However, in the total scheme of performance characteristics, the two together form a criterion for deformation control. Vertical deflection deals with vertical displacement of the flooring surface during impact, for athletes performing in close proximity to each other. For example, an average-sized person jumping on a concrete floor would transmit zero vertical deflection, while that same person jumping on a trampoline may create a vertical deflection of several inches. The area of deflection is a measurement of the surface of the floor set into motion during impact. A person jumping on a trampoline, for example, creates a very wide area of deflection.
Someone jumping on sand creates a very limited area of deflection.
Consider deformation control when activity will be congested on the floor. Ball bounce may not apply to all sports activities. Often called the coefficient of friction or sliding coefficient, this characteristic is used to measure a floor's ability to control the sliding of athletes on its surface. Surface friction is a direct function of the finish on the surface and carries equal importance in all activities. Due to the potential damage to a wood floor system caused by some maintenance machines and game equipment, the rolling load characteristic is very important to all sports floors.