Some of us say something but we're ignored.
This practice is not only allowed but even demanded for pro/am competitors. I was working with one for a few months and she told me (what I've been told many times before) that her professional partner regularly brought in one of the judges for special "coaching" at a rate of $125 to $150 per hour.
Later, she told me that she couldn't afford her share of our lesson and practice fees. I haven't seen her since.
How much integrity can any competition have when the competitor can virtually buy a trophy?
jj