This award is determined by aggregate points according to the pool and open water competitions members have participated in. The award recognises participation as well as performance.

There will be four winners of this award each year in the following categories:

1. Pool Events Male Swimmer of the Year
2. Pool Events Female Swimmer of the Year
3. Open Water Events Male Swimmer of the Year
4. Open Water Events Female Swimmer of the Year

In addition to these awards, second and third placegetters in each of the above categories will be recognised with a certificate.

Points are awarded throughout the year as follows:

Pool Events

• One point for participation in each Masters pool meets, i.e MSA or World Aquatic Masters competitions, Club meets and official Masters Games
• Additional points for age group event placings – 3 points for 1st, 2 points for 2nd, 1 point for 3rd

• Records: 1 point each for a club record, state record, national record or world record. Therefore, if someone breaks a national record, they will have also broken the club and state record and will earn 3 points. (NB This only applies to individual records, not relay records)

Open Water Swims

• 1 point per distance swum at competitions i.e. If long and short swims are completed at an event a minimum of 2 points
• Additional points for age group placings – 10 for 1st, 9 for 2nd, down to 1 for 10th replace with 3 points for 1st, 2 points for 2nd, 1 point for 3rd
• Points will only be allocated for the open age group in the longer distance swims, so even if the swimmer is first in their age group for GVSS purposes, they will only receive a participation point as many long swims don’t have age group awards However, if age group placings are published in the official results, then points are allocated as for the short course placings.
• No difference between wetsuit and non-wetsuit
• Only swims that feature in the Cousin’s Open Water Calendar and open water swims held at sanctioned Master’s swim meets will automatically be eligible for points
• NB events are not weighted e.g. more points for national or international swims as this disadvantages swimmers who may still compete regularly but are unable to travel extensively because of work or family reasons.