Obstruction

Obstruction occurs when a player shields the ball with either their body, including foot, leg, arm, or shoulder, or their stick. It can also take the form of a player moving their stick to prevent an opponent from playing the ball. This can happen accidentally or on purpose but it remains a foul.

When a player receives the ball, they may move away in any direction, pass, or deflect the ball to a teammate. If the receiving player is stationary they may be facing any direction, but they may not back into or move into, or make deliberate contact with a defender. At that point, the defender has the responsibility to move around the receiver to attempt a tackle or jab. A goalkeeper may obstruct an attack player while playing or misplaying the ball. If the ball gets behind the keeper, or if the keeper steps on the ball, then that is also obstruction.