Whom Do YOU Know?
Each year U.S. Masters Swimming recognizes the extraordinary efforts of our members beyond the water’s edge. USMS’s success is a result of the amazing contributions of our talented and dedicated volunteers. Help us identify initiative and performance by nominating people you know who fulfill the ideals of the following awards.
Want to surprise your local volunteer with a nice gift? Check out our Volunteer Recognition Store!
Capt. Ransom J. Arthur M.D. Award
This award is given in honor of Captain Ransom J. Arthur, M.D., who, by his sacrifice, perseverance, and dedication to improving the health of adults through swimming, established the Masters Swimming program in the United States.
The award is given annually to the USMS volunteer who has done the most to further the objectives of Masters Swimming, generally over an extended period of time.
Award Recipients
Nomination Information
Nomination Form
Nominations are due by July 1
U.S. Masters Swimming Coach of the Year Award
Since 1986, the U.S. Masters Swimming Coach of the Year award has been presented at the U.S. Masters Swimming annual convention to a USMS registered coach who demonstrates excellence in five areas: club and individual accomplishments, publications, contributions to U.S. Masters Swimming and the LMSC, letters of support, and long-term contributions to Masters Swimming.
Please direct any questions about the USMS Coach of the Year award to the Chair of the Coaches Committee (coaches@usmastersswimming.org).
Award Recipients
Nomination Form
Nominations are due by July 1
U.S. Masters Swimming Dorothy Donnelly Service Award
This award is presented annually to USMS registered individuals whose volunteer service has contributed to the growth, improvement, or success of U.S. Masters Swimming locally, regionally, and/or nationally. Dot Donnelly was a member of USMS at its inception and tirelessly served as a coach, meet director, and ambassador for our organization. She served on the USMS Executive Committee as its elected Secretary for four years. Following that, Dot maintained the USMS National Office from her home for many years.
Individuals are selected based on their contributions that align with the USMS goals and objectives. To make a nomination, use the official nomination form and include how the nominee’s contributions impacted the club, LMSC, or USMS.
Award Recipients
Nomination Form
Nominations are due by July 1
U.S. Masters Swimming Kerry O'Brien Coaches Award
The U.S. Masters Swimming Coaches Committee initiated a new award in 2008 with the goal of recognizing USMS coaches who are building our membership in communities throughout our country. Originally named the Grassroots Coaching Award, it has been renamed to honor Coach Kerry O'Brien of Walnut Creek Masters, who embodies the passion, dedication, and heart that these coaches bring to the pool deck. It is with the efforts of individuals like these that U.S. Masters Swimming will most certainly move to a greater level.
Please direct any questions about the USMS Coach of the Year award to the Chair of the Coaches Committee (coaches@usmastersswimming.org).
Award Recipients
Nomination Information
Nominations are due by July 1
U.S. Masters Swimming Club of the Year Award
Successful USMS clubs and workout groups develop programs that draw people in, support their swimmers, and set standards for others to follow. Initiated in 2006, this annual award recognizes the efforts of the great clubs and/or workout proups that embody these attributes.
Clubs/workout groups may nominate themselves or be nominated by others. Once a club/workout group receives this award, they may not be nominated again for a period of five years.
Award Recipients
Nomination Information
Nominations are due by July 1
U.S. Masters Swimming June Krauser Communications Award
The June Krauser Communications Award is presented annually to a USMS-registered individual or group, whose work in communications has contributed to the growth, improvement, or success of U.S. Masters Swimming locally, regionally, or nationally.
To submit a nomination, follow the instructions and complete the nomination form from the link below.
Submit nominations electronically to Nancy Ridout (nancyridout@usmastersswimming.org).
Award Recipients
Nomination Information
Nomination Form
Nominations are due by July 1
U.S. Masters Swimming Fitness Award
The Recognition and Awards Committee annually presents the Fitness Award to USMS-registered individuals and organizations demonstrating outstanding contribution to fitness activities within USMS. Fitness Award nominee is someone who by their example both passively and actively encourages others to seek fitness through swimming as a lifestyle (competition is not required). The individual provides encouragement through social interaction in and out of the water to keep people involved in a fitness lifestyle within their swimming community.
Please use the provided nomination form and electronic submissions are encouraged. Submit and direct any questions about the Fitness Award to the Chair of the Recognition and Awards Committee (awards@usmastersswimming.org).
Award Recipients
Nomination Information
Nomination Form
Nominations are due by July 1
U.S. Masters Swimming Long Distance National Championship Award
The Long Distance National Championship Award is presented annually to a USMS registered individual or group who has made significant contributions to the success and promotion of USMS Long Distance National Championship events. These events include the Virtual Championships and Open Water events.
Award Recipients
Nomination Form
Nominations are due by July 1
U.S. Masters Swimming National Championship Meets Award
Presented by the Raleigh Area Masters Swim Team in cooperation with the USMS Championship Committee.
