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”

 

MSA 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 Diversity and Inclusion Committee
  • National Membership and Participation Committee (from October 2025)
  • National Technical 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.

The MSA National Office

The National Office structure employs a General Manager (reporting directly to the National Board), and an Operations and Membership Manager.

MSA via the National Office undertakes the following duties:

Governance, Integrity & Risk

  • Develops, maintains and upholds MSA’s national governance framework, including the Constitution, By-laws, Rules, policies and standards.
  • Consults with States/Territory on the development and implementation of national level strategy, priorities, issue management, policy, rules, program and activity delivery.
  • Coordinates and administers on Member Protection policy and integrity matters.
  • Provides national insurance arrangements and assists States, Territories and Clubs with policy interpretation and claims.
  • Liaises with the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), including in MSA’s capacity as a designated ASC Play Well Affiliate.

Membership & Organisational Support

  • Manages the national membership framework and registration database, Swim Central.
  • Provides administrative, operational and general support to States, Territories, Clubs and members.
  • Provides direct support and information to Clubs and members and manages general enquiries.
  • Coordinates communications and exchange between the National Board, States/Territory and National Committees.
  • Supports National Committees in developing and advancing the sport, including Coaching, Technical, Diversity & Inclusion and Membership & Participation.

Coaching & Technical Officials

  • Develops and approves national coaching education frameworks, accredited courses and professional development opportunities, supported by specialist expertise and investment in curriculum, intellectual property and resources.
  • Develops and approves accredited education and professional development pathways for Technical Officials.
  • Provides marketing and communications support for related activity.
  • Subsidises and supports the delivery of MSA Coaching activity at the annual SWIMCON event, and the bi-annual National Coaches Conference.

Communications & Digital

  • Maintains the national website, social media and other online platforms.
  • Produces and distributes regular national communications, including quarterly e-newsletters, updates, promotions and information relevant to masters swimming.
  • Supports communications efforts of stakeholders and the MSA National Championships.

Partnerships & Commercial

  • Sources, develops and manages national partnerships, strategic alliances, sponsorships and funding opportunities.
  • Operates the MSA Shop, providing access to MSA-branded merchandise.

Events & Competition

  • Sanctions International and National Masters Swimming events in Australia and coordinates an integrated national events calendar.
  • Provides guidance and assistance in the organisation, communications and delivery of the MSA National Championships and other major masters swimming events, including the Swim Meet Guide.
  • Provides guidance and assistance for the Australian Masters Games.

Programs, Recognition & Participation

  • Manages national participation and development programs, including the 50th Anniversary celebrations, 50x50x50, Target 26-26-26 and Transition to Masters (T2M).
  • Manages the Vorgee Million Metre Awards and Vorgee Endurance 1000.
  • Develops and manages awards and recognition programs.
  • Publishes National Records and National Top 10 results and circulates World Aquatics Top 10 rankings.
  • Manages associated recognition programs and annual awards, including the Masters Swimmer of the Year, Masters Coaching Excellence Award, Technical Official of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.

National & International Relationships

  • Maintains strong liaison, communication, knowledge sharing and integration with Swimming Australia, World Aquatics, the Australian Swimmers Association, SCTA and other key swimming stakeholders on relevant matters.

Records & Archives

  • Maintains MSA’s national archives, historical records, results and national records.
  • Issues Records Certificates.
  • Builds and maintains member information and historical records to support recognition and celebration of member achievements.


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

Total members vary from year to year, with approximately 7,000 members from 200+ clubs located throughout the seven (7) States/Territory within Australia. Members join Masters Swimming Clubs, who are affiliated to their respective State/Territory. All State/Territory are affiliated to MSA.

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