Question Number: 35873

Law 2 - The Ball 1/15/2026

RE: comp High School

Mark Sprenger of Vancouver, WA United States asks...

Can a player who has not touched the ball shepherd the ball out of bounds by obstructing another player?

Answer provided by Referee Mark Sprenger

When it Becomes a Foul (Impeding)
If the ball rolls too far away from you and you continue to block the opponent's path, it is no longer "shielding"—it is Impeding the Progress of an Opponent (formerly known as obstruction).

The Criteria: If you move into an opponent's path to block, slow down, or force them to change direction while the ball is not within playing distance, you have committed a foul.

The Restart: * Without Contact: If you block them without touching them, the referee awards an Indirect Free Kick.

With Contact: If you make physical contact while impeding, it becomes a Direct Free Kick (or a penalty if inside the box).

3. Fair Charging
It is also important to know that if you are legally shielding the ball, you are "fair game" for a physical challenge.

An opponent is allowed to use a fair shoulder charge against you as long as the ball is within playing distance.

If you are shielding the ball out of bounds, you cannot complain if an opponent legally bumps you to try and get to it however, you cannot use your arms to hold them off or push them away.


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Answer provided by Referee Mark Sprenger

In FIFA/IFAB rules, "shepherding" the ball out of bounds is legal, but it must meet specific criteria to avoid being called for impeding the progress of an opponent (the modern term for obstruction).

The legality depends entirely on one factor: Playing Distance.

1. Legal Shielding (Shepherding)
You can legally use your body to block an opponent from the ball as it rolls out of bounds if:

The ball is within "playing distance": This is generally interpreted as being within roughly 3 feet (1 meter) of you. If you could touch the ball by stretching out your foot, it is considered within playing distance.

You do not use your arms: You cannot push, hold, or "chicken wing" the opponent to keep them away.

You have a right to your space: You are allowed to be in your current position. If you are already between the player and the ball and you simply move at the same speed as the ball, you are within your rights.

2. Illegal Impeding (Obstruction)
It becomes a foul if you obstruct the opponent when the ball is not within playing distance. This is called "impeding" and is penalized if:

Lateral Movement: You move sideways or change your path specifically to block the opponent's run while the ball is 5 or 10 yards away.

No Attempt to Play the Ball: You are clearly ignoring the ball to focus solely on blocking the player's body.

Physical Contact: If you make contact while impeding (without the ball being in playing distance), the referee will award a Direct Free Kick. If there is no contact but you still blocked them, it is an Indirect Free Kick.


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The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 35876