It certainly sounds like corner cutting, and a decision from the norm.
We have had great difficulty in trying to get a set of rules, etc, out of the NSRA, something they promise will be sent out upon joining. When another club member enquired where they were, they got quite a rude "we've apart explained".
Is there anyway you could lodge an official protest? After all, these organisations only keep going by members renewing their membership.
Kind regards,
Phil