Pet Peeve: Sticky Mats

[JetMetFan]

Here's what we received in NCAAW. I'm guessing NCAAM received the same thing?

11/7/12 Courtside Traction Mats (Rule 1-17 new)
The only 2012-13 rule change states, “The playing court must be completely finished in a manner that is similar throughout, including the three-foot area outside each sideline and six-foot area outside each end line. It is the responsibility of the host game management to ensure the court is of a consistent finish, including any logos or decals that are legally allowed on the floor.”

Comment: This rule is clear that the three-foot area outside each sideline and the six-foot area outside each endline must be a surface that is completely finished in a manner that is similar throughout as is the playing court. These areas were included in this rule to provide players and officials with a similar surface as the finish on the playing court because of the traffic in these areas. Locating traction mats (used to clean shoes), carpet runners or any other object within this area changes the surface of the floor significantly and therefore, violates this rule. While these items are permitted, they cannot be located in these areas. Per clinic instructions, officials are to request that game management ensure that the playing court and the designated surrounding areas comply with the new rule. This may require that game management relocate the traction matts to be outside of the three-foot area outside the sideline. We are not suggesting where to relocate these or other items, but we are specific that the objects cannot be located within these areas.

[jeschmit]

Originally Posted by JetMetFan

Here's what we received in NCAAW. I'm guessing NCAAM received the same thing?

Why wouldn't they? The video involves the NCAAM official getting hurt...

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by jeschmit

Why wouldn't they? The video involves the NCAAM official getting hurt...

I have never seen that video before. Was that posted on the Men's hub because by the voice on the video that's a NCAA-W's video.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by BadNewsRef

I have never seen that video before. Was that posted on the Men's hub because by the voice on the video that's a NCAA-W's video.

I hadn't either, that is why I was curious. I thought maybe I did not see something. But I have heard no mention of this issue. It has not been a problem in any game either.

Peace

[jeschmit]

Originally Posted by BadNewsRef

I have never seen that video before. Was that posted on the Men's hub because by the voice on the video that's a NCAA-W's video.

That's interesting... The voice in the video is Debbie Williamson, and it is on the NCAAW Hub.

I think its just another reason why they need to split the rule books up. Its obviously not getting followed the same way on the two sides...

Originally Posted by JRutledge

I hadn't either, that is why I was curious. I thought maybe I did not see something. But I have heard no mention of this issue. It has not been a problem in any game either.

Peace

Its not a problem at any of my games either because I have it moved before the game begins...

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by jeschmit

That's interesting... The voice in the video is Debbie Williamson, and it is on the NCAAW Hub.

I think its just another reason why they need to split the rule books up. Its obviously not getting followed the same way on the two sides...



Its not a problem at any of my games either because I have it moved before the game begins...

I have not had to remove them because they were not there.

Peace

[26 Year Gap]

I haven't seen them other than at AAU tournaments. They are really quite useless anyway, because the dust will stick to the sneaker and traction will not be improved for very long. Just another way to suck money out of people for a product that is not needed. (See arm sleeves).

[Rich]

Originally Posted by 26 Year Gap

I haven't seen them other than at AAU tournaments. They are really quite useless anyway, because the dust will stick to the sneaker and traction will not be improved for very long. Just another way to suck money out of people for a product that is not needed. (See arm sleeves).

Personally, I think these things are great. I use one whenever they are available. That said, a damp towel serves the same purpose.

I move them if they're in front of the table. Never thought I needed a rule to do that.

[icallfouls]

Regardless of rule set we are supposed to be aware of potentially hazardous situations at all levels.

I happen to know the official in the video. He was out for nearly 6 weeks. He is an NCAA tournament official and it was too bad that it happened. Sticky mats, wet towels, etc are all things that we have seen at our games. Just because we view them as a normal part of the game does not mean they are not hazardous.

It can affect officials and players alike.

The message is take a closer look at the surroundings of the court and do your best to minimize the likelihood of the potential hazard.