Rules of Hockey 2019
Responsibility and Liability
Participants in hockey must be aware of the Rules of Hockey and of other information in this publication.
They are expected to perform according to the Rules.
The Rules of Hockey apply to all hockey players and officials.
9.12 Players must not obstruct an opponent who is attempting to play the ball.
Players obstruct if they:
back into an opponent
shield the ball from a legitimate tackle with their stick or any part oi their body
A player with the ball is permitted to move off with it in any direction except bodily into an opponent or into a position between the ball and an opponent who is within playing distance of the ball and attempting to play it.
Note. The exception is important. Moving bodily into an opponent and moving to position between an opponent and the ball (and within the opponent’s playing reach) are separate and distinct examples of an obstructive action. It is not necessary that there be body to body contact or stick contact for an obstruction offence to occur.
A player who runs in front of or blocks an opponent to stop them legitimately playing or attempting to play the ball is obstructing.
Note This may also be shadow or third party obstruction. The Explanation goes on to read “this is shadow or third party obstruction”, possibly giving the impression that these actions are not or may not be the simple obstruction of a player by an opponent in possession of the ball, to prevent a tackle attempt. Inserting “May also be” removes this ambiguity.
Rules of Hockey 
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