Question Number: 30430

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/19/2016

RE: competitive High School

Karl H. Rodriguez of Valley Cottage, NY USA asks...

What is the difference between shielding the ball and impeding the progress of the opposition

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Karl
The key difference is position of the ball.
A player may shield the ball by taking a position between an opponent and the ball if the ball is within playing distance and the opponent is not held off with the arms or body.
Impeding the progress of an opponent which is called obstruction in NFHS means moving into the opponents path to obstruct, block, slow down or force a change of direction when the ball is not within playing distance of either player.
You will note that in shielding the ball is within playing distance whereas in impeding it is not.

Answer provided by Referee Joe Manjone

Karl,
The following are the definitions that you are seeking. They come directly from pages 71 and 72 of the 2016-17 NFHS Rules Book. Obstruction (Impeding) is the deliberate act by a player of running between an opponent and the ball, or using the body as an obstacle when not in possession of the ball, or not attempting to play the ball. Shielding is movement by a player in control of the ball (within playing distance) designed to prevent an opponent from gaining possession or prevent him/her from tackling the ball. Hopefully, these definitions clarify the difference for you. I hope that you have a successful high school season.