From now on, it’s not only customary but accurate to refer to Division III’s older MASCAC as the MAC.

The Middle Atlantic States Collegiate Athletic Corporation, the umbrella organization for three Division III conferences, officially has changed its name to the Middle Atlantic Conferences.

“Recently there has been significant confusion with our conferences and the Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference, also the MASCAC,” said Ken Andrews, MAC executive director. “It makes sense for each of us to have our own identity.”

The MAC originally was founded as the Middle Atlantic States Collegiate Athletic Conference in 1911. The Massachusetts conference was formed in 1971.

“Despite our official name as the MASCAC, most constituents have referred to our organization as the MAC for years,” said Messiah President Kim Phipps, chair of the MAC executive committee.

The MAC was restructured into its current corporation structure in 2000 as a result of Division III’s adoption of automatic qualification for NCAA championships. It conducts 23 conference championships through its three leagues – the Middle Atlantic, Freedom and Commonwealth Conferences.

The MAC, a home through its history to a total of 54 schools, currently has 17 members.