Ticket For Rider Going Around Buoy?

Received a "Speed & Distance" operating citation today. DNR official said our rider cut around a 300 foot buoy and into the "protected" space. Said the rider constituted an extension of the boat, so that means the boat went into an area it shouldn't have, hence the citation.

He couldn't tell us where it said that in the state boating regulations, told us we'd need to ask his boss. Is this legit?

I've ridden for a lot of years, and I've frequently had riders (including myself) go into the "off limits" areas close to shore by cutting out, or ducking outside a buoy to avoid hitting it after a landing. I've never heard of anyone getting a ticket for it.

Anyone heard of this?