Team Info
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Rappahannock Area YMCA Swim Team is to provide an organized, competitive swimming program for the youth of the Rappahannock area in association with the Rappahannock Area YMCA of Stafford, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania, Virginia. The program encourages and emphasizes good sportsmanship, self discipline, and achievement of goals, regardless of ability, keeping in mind the philosophy of the YMCA in developing the mind, body, and spirit. Accomplishing the RAYS mission is tied to the levels of commitment from all individuals involved with the team. Swimmers are expected to show their commitment by attending practices on a regular basis, by respecting and supporting their teammates on deck and in the water, and by conducting themselves in a responsible manner at all times. Parents are expected to support the team and their swimmers by contributing their time assisting with various swimming and social activities. Swimmers and parents may, in turn, expect the RAYS to provide high-caliber swimming instruction in an organized, safe and friendly environment. The RAYS recognize that swimming is just one part of a young person's life. Competition is a major, but not exclusive measurement of success. All RAYS swimmers should have fun as they develop their mind, body, and spirit.
TEAM DESCRIPTION AND HISTORY
The STINGRAYS swim team is a year-round USA Swimming and YMCA team. The team is divided into five practice groups, providing a natural and sensible progression through which the swimmer moves as he or she grows and matures. This structure is designed to encourage a swimmer's enthusiasm for the sport, and to meet the needs of all levels of ability and interest.
The STINGRAYS was organized in 1979 by Joyce O'Toole with the help of Sue-Anne Shotwell, Program Director for the YMCA. Carl Ingerbretsen was the first STINGRAYS coach. The team was organized as an AAU Team (AAU is now USA Swimming) and as member of the Virginia YMCA Association. The team initially practiced at Goolrick Hall at Mary Washington College. Today practices are held at Massad YMCA, Spotsylvania YMCA, and Goolrick Hall at the University of Mary Washington. Since the team's inception, STINGRAYS swimmers have held national swim records, many have gone on to compete at the college level and some have become coaches. IT CAN ALWAYS BE SAID THAT STINGRAYS SWIMMERS HAVE FUN BEING SUCCESSFUL.
HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER
Membership is open to boys and girls between the ages of five and 18. Sign-ups are held in early September of each year following tryouts. Swimmers wishing to join the STINGRAYS should contact the Head Coach or Team Manager. Availability of openings is determined by the number of swimmers currently on the team, the number of hours of pool time available, and the age and ability of the prospective swimmer. The Head Coach will determine final team membership.
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MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
YMCA Membership:
All STINGRAYS members are required to be YMCA members. The YMCA offers both family and youth membership plans with various methods of payment. Each family is responsible for establishing the necessary YMCA membership. Swimmers will not be allowed to participate in regular practice until YMCA membership has been established.
USA SWIMMING Membership:
USA Swimming membership entitles a swimmer to swim in all USA Swimming events for which he or she qualifies. A swimmer must have a current card or have already applied for one in order to swim in a USA Swimming meet. This membership includes insurance which covers the member for supervised team practice and USA swimming meets and is secondary to other insurance carried by the swimmer's family
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