If Anyone Competes As an Athlete, He Does Not Receive the Victor S Crown
THE KING’S ACADEMY KNIGHTS’ SWIM TEAM
2016-2017 Participant Information Packet
“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 (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 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 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)
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 swim program Board Liaison is Tracy Marshall. 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 swim team committee is made up of participating volunteer parents. This year’s committee members are Stephanie Martin, Laurie Devaney, Kelly Linak and Angie Shape. These members are nominated and contacted by the Athletic Director to confirm their willingness to serve in this capacity.
SWIM PROGRAM
The King’s Academy Knights’ swim team offers Varsity (High School) and Junior Varsity (Middle School) swimming to students in grade 6-12. Stroke technique, practices, and meets are all part of the swim program. The Knights’ swim team has worked hard to earn and maintain a reputation of excellence and high character among The Kings’ family and the local community. TKA Knights’ swimmers are “Ambassadors” for the Knights and The King’s Academy in and out of the pool. Therefore, the coach will have high expectations of each swimmer, 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 of swimming.
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 the athletic competitions. Middle School players reaching 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 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.
GICAA rules applying to 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.
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, basketball and forms/documents.
SCHEDULE AND LOCATION
The King’s Academy Swim team season begins in October and ends in January. Our banquet will be held soon after the season is over. A practice and meet schedule will be provided and will also be posted on the King’s Academy Knights’ website at along with directions to practices and meets. Other updates and information can also be found on the website.
Regular practices begin on October 3rd and will take place at the Cherokee County Aquatic Center on Sixes Road, Monday through Friday from 8:00–9:30am (days and times are subject to change). Practice times over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays will vary depending on pool and coaching availability.
EVALUATIONS
All swimmers must be at the Cherokee County Aquatic Center on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016 7:00-9:00 (subject to change) for evaluations and uniform fittings. If you cannot attend, please contact a committee member to discuss your swimmer’s eligibility and registration.
Participants must bring the following to EVALUATIONS:
Check for Registration Fees for $375 payable to TKA Athletics
Medical Consent and Release Form
High School Affidavit of Eligibility (Varsity swimmers only)
Copy on Insurance Card (front and back new swimmers)
Birth Certificates (new swimmers only)
AES Agreement Form (non-TKA swimmers only)
Copy of Report Card signed by parent (non-TKA swimmers only)
REGISTRATION
Online Registration opens August 22nd. Swimmers MUST REGISTER ONLINE PRIOR TO EVALUATIONS.
Returning swimmers will log in to register and new swimmers will need to create an account. Registration Fees may
be paid online with a credit card when registering. All of these forms can be found on the TKA KNIGHT’S website
and should be completed and turned in at evaluations.
PROGRAM PARTICIPATION FEES
The Swim Team Participation Fee is $375.00
The participation fee includes:
TKA Knight’s Administrative fees
Secondary Insurance
Coach’s Honorarium
Awards
Meet Entry Fees
If you are obtaining a sponsorship, those forms and money are due Oct. 10, 2016 with final payment. If you are planning on obtaining a sponsor DO NOT pay by credit card. Swimmers who have not paid in full or completed all required paperwork by October 10th will not be allowed to practice.
METHOD OF PAYMENTS:
Credit Card: Online credit card payments are accepted (credit card fee is applied upon check out).
Check: Checks should be made payable to TKA Athletics with “Swim team” written in the memo line.
All team registration fees are determined by the Athletic Director with direction from the individual committees of the swim program. Registration fees will be refunded at 100% if an athlete withdraws from the program in writing before the first day of 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.
Knights’ 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 the future until payment is made in full. Committees will report all non-paying participants to the AD.
Additional costs may be incurred throughout the season beyond the initial registration fee. These costs typically include, but are not limited to:
Team Suits (to be worn for meets only)
Transportation costs to and from meets (Ride sharing is encouraged)
Team meals after meets (Optional)
Team and individual pictures (optional)
Personal equipment such as: practice suits and caps, goggles, fins, etc
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 practice minus 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 Sponsors must email their contact and company logo to the Web Master at and will have their contact and company displayed on the web site for 12 months. Sponsorship forms and checks payable to TKA Athletics must be turned in to the Team Treasurer.
SCHOLARSHIPS
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.
FUNDRAISING
We will be hosting two meets this year as our team fundraiser. Because this is our team fundraiser, everyone is expected to participate and parents are expected to volunteer. The first meet we will host will be Nov. 19, 2016 at the Cumming Aquatic Center. Our second fundraising meet at the Cherokee County Aquatic Center on December 9, 2016.
UNIFORM AND DRESS CODE
Swimmers are required to wear their Knights’ team suits and uniforms to all meets. The only exception is a swimmer may wear a “fast” suit to the meets, but must still wear their uniform. We highly recommend that swimmers do not wear their team suits for practice. Doing so may cause the suit to wear out before the end of the season. TKA Knights Swim team representatives reserve the right to define inappropriate attire. Some dress code issues may not be covered under specific guidelines of this packet. Therefore, please be aware that the Swim team coaches and Swim Team committee will ultimately determine what constitutes a violation of dress code for TKA Knights’ Swim team events. Parental support of TKA Knights’ representatives in these matters is greatly appreciated.
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. TKA Varsity Cheerleading is currently the only program that does not allow dual sports during their season.
TEAM PHOTOGRAPHY
The King's Academy is excited to announce a new partnership for our school with Clix Photography. TKA will be partnering with Clix. All TKA Sport’s program will be required to use Clix for their photo needs such as team pictures, senior nights, tournament games, and major school events. Following the photo shoot, all images are uploaded online and available for purchase. Sports team photos will have several options and discount packages to choose from. There is no cost to our school (or teams or organizations) for their service, but there will be benefit to both the school and our athletic organization as we receive a portion of the proceeds of all photo sales. The team committee members will be responsible for setting up photography shoots during the season. Parents are free to take personal photos during the season and upload them to share on the team’s private Shutterfly sites.
PARENTS
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 in order 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 in order 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.