Who is Masters Swimming Australia?
Masters Swimming Australia Inc. (MSA) is the peak body for adult swimmers aged 18 and above. It is a non government, not for profit organisation, constituted in 1975. Masters Swimming Australia Inc. used to be referred to as “AUSSI”
The name AUSSI had interesting beginnings. An interest in masters swimming was sparked in 1974 when a team of US Masters swimmers visited NSW. This visit and the subsequent staging of the 1st Australian Masters Championships led to the formation of the Australian Union of Senior Swimming International organization which was affectionately known as AUSSI. When the organization for adult swimmers was founded in 1975 the term “masters” was associated with golf events, so the name AUSSI was preferred over other options.
Thirty five years later and with the growing popularity and footprint of masters swimming clubs around Australia, the members voted to simplify the name and this acronym was dropped from the name in October 2009. Whilst we no longer use the acronym we acknowledge that the AUSSI name will be fondly used and remebered.
Mission Statement
MSA aims to provide at Club, State/Territory (formally known as Branch), and National level an environment to encourage all adults, regardless of ability, to swim regularly and compete in order to promote fitness and improve their general wellbeing. To support and encourage adults, regardless of age and ability, to swim regularly through training, competition, and participation so that they can improve their mental and physical health, fitness and wellbeing.
Our Motto “SWIMMING FOR LIFE”
Our Vision “ENRICH AND INSPIRE ADULTS TO SWIM FOR LIFE”
Our Purpose “TO PROVIDE AN ENVIRONMENT TO DEVELOP AND PROMOTE ADULT SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA FOR LIFE”
Governance
Masters Swimming Australia Inc. is an incorporated Association (no. A0042945L) incorporated in the State of Victoria in 2002. The Association is governed by a Constitution and By-Laws with a Board.
According to the constitution, the Board comprises the President, Finance Director and four Directors who must be individual members of the Association. The Board may appoint, at its discretion and in accordance with the by-laws, up to two additional independent Directors who may or may not be members of the Association. The Board must meet at least 4 times in each year at the dates, times and places determined by the Board.
The Board may form National Committees to provide advice, guidance and support to the Board to help advance he Association’s purpose and objectives. National Committees provide advice to the Board about the matters for which its Terms of Reference give it scope. The National Committees of the Association are:
- National Coaching Committee
- National Technical Committee
- National Swim Program Committee
- National Membership Committee
- National Diversity and inclusion Committee
The National Recorder oversees the correct registration of results and records for branches and national. Their role is also to refer potential world records to the international recorder for World Aquatics (formally known as FINA) verification.
The Board is responsible for the governance and overall direction of the organisation, with the day-to-day running of the organisation being the responsibility of the staff in the National Office. A General Manager (reporting directly to the Board) manages the administration staff and the office.
National Office
The National Office structure employs a General Manager (reporting directly to the National Board of Management), and one Administrator.
The National Office undertakes the following duties:
- Liaises with National Committees
- Develops National policies
- Provides national insurance policies
- Maintains the national website
- Produces and distributes e-newsletters and informtion relevant to masters swimming
- Provides support to the State/Territory
- Provides support to the Clubs and their members
- Manages the national membership database
- Co-ordinates communications between National Board of Management and State/Territory (formally known as Branches)
- Sources partnerships, strategic alliances, sponsorship and funding at the national level
- Liaises with Swimming Australia, World Aquatics, and SCTA on relevant matters
- Sanctions International and National Masters Swimming events
- Provides guidance and assistance in the organisation of the National Championships and Masters Games swimming events
- Develops and approves accredited coaching and technical courses
- Organises a National Swim Camp (on hold since 2021)
- Manages the Vorgee Million Metre Awards and Vorgee Endurance 1000
- Manages the National Swim Series
- Publishes National records and National Top 10 results
- Maintains awards such as the Masters Coaching Excellence Award, Official of the Year and Volunteer of the Year
- Maintains the national archives
State/Territory
There are six States and one Territory within Australia noting the ACT is included in the Masters Swimming NSW State body. Each State/Territory employs an administrator (either full, part-time or Volunteer) and has various committees to oversee State/Territory activities, such as championship meets, the sanctioning of interclub meets, distribution of information kits for new members and new clubs, e-newsletters, technical courses for Officials, coaching courses for Coaches and coaching clinics for coaches and/or swimmers.
Club Level
The programs and services available at club level vary from club to club, but generally include a safe, managed environment to encourage fitness, friendship and fun, coaching by qualified Masters Swimming Coaches, social events, interclub swim meets, time-trials, endurance swims and club badged clothing.
Membership
How do I join?
You can find out more on the Membership page. To join, visit the State/Territory page and to find their contact details or visit Swim Finder to find a club that suits your needs. Once you find the right club, you will need to create a profile or login using your existing profile online through the Swim Central , search for your club and pay the fee to become a member.
Programs
Clubs offer various programs, such as regular training and stroke correction with qualified coaches, fun events and social activities. Competitions are available at Club, State/Territory, National and International levels. Competitive opportunities are also available through Postal swims, the Vorgee Endurance 1000 program and Vorgee Million Metres Awards. Masters Swimming Australia State/Territory offer Technical Courses for officials and Coaching Courses for coaches, as well as coaching clinics for coaches and/or swimmer
