he beginning of 2022 was an exciting time for RMA Athletics as the school announced a return to the Georgia Independent Athletic Association (GIAA) at t │ h │ e│ e│ n │ d │ o │ f│ t │ h │ e│ a │ 2 - 1│2 0 c │ a │ d │ e│ m │ i │ c │ y│ e│ a │ r │ G│ . I│ A │ A │ i │ s │ a │ n │ a │ n │ c │ i │ l │ l │ a │ r │ y│ │ division of the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) that provides opportunities for athletic competitions encouraging the overall academic, spiritual, social, and physical development of each student-athlete. The Academy’s move to GIAA was precipitated by changes to the Georgia High School Association’s (GHSA) bylaws that widened a competitive disadvantage for independent schools by implementing a multiplier of 3.0 for every student enrolled in independent schools. This multiplier │u│n│f│a│i│r│l│y│i│n│a│t│e│d│e│n│r│o│l│l│m│e│n│t│n│u│m│b│e│r│s│ causing many independent schools │t│o│ p│l│a│y│ i│n│c│l│a│s│s│iß│c│a│t│i│o│n│s│ t│w│o│ t│o│ three times higher than they would have based on actual enrollment numbers. In addition, │G│H│A S ¶│s│r│e│c│l│a│s│s│iß│c│a│t│i│o│n│o│f│a│l│l│ member schools created
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logistical concerns for travel as region opponents became more distant. Lastly, GIAA’s rules for international students are more favorable in that they allow for immediate athletic eligibility. Many will recall that RMA enjoyed several successful years, i │ n │ c │ l │ u │ d │ i │ n │ g │ m │ u │ l │ t │ i │ p │ l │ e│ c │ h │ a │ m │ p │ i │ o │ n │ s │ h │ i │ p │ s │ i │, n │ G│ I│ A │S u │ n │ t │ i │ l │ w│ 80 │2 h │ e│ n │ │ travel became a concern as our teams began to commute longer distances for games. The new region alignment in GIAA includes nearby opponents and natural rivalries with Lakeview Academy, George Walton Academy, Loganville Christian Academy, and Bethlehem Christian Academy. "We are very excited about the transition back to GISA/GIAA and look forward to opportunities for growth in all our sports programs from the middle school to the varsity level, allowing competition against peer schools while upholding the mission, vision, and core values of the Academy," said Athletic Director Mark DeFoor.
