A competition mat protection device includes an elongate body that has a length and a width that correspond to the length and width of a competition mat. The elongate body has a bottom surface that is positioned on a top surface of the competition mat when the competition mat is in a deployed configuration. When the competition mat is rolled up to a stowed configuration, the elongate body of the mat protection device is positioned between the top surface and a bottom surface of the competition mat to prevent the transfer of dirt and bacteria from the bottom surface onto the top surface of the competition mat. The elongate body has a length to extend around the competition mat in the stowed configuration to protect an outer surface of the mat.