Question Number: 35876

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/31/2026

RE: Rec Adult

Doug Crawford of Folsom, CA U.S. asks...

This question is a follow up to question 35873

Hello fellow refs- I have a question about the need to touch the ball when shielding the ball.
I read an article in *Referee Magazine* February 2026 issue, written by Joe Manjone, an AskTheRef panel official, entitled *Shoves and Shields, What*s Legal for Preventing Playing the Ball*

In the article, referee Joe Manjone says:
*To determine if a player is shielding, the ball must be within playing distance. At the same time, the player must have gained control of the ball through CONTACT with the player*s body. Most often, this control comes from the feet*

I have not been paying attention whether the player shielding touches the ball or not, only if they COULD TOUCH the ball (playing distance).

IFAB LOTG 2025/26 12.2, under *Impeding the progress of an opponent without contact*
says:
*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.*

NFHS Soccer 2025-26 12.3.4.b says:
*A player may legally place the body between opponents and the ball (shielding) provided the ball is within playing distance.*

Neither mentions the requirement to have a touch on the ball to shield legally.

Advice? Thanks!

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Doug
Welcome back and thanks for the question.
The site has had some technical problems which thankfully are now sorted.

Anyway in relation to your question control of the ball or a touch is not required to shield the ball. The ball however must be within playing distance which will depend on each playing situation.
For instance a ball could come to rest in a location and a player could move to shield the stationary ball without touching it. The player will no doubt play it at some point.
A common shielding situation would be where a defender shields a through ball out over the goal line without any contact to secure a goal kick. No contact on the ball is required just that the ball is within playing distance.

Now there will be many times where the shielding player will play the ball and continue to move both the ball and their body position to keep opponents away from playing the ball. Clearly there is contact on the ball and without doubt within playing distance.
I have played against and seen strong players who are able to shield the ball without the need to touch the ball either to control it or move the ball, most commonly in goal line situations.
I believe most if not all referees will consider shielding legal without the need to touch the ball or for that matter give it any thought.






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Answer provided by Referee Joe Manjone

Doug,

Thank you for noticing this. This article was written when the NFHS 2024-25 rule book was still being used. In the definitions, Shielding is defined as Movement by a Player in control of the ball (within playing distance) designed to prevent an opponent from gaining possession or prevent an opponent from tackling the ball. Having control of the ball requires contact with the ball.

In the 2024-25 rules book, shielding is also mentioned in NFHS Rule 12.3.4b and it has the same wording as the 2025-26 rules book which you provided.

According to the NFHS, the definitions were now included in the rules and rules changes were highlighted. However, this definition was not put in the rules and a change in the rules was not highlighted.

Also, the NCAA rules indicate shielding occurs when a player positions themselves between an opponent and the ball to maintain possession. Again maintaining possession indicates previous contact with the ball.

I will reach out to the NFHS to get input concerning your question.

Thank you for noticing this. Please continue to read Referee magazine and bring any questions to this site.




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Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Doug I thought I would chime in. I've been away for a while.

I am of the opinion that that shielding the ball does not require touching the ball.
Under IFAB Law 12 and NFHS 12.3.4(b), a player may legally shield by placing their body between an opponent and the ball as long as the ball is within playing distance and the player does not hold off the opponent with arms or body.

Playing distance means the player could play the ball if they chose to typically within one or two steps at the speed of play. Touching the ball is one way to show control, but it is not required by the Laws.

The concept of shepherding a ball out of play that was last touched by the opponent for either a throw in or a goal or a corner is a tactical decision to win a preferred restart This is why players routinely allow a ball to roll out for a throw‑in, goal kick, or corner, or shield a slow ball so the goalkeeper can collect it,without ever touching it. Players will at times go to use up time in the corner trying to use the corner flag as well as they shield the ball from the opposition. The referee judges whether the player is close enough to play the ball and whether any contact becomes holding, pushing, or impeding.

If the shielding player is within playing distance, the action is legal.
If they are not, & they block the opponent’s path, it could become a form of holding, pushing or impeding.
Cheers


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