(a) The athletic associations named in Code Section 20-3-78 are not agencies of the state and are not subject to the limitations, restrictions, and laws of general application imposed on state agencies by the Constitution of Georgia and the laws enacted by the General Assembly in compliance with the Constitution. The associations are authorized under their corporate charters issued by the superior courts or as otherwise incorporated pursuant to the laws of this state to make such rules and regulations for the financial operations of the associations as they deem necessary.

(b) The state auditor is not required to make an audit of the accounts of the athletic associations as is required of him in connection with the financial operations of state agencies.

(c) This Code section shall not apply to any tax money appropriated by the state.