swim with RAM

What is needed to swim with RAM?
Frequently Asked Questions
Practice Information
Fees
Visiting USMS registered swimmers
More information about Raleigh Area Masters
Who contact for more information

Raleigh Area Masters General Information ------ Welcome!

You can swim with Raleigh Area Masters (RAM) if:

You need to be at least 18 years of age or older.
you need a desire to swim and to learn to improve your swimming.
You are interested in improving your fitness.
You are looking for a structured practice with a coach.
You can swim 1,000 yards (20 round trips of the pool lane - 50 yards each.

Give RAM a try!

New swimmers are invited to swim with RAM three times as a free trial. If, after three free swims, you wish to continue swimming with RAM, here is what you must do.

you must join US Masters Swimming and RAM via our website USMS and RAM registration
Be sure to select NCMS as your club and RAM as your workout group when registering with USMS.
Please note the requirement to register with both USMS and RAM. This is necessary for insurance and liability purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Practice Information

Weekday practices are 1 hour 15 minutes and weekend practices are 1 hour 30 minutes.

How many practices are available each week?

There are 9 practices each week.
The current schedule for days and times can be found at Practice schedule

What are the swim coaches like?

Information about the coaches can be found at RAM Coaches

Fees

USMA Fee (paid once each year) $41.00
RAM Dues (paid via debit/credit card on the 5th of each month you swim) $45.00
RAM Dues for full-time students $23.00
RAM Dues for individuals 70 and over $23.00

Visiting USMS registered swimmers

If you are a visiting USMS registered swimmer from out of town that swims for other US Masters Swim teams, you must do the following.
You are required to provide proof of USMS registration, so please bring a copy of your current registration card.
You are permitted three free swims with RAM each year. After these three free swims you must pay the standard drop in fee of $10 pwer swim, not to exceed $45 per month.
Try to arrive at least 15 minutes before practice is scheduled to start.
When you arrive at the pool reception desk, ask for the RAM sign-in book and sign in at the end of the membership listing and mark with an "x" on each date you swim.
Before you enter the pool, please let the coach know of any medical condition you may have that may affect you while in practice.
When you talk to the coach, please be patient. The coach has a significant number of things that must be done prior to practice getting underway. This may cause a delay in your meeting and discussions.

More information about Raleigh Area Masters

Raleigh Area Masters (RAM) is one of the largest adult swimming programs in North Carolina, under the sanction of North Carolina Masters Swimming (NCMS) Club, a component of United States Swimming(USMS). RAM is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Dues cover the cost of pool lane rentals, coaches' salaries and other operating experiences.

When you show up for practice

When you arrive at the pool clearly print your name on the RAM sign-in sheet and put a check mark on the date that you swim.
Fill out a 'Prospective Swimmer' form, introduce yourself to the team coach on the deck and share a little information about your swimming history so the coach may recommend the best lane for training.
Ram coaches not only provide great workouts for our team, they will also provide indivitual stroke and technique advise.

Please note that the sign in sheets are used to track swimmer participation and help the team determine the number of lanes needed for practices.

RAM swimmers include competitive swimmers, triathletes, and fitness swimmers of all ages (over 18) and all skill levels. You are sure to find the level of training you are seeking! RAM is a great place to train for your next competition or to just get in shape, in addition to making friendships that will last a lifetime.

E-Newsletter RAM members receive a weekly e-newsletter about current activities, practices and coaching schedules, upcoming meet information and RAM members in the news. Pool locations, practice times, and coaches are subject to change, so be sure to check the weekly schedule. The e-newsletter along with the schedule is also found on the web at Newsletter

RAM is represented by a Board of Directors comprised of 12 RAM members who meet on a monthly basis in support of our organization. Board members serve two years and are elected by the membership. All members are invited to attend the Board meetings, which are communicated in the weekly e-newsletter and posted on the web at Newsletter

If you would like to contact the Board members with questions or suggestions, you may email them at Board email address

All coaches are experienced, work to improve technique, teach new strokes, and provide fun, yet challenging training. To assist in continuity of training, the coaching staff develops an annual training plan to aid in a coherent training program.

Social and Fundraising Activities Not only is practicing with RAM an awesome way to train, it's a great social outlet as well! Each year, RAM hosts a winter holiday party and a summer social and barbecure, in addition to other activities planned throughout the year. Communications are sent out regularly for members to coordinate trips to meets, volunteer to assist with RAM fundraising activities as a 501(c)(3), or attend a family function such as a Durham Bulls baseball game. Many swimmersinformally have breakfast together after morning practices, so be sure to inquire about this with your lane mates.

Competition A major RAM effort each year is to host the North Carolina Masters State Swimming Championships for swimmers across NC and surrounding states. This meet is typically a two-day event and includes a dinner and social get-together for participants and guests. Other state and national swim meets that are scheduled are posted on the NC and USMS web sites, in addition to the quarterly Across the Lanes, the North Carolina newsletter. USMS recognizes Top Ten and All American times in each 5-year age category for both men and women.

Contact

For further information, please contact Harry DeLong

Table of Contents