Memo: Booster clubs paid Rutherford Co. coaches

Friday, August 5, 2011, Vol. 35, No. 31

MURFREESBORO (AP) - Rutherford County Schools is reporting violations of state athletics rules by five of its high schools after principals found their booster clubs paid supplements to football coaches over the last three years.

Schools Director Harry Gill Jr. notified the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association in a Wednesday memo, according to The Daily News Journal (http://bit.ly/p1z3GP ).

Gill said that funds were given to coaches dating back to 2008-2009 at Blackman, Riverdale, Oakland, Siegel and Smyrna high schools.

He asked for an internal investigation into the finances of the booster clubs after a state comptroller's audit found that the Riverdale High School Quarterback Club paid at least $7,000 to the school's athletics director, an assistant football coach and a volunteer wrestling coach.

Gill said there was no intent to violate the rules. He said the schools have since se t up new procedures for booster club financial reporting.