Hi Parents! We’re excited to kick off another great season of RAYS—registration is now open online, and practices begin next week! 

Registration Steps

To get started, please complete the following:

1. Read the Parent Handbook to familiarize yourself with team policies.
2. Renew/start your YMCA membership (required by YMCA of the USA) and register for the swim team through the YMCA website.
3. Sign up on Swimtopia to receive team news and communication. Reminder: Swimtopia sign-up does not complete your team registration—you must register and pay program fees through the YMCA to participate in practices.

You may register in one of two ways:

• Online registration: Quick and easy, but requires payment in full for the season.
• Hard copy form: Download from the website, email to [email protected], or drop off at the YMCA (400 Davis Avenue, Elkins). Hard copy forms allow you to pay in three installments (at sign-up, October 1, and November 1).

Important dates for registration:

• Registration for the full season is open through September 30.
• If your child is participating in fall school sports, the next opportunities to join will be:
  • November 1 start date
  • December 1 start date (final option)
• After December 1, registration will close for the remainder of the season.

Practice Schedule

This year’s schedule looks a little different due to pool access, so please read carefully:

Silver Group (Intermediate)

• Tuesdays & Thursdays
  • YMCA: 5–6 pm (starts Sept. 30)
  • WV Wesleyan College: 6:30–7:30 pm (begins next week)

Gold Group (Advanced)
Choose either the 3x/week or 4x/week option. Practices are offered at:

• D&E College: Mon, Tues, Thurs 8–9 pm
• WV Wesleyan College: Tues & Thurs 6:30–8 pm
• YMCA: Wed 7–8:30 pm

While the schedule may involve some travel, attending practices at each site offers one clear benefit: with each practice location/night led by a different coach, swimmers will have the chance to learn from the full range of coaching styles and techniques of our very talented coaching staff. 

More information will be shared soon as we get the season underway! GO RAYS!