Question Number: 31761

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/5/2017

Barry Stewart of Chilliwack, BC Canada asks...

This question is a follow up to question 31758

To clarify: in my scenario, an attacking opponent is chasing down a loose ball, which is heading for the keeper or a defender. He is nowhere near the ball but has a chance to get there first, or at least cause some pressure.

To assist his team, the impeder runs past the attacker, steps into his line and (with no intention of getting to the ball) tactically slows down.

We've seen this sneaky play many times, I'm sure. I have no problem calling the first phase as impeding and an IDFK for the attackers.

Panelists also seem to say that if the sudden slowing causes a collision from behind, then the foul would escalate to a form of 'holding' and a DFK for the attackers.

Correct?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Barry
Yes as long a the BALL is NOT in playing distance if there is CONTACT impeding is upgraded to DFK status

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Barry
The key is the location if the ball. Within playing distance the player is in *control* of the ball. He may slow down or shield the ball. If he is shielding he can be legally charged from the side. A push or charge into the back will be a foul by the player from behind.
Now we do find situations where defenders appear to shield the ball back over the goal line or to the goalkeeper. In such situations we tend to *ignore* illegal shielding contact by the defender due to giving the benefit of whether the ball is within playing distance or not. There is a fine line at speed to consider the defenders distance from the ball at the moment of contact between the players
I would also say that many attackers do not really expect a foul to be called against the defender in many of these shielding circumstances.

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Barry,
For me, the first part of your analysis is correct - when there is no contact and a player has ''mov[ed] into the opponent's path to obstruct, block, slow down or force a change of direction when the ball is not within playing distance of either player,'' this is impeding without contact and an IDFK offence.

If there is a collision then it becomes the new(ish) offence of impeding with contact, which is a DFK. It could also be categorized as holding and up until 2016 that was all it could be but since the newer offence of impeding with contact is more directly applicable (or so it seems to me) then I would say it's easier to use that one.