Who may join RAMS?
Any person who has passed their 18th birthday. To keep your membership current, dues must be paid and PMS membership must be renewed on time. No one may swim unless they are currently members of USMS (e.g. members of PMS). Membership is required in USMS since RAMS has liability insurance only if all swimmers are members. (Note: USMS registration and payment must be in possession of the coach prior to entering the water.)

In starting any new exercise program, it is recommended that you have your physician's approval before starting. Even if you are not interested in swimming competitively, the workouts will become physically demanding as your skills improve.

What forms do I need to fill out?
There are at least three forms to fill out to swim:

The first is the online registration form for Pacific Masters Swimming (USMS) or the paper (PDF) version of the form.

The second is the New Member Enrollment Form. On the New Member Enrollment Form, try to select someone local for the emergency contact if possible. If you have health insurance and/or a local physician, include those in the space available. If you have medical problems, specify the problems. If a medical emergency should arise, the only information we have on deck will be this form.

The third is the Sierra Joint Community College District Medical Treatment Authorization form.

Do not mail these forms in - bring them to the pool the first time you come to swim. All forms and checks can be placed in the yellow folder, located in front of the team support box.

Where can I get these forms?
There are three was to get the forms 1) contact Nancy Kelley at (916) 624-0715 and she will send you a packet with all the information you will need. 2) Pick up the forms at the pool, or 3) Access or download them here (in PDF format):

New Member Form Packet

1. Online Registration for Pacific Masters Swimming (USMS) or the PDF Pacific Masters Swimming form. 2. New Member Enrollment 3. Sierra Joint Community College District Medical Treatment Authorization 4. Automatic Dues Withdrawal 5. RAMS Membership Information Sheet

If you are already a member of another USMS club and want to transfer your membership to the RAMS, please use the Application for Transfer of Club Affiliation.

What are the dues?
All swimmers are required to register with PMS (Pacific Masters Swimming) (USMS) for insurance purposes. The $42 PMS fee is allocated as such: $27 to USMS (includes a subscription to USMS Swimmer magazine) and $15 to PMS. For those who join in September or October the fee is $32 for the remainder of the year. The process for registering with PMS is online through their web site (alternatively the PMS form may be filled in hand and sent to PMS). Print out or make an extra copy of the issued USMS registration card to provide as proof of registration. (If you intend to enter swim meets you should print several copies - you will need them for all swim meets you enter).

RAMS dues are $57 a month per person or $104 a month for two members in the same family. There are two dues' payment options:

First - pay monthly by automatic withdrawal from your bank account by filling out a Check Withdrawal authorization form accompanied by your voided check. 

Second - pay dues by check once a year as $684 on January 1st or twice a year, $342 on January 1st and $342 on July 1st. For new members the amount is prorated for the months remaining.

For new members the first months' dues are prorated based on the time remaining in the month, with fees based on the date joined as: 1st -10th=$57, 11th-20th=$47, 21st-31st=$37.

Your USMS registration card must be presented to the coach prior to entering the water. NO Exceptions. 

To try to simplify this as much as possible, when you join you will need follow the steps in the following checklist:

	1.	Go through the registration process at the Pacific Masters Swimming (USMS) web site and print out your PMS registration.
	2.	Either: A. Fill out the Check Withdrawal authorization form, include a voided check from your checking account, and make out a check to RAMS for the first payment (see the formula above under "First"). or B. Make out a check to RAMS for the prorated amount required for an annual or semiannual payment.
	3.	Fill out the RAMS New Member Enrollment Form.
	4.	Fill out the Sierra Joint Community College District Medical Treatment Authorization form.

Please bring all these to the pool when you are ready to join.

What if I need more information?
Don't hesitate to ask! Coaches Chris Breitbart and Tracy Battistessa can answer any questions you have about workouts, stroke techniques and more. Other questions should be directed to our Membership Chair, Nancy Kelley at (916) 624-0715.