RAYS FAQ

Who can join the RAYS?

Any young person between the ages of 5 and 19 may join the RAYS swim team with the following conditions: Swimmers that are 7 and under who can swim 25 yards of Freestyle and Backstroke, 8 and older swimmers should be able to do 50 yards of Freestyle with rotary breathing as well as 50 yards of Backstroke, Breastroke or Butterfly. We try and take any swimmer as long as they meet minimum level of proficiency.

What are the different groups within RAYS?

RAYS are divided into four groups depending on the age and ability of the swimmer: MiniRAYS (7 & Under), Age Group (11 & Under), Junior Group (10 to 14), and Senior Group (12 to 20)

How will I learn about the team requirements?

At the beginning of each fall season, Team Orientations take place. Coach’s will share their team philosophy and requirements. The Team Handbook that was handed out at registration will be discussed and there is a question / answer period as well. You will also learn about volunteering, meets, and what is expected of your swimmer. Typically a vendor is available for you to purchase practice suits, goggles, fins, etc.

Parents are required to attend one of these meetings.

How many practices a week should my child attend?

Swimmers who attend practice regularly will see the positive effect in their training and meet performance. MiniRays should practice 2-3 times per week, Age Group should practice 3-4 times per week, Junior Group should practice 4-5 times per week, and Senior Group should practice a minimum of 5 days per week.

Do we have to participate in meets?

It is expected that all swimmers attend the State Meet at the end of the season. There is a three meet requirement to be eligible to attend the State Meet. High school swimmers need two RAYS meets to be eligible for states. If you have concerns about your child competing in meets, please ask to speak to their coach.

How do we sign up for meets?

Meet signups are done thru the RAYS website: www.raysnh.org. It is important to visit the website frequently as deadlines for signups can come and go quickly. Our team manager will put out reminder emails for upcoming deadlines as well.

What will my child swim in a meet?

For regular home and dual meets, your swimmer’s coach will place them in the events they feel are right. For USA Swim meets, the swimmer selects the entries they would like to compete. If you have any questions about what events to select, please ask your coach for guidance.

What gear is required for practices?

Practice suits, goggles, fins, water bottles and towels are needed for practices. Swimmers with hair long enough to tie back must wear a cap. Senior Group is also required to have hand paddles and old sneakers for water training.

Do we have to buy a team suit and cap?

RAYS have 2-3 suits selected that are considered team suits and each swimmer must wear a team suit at meets. Technical competition suits may be worn instead of the RAYS team suit at USA Swim meets. Suits that are worn for competition / meets should NOT be worn to practice, as the wear and tear will make them less effective.

If a swimmer wears a cap at a meet, it MUST be a RAYS team cap. Team caps can be purchased during team meetings, at home meets, and thru volunteer coordinator. You can also send an email request to the team manager who will forward it on to the appropriate person.

What do we bring to meets?

Besides team suits, team cap and goggles, it’s advised that you bring extra towels, backup goggles, sweatshirt, sweatpants, flip flops, water bottles and a snack. Most meets will have a concession.

USA Swim meets are larger venues where the team may be settled in a gym or area away from the pool deck. Many swimmers will bring their Ipods, personal games or something to keep them entertained in between events. You may also want to bring a folding chair for the parent and child.

Can I stay with my younger child during the meets?

Swimmers are expected to stay together on deck for the meets so the Coach can readily find them. Regular home meets and dual meets will have Bullpen volunteers get the swimmers ready for their events. These meets are in venues where the parent is usually sitting nearby. USA Swim meets are larger events and the team is often off deck in a separate area. Again, volunteers are assigned to help the coaches get the younger swimmers to their events on time.

Please see the attached Team Handbook and Glossary of Swim Terms for additional information. Parent representatives are listed in the handbook with their contact emails if you have additional questions.

Link to Handbook Here

Glossary of Swim Terms Here