Michigan Swimming (MS) is part of a larger organization, USA Swimming, which governs amateur competitive swimming in the United States. USA Swimming sets rules for meets, establishes safety procedures, sets criteria for achievement levels, administers USA national teams such as the Olympic, Pan American and Pan Pacific teams, and promotes competitive swimming through research, education, and marketing.

MS has developed a Mission Statement, Vision Statement, and Core Values and they are as follows:

Mission Statement: Michigan Swimming inspires excellence through education and develops integrity in a fun, inclusive environment.

Core Values: Integrity, Inclusion, Education, Excellence

Vision Statement: Pure Excellence! Made in Michigan Swimming!

MS is one of 59 geographically-defined Local Swim Committees (LSCs) which administer and promote USA Swimming programs at the local level. MS has jurisdiction over USA Swimming programs in the State of Michigan. The principal activities of MS are developing swim meet schedules, setting standards for and sanctioning swim meets, implementing USA Swimming rules and safety procedures within the LSC, developing programs to promote, enhance, and market competitive swimming, and administering the registration of clubs and individuals. MS encourages participation by all interested swimmers, coaches, officials, and volunteers. Discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, gender, disability, or National origin is prohibited by MS and USA Swimming rules.

MS is managed by a representative body, called the House of Delegates, composed of one volunteer from each swim club. The House of Delegates meets at least once a year, usually in the fall, to elect the Board of Directors and carry out other business that requires action of the full House of Delegates. Between meetings of the House of Delegates, the Board of Directors conducts all business of MS.

Regular meetings of the Board of Directors and the House of Delegates are open to any interested person, although only persons designated by the bylaws may vote. Club delegates, coaches and officials receive copies and/or notification of all minutes, schedules, and other information pertaining to the activities of the Board of Directors and the House of Delegates.