Makes you wonder how pervasive it still is.
Really folks. Never trust the Government. Never trust your organising body. Never even trust your club. They will ALL sacrifice you for the glory (or profit) of their empires.
It all comes down to this nasty fact of human nature: Any relationship which doesn't have mutual "walk-away-ability", WILL be gamed by the stronger party. So, always maintain your walk-away-ability, both emotionally and practically.
It's true that life is all about swimming with the sharks, but you gotta keep your wits about you.