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.