member of the Georgia Independent Christian Athletic Association (GICAA). The JV football programs is not sanctioned by the league and plays an independent schedule.
The Knight’s JV and V football teams are open to TKA students with a limited number of spots available on the Varsity team for non-TKA students who live within a 30-mile radius.
GICAA rules applying to non-TKA varsity and middle school students:
†Non-TKA students must live within 30 miles of the member school.
†The King’s Academy will become the non-TKA student’s “home base” for all sports.
†Non-TKA students have four years of eligibility beginning in the 9th grade assuming they make the cut at tryouts each season.
†Once the non-TKA 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.
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 actually 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.
PLAYER PARTICIPATION FEES: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.
Middle School:$500 per player - $150** due April 15th& balance of $350 due by July 20th
Junior Varsity: $525 per player - $175** due April 11/12thbalance of $350 due by July 20th
Varsity: $550 per player - $175**due April 11/12th& balance of $375 due by July 20th
**This installment is collected before spring training and is non-refundable even if a player chooses not to play in the fall.
All players joining the TKA Knight’s football program must pay the full Player Participation Fee by July 20th to be eligible to play.
Checks should be made payable to TKA Athletics with “MS, JV or V Spring Training or Participation 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)
•Spirit Pack (Varsity Only)
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)
•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 ASSESSMENT/EQUIPMENT DISTRIBUTION DAYSPRING TRAINING:
PLAYER & ONE PARENT MUST ATTEND EQUIPMENT DISTRIBUTION DAY
Town Center Community Church practice field, 1040 Blackwell Road, Marietta, GA 30066
Monday, April 11 JV/V Assessment & Equipment Day - Returning Players 6-8 pm @ TCCC
Tuesday, April 12JV/V Assessment & Equipment Day - New AES Players 6-8 pm @ TCCC
Friday, April 15MS Equipment Day 6-8 pm @ TCCC
Monday, April 14 – May 3HS Spring Training: 10-Day Spring Training 6-8:30 pm
Monday, April 18MS Spring Training 6-8 pm @ TCCC
There will be no spring training on Wednesdays or April 22nd due to Prom.
All other dates are subject to change by Coaching Staff due to heat or rain.
FEES REQUIRED ON ASSESSMENT/EQUIPMENT DAY:
- Refundable $500 equipment check
- Refundable $150 volunteer check
- Non-Refundable Check installment for Spring Training (HS $175 / MS $150)
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)
Once checks are received, players will be issued two game jerseys. In the event that a game jersey is lost or damaged due to negligence, a fee of $75.00 will be charged for a replacement jersey. All uniform items are property of TKA Athletics. Players will not be issued a game jersey until the equipment and volunteer check have been turned in.
REGULAR SEASON PRACTICES:
Begin July 20th
JV/V from 6:00-8:30 pm
MS from 6:00-8:00 pm
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 will be used in the event that 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.
A game schedule will be provided to players and will also be posted on the Knight’s website at along with directions to away games and other updates and information.
ONLINE TEAM REGISTRATION
- All players must be registered online by April 20th.
- 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 summer practice minus 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 period 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 are available on a first-come-first-serve bases. 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 HS Football team will host a Golf Tournament on Saturday, April 30th. We need everyone to participate or recruit golfers!! 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.
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.
PARENT VOLUNTEERS AND COMMUNICATION
Email will be the primary source of communication and it is imperative that you check your email regularly and respond in a timely manner. “Shutterfly” and “Rained Out” are the two types of communication for game schedule, rosters, and parent communication.
Parent involvement in the football program is a must! 30 Volunteer Positions need to be filled for each HOME game. Both parents arerequired 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.
Volunteers are required to check in at the gate and will receive free admission to the game. Volunteers working on the field will be given a clearance pass. Only coaches and volunteers with clearance passes will be allowed on the field.
A $150 refundable volunteer check and a $500 refundable equipment check will be collected from each family on equipment day. Players will not be issued game day jerseys if they do not provide these checks. This volunteer check will be cashed on a prorated basis based on the number of home games if a volunteer fails to show up to fulfill their volunteer duty. Volunteers who are unable to fulfill their obligation at any game must contact the Volunteer Coordinator within 24 hours and are responsible for finding a replacement.
GAME DAY VOLUNTEER POSITIONS
SEASON-LONG POSITIONS:
Announcer & Media Coordinator: Game day announcer. Ensures proper display of the American Flag at home games as well as coordinates game day music for warm ups and the cheer squad. This is a home game only responsibility.
Varsity Meal Coordinator: (must also volunteer to work at home games) Coordinate meal for players and coaches on game day for home and away games and will be required to travel with the team to away games. The Coordinator should arrive early to eating venue to ensure arrangements are confirmed and sufficient.