Pit preparation and maintenance

Section A. Every effort shall be made to keep the substance in the pit in soft putty like condition so the shoes will not bounce or move around after coming in contact with the substance. The substance in the pit shall be watered (if necessary) and leveled to the top of the surrounding platforms (unless the pits are raised) before a game starts. Each contestant is responsible for one pit, but a contestant may have someone else do the preparation. During a game, a contestant shall not step on, mash, or otherwise repair any of the substance in the scoring area of the pit without the consent of the opponent or a tournament official. Repair needed because of a measured shoe or a shoe which was buried shall be handled using the same guidelines.