This annual award is presented to someone who makes significant contributions to USMS National Championship meets. The award recognizes efforts to assist USMS and meet hosts in providing excellent competitive conditions for championship racing or otherwise contributing to the success of USMS National Championships or national championship-level competitions (including international meets) held in the U.S.
Award Recipients
Nomination Form
Nominations are due by July 1
U.S. Masters Swimming Open Water Service Award
Established in 2013, the U.S. Masters Swimming Open Water Service Award honors individuals who have made significant service contributions to promoting and building excellence in USMS open water swimming in the following ways: Embodies the USMS mission, vision, goals, and objectives through open water swimming service; contributes to open water notably in several roles (i.e., USMS Open Water/Long Distance national committees, LMSC open water/long distance chair, event and/or safety director, official, coach, clinician, and/or volunteer); contributes to open water notably at different levels of USMS (i.e. national, zone, LMSC, and/or local); or demonstrates extraordinary measurable service achievement and impact.
Use this form to nominate a candidate for the USMS Open Water Service Award. Fill out completely to give your candidate the best opportunity to be selected. You may attach supplementary information, candidate's open water resume and letters of support as appropriate.
Please direct any questions about the USMS Open Water Service Award to the Chair of the Long Distance Committee (longdistance@usmastersswimming.org).
Award Recipients
Nomination Form
Nominations are due by July 1
U.S. Masters Swimming Officials Excellence Award
This annual award is given to a Certified Official in recognition of outstanding and significant contributions to U.S. Masters Swimming at the international, national, zone, and/or local level, including pool and open water competitions. The recipient does not require membership in U.S. Masters Swimming. An individual may receive this award only once. The recipient may be a currently active official or one who has retired from officiating or is deceased.
Please direct any questions about the USMS Officials Excellence award to the Chair of the Officials Committee (officials@usmastersswimming.org).
Award Recipients
Nomination Form
Nominations are due by July 1
U.S. Masters Swimming Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award
The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award is presented annually. USMS-registered athletes, coaches, volunteers, and clubs who show a public commitment to diversity, equity, equality, and inclusion across race, gender, age religion, identity, and ability at the club, LMSC/Zone or national level are eligible for this award. The award recognizes individuals or clubs that create a diverse and inclusive environment in USMS, thereby making everyone feel empowered to bring their full, authentic, unique selves to the sport.
Please direct any questions about the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award to the chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee. (diversity@usmastersswimming.org)
Award Recipients
Nomination Information
Nomination Form
Nominations are due by July 1
Ted Haartz U.S. Masters Swimming Staff Appreciation Award
This award is named in honor of Ted Haartz, a leader in U.S. Masters Swimming since 1970. Ted helped establish the foundation for USMS’s evolution into a professionally-operated organization. The award celebrates our volunteer roots, as well as our future, specifically by recognizing a volunteer or group of volunteers each year who demonstrates excellence in assisting and supporting the National Office staff with its professional duties of serving our members and promoting Masters Swimming.
USMS Athletes Inducted into the Masters International Swimming Hall of Fame (MISHOF)
The Masters International Swimming Hall of Fame (MISHOF) is maintained within the International Swimming Hall of Fame in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The purpose of the MISHOF is to recognize Masters swimmers for their achievements as outstanding competitors and contributors to Masters Swimming with a goal of inspiring every adult to live an active and healthy lifestyle by swimming.
It is the role of the USMS Recognition and Awards Committee to ensure that qualified USMS members are submitted as nominees as Honor Contributors.
USMS Athletes Inducted Into the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF)
The International Swimming Hall of Fame is a nonprofit educational organization located in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The ISHOF mission is to “Promote the benefits and importance of swimming as a key to fitness, good health, quality of life, and the water safety of children.” The ISHOF mission is accomplished “Through operation of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, a dynamic shrine dedicated to the history, memory, and recognition of the famous swimmers, divers, water polo players, synchronized swimmers, and persons involved in life saving activities and education, throughout the world, whose lives and accomplishments will serve to inspire, educate, and be role models for all those who participate in the Hall of Fame’s experience and programs.”
It is the role of the USMS Recognition and Awards Committee to ensure that qualified USMS members are submitted as candidates for the various categories: Swimming, Diving, Synchronized Swimming, Water Polo, Open Water, Coaches, Contributors, Pioneers and Masters.
U.S. Masters Swimming Newsletter Of The Year Award
The June Krauser Communications Award recognized all manner of communication efforts.
The award was presented annually to the most outstanding LMSC or club newsletter but it was discontinued in 2009 by the USMS Communications Committee.
David Yorzyk Memorial Award
The David Yorzyk Award was created in 1985 by Mani Sanguily in honor of David Yorzyk, a young swimmer who tragically lost his life in 1984 at the age of 19. David Yorzyk was an up and coming swimmer whose expertise was the 400 IM. His father, Bill Yorzyk, was well known for his butterfly mechanics and performance at the 1956 Olympics.
The award was presented annually to the swimmer who performed the most outstanding 400 yard individual medley at the Short Course National Championships. This award was discontinued in 2010.
Award Recipients by Year
To view all award recipients for a given year, select the year below: