Rule of the Month (March 2007)
"Obstacles are the things we see when we take our eyes off our goals"
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Obstruction An attempt to intercept or defend the ball may be made by a defending player if the distance on the ground is not less than 3 feet from a player in possession of the ball. When the ball is received, this distance is measured as follows:
(i) if the player's landing foot remains on the ground, the distance is measured from that foot to the nearer foot of the defending player.
(ii) if the player's landing foot is lifted, the distance is measured from the spot on the ground from which the foot was lifted, to the nearer foot of the defending player.
(iii) if the player is standing or lands on both feet simultaneously and remains grounded on both feet, the distance is measured from whichever is the nearer foot of that player to the nearer foot of the defending player.
(iv) if the player is standing or lands on both feet simultaneously and either foot is lifted, the other foot is considered to be the grounded foot from which the 3 feet is measured.
From the correct distance, a defending player may attempt to intercept or defend the ball:
(i) by jumping upwards or towards the player with the ball, but if the landing is within 3 feet of that player and interferes with the throwing or shooting action, obstruction occurs;
(ii) if the player with the ball lessens the distance of 3 feet between them
A player may be within 3 feet of an opponent in possession of the ball providing no effort is made to intercept or defend the ball.