Obstruction is one of the rules that keeps coming up from both players and umpires, so this week's focus is getting everyone on the same page with it.
Attached is a one-pager covering the rule, common on-field scenarios, and the correct signals — plus a couple of YouTube clips showing real examples if you want to see it in play.
Key learning points:
- Learn the correct signals for Obstruction, Stick Obstruction, and Third-Party (Shadow) Obstruction
- Get comfortable identifying the scenarios on the one-pager — including what does not count as obstruction
- Send through any questions — always happy to talk through specific plays
Our main focus areas this week: a player moving in to block a defender's path (third-party obstruction), and clear contact where a player leans on or pushes an opponent off the ball.
One note on application — this isn't a call to blow more. The rule protects a genuine tackle attempt, not normal play or incidental contact. If the defender still has a fair chance to compete for the ball, let it run. Save the whistle for contact or blocