The American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education is an honorary organization composed of Active, Emeritus, and International Fellows who have made significant contributions to the fields of kinesiology and physical education. To be inducted into membership, a person must meet certain criteria and be nominated by a current member. New fellows are inducted into membership at the Academy's annual meeting.

The Academy holds its annual meeting in the fall of each year and publishes the papers (The Academy Papers) presented at the annual meeting in a special issue of QUEST each year. The majority of annual Academy meetings are open to non-members upon payment of a nominal registration fee.

The Academy honors one member each year with the Hetherington Award which is the highest honor the Academy makes to one of its Emeritus members. This award has been given regularly since 1956.