Yet another State Governing Body is coming under scrutiny about how it does business, with a complaint being filed with the State of Idaho Attorney General’s office regarding Rugby Idaho.

The Idaho AG’s Consumer Protection Division is reviewing the complaint from Audrey Billingsley, who served as Rugby Idaho’s Executive Director from late 2017 to late 2018. 

An official investigation has not yet been initiated, as the CPD is reviewing the details, but according to a spokesperson for the AG’s office, the complaint itself alleges misuse of Rugby Idaho’s charitable assets.

The documentation associated with the complaint indicates that Rugby Idaho has been in some financial straits, were late on some of their tax filings, and failed to carry worker’s comp insurance for over three months in 2018—a violation for which Rugby Idaho was fined. (The initial fine of $2,775 was eventually reduced to $150.)

In speaking to GRR, Billingsley said she is a whistleblower regarding Rugby Idaho’s business practices, and in addition that her civil rights were violated in that she was paid less than $15,000 for what amounted to a year of full-time work, while a male employee not the executive director was paid more.

Goff Rugby Report has requested comment from the Rugby Idaho Board and they are expected to submit a rebuttal soon.

This entire episode comes on the heels of Rugby Washington also seeing a complaint filed against it with its state Attorney General. That dispute is apparently being resolved, although GRR has not received details of how it is shaking out.

And in Colorado, displeasure with the state governing body was part of the incentive for 11 high school programs to start a separate interscholastic league that operates within USA Youth & High School Rugby, but separate from Rugby Colorado.

While other State Governing Bodies seem to be maintaining good relations with their members and have succeeded somewhat with paying its administrative leadership, others have found that such a model often forces a significant raise in dues.

Are SGBs Broken? Do They Need Fixing?

Size of a state's membership, along with attention to detail on the boring aspects of administering rugby (including filing taxes) are often key factors in tracking whether an SGB is financially strong.