Question Number: 33277

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/27/2019

Petr of Prague, Czech Republic Czech Republic asks...

Hello,
my question is about shielding. Is allowed to multiple teammates at the same time? Ball is within playing distance for all teammates involved (f.e. time-wasting situations in the corner at the end of the match). Or, these other players may cause impeding?

Thank you very much!

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Petr,
in my opinion the quick answer is no, not allowed! Impeding is a certainty, cards a possibility for USB. It is certainly within the LOTG to USE up time but not to unfairly waste it by USB tactics. .
Multiple team mates surrounding the ball are obviously not playing the ball but blocking access to the opposition's right to challenge fairly. I recall the keeper being surrounded at corner kicks to box him in and prevent him getting out to intercept or move without having to push one of the players out of the way. This was a USB tactic under the guise of being able to stand & have your piece of grass on the FOP. It was aggravating as they (the surrounding players) claimed innocence and pointed to the keeper as the one doing the pushing sigh. Note: they even punish the attackers for trying to get into the defending wall at free kicks as well now. Showing where & how you stand is looked at differently as to playing the game of football or simply playing games & wasting time! . Bunch of clowns in a circle might look funny but no laughing matter for the unnecessary card or stoppage to follow! Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Petr
Shielding by its nature is one player within playing distance of the ball. When multiple players position themselves in a way to prevent opponent /s getting to the ball player that is impeding by the non ball player.
I saw a video where a team surrounded the ball at a free kick to prevent opponents getting to the ball which was in the centre of the group. That for me was clear impeding and it should not be allowed.
I recall in an Underage game a few years ago which ended up as a blow out. The young players started clowning around with one play where a Mighty Ducks type flying wedge was formed. I blew immediately for an IDFK for impeding which put an end to that nonsense.

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Petr,
I agree with my colleagues that such tactics are unsporting and should not be allowed.

Although I suppose that theoretically more than one player could be within playing distance of the ball, in practice this will not be the case - one player will be 'have' the ball and the others will almost certainly be guilty of impeding, certainly in a 'spirit of the game' sense if not 100% clearly in a literal sense.

This specific scenario is not covered in the LotG and as such I think it is one of those situations that falls squarely under the parameters of the following section of the laws document:

''The Laws cannot deal with every possible situation, so where there is no direct provision in the Laws, The IFAB expects the referee to make a decision within the 'spirit' of the game - this often involves asking the question, "what would football want/expect?''

I think what football wants/expects and what the spirit of the game calls for here is that the referee should call this as an offence - you can call it impeding or simply classify it as unsporting behaviour but either way, it should be called.

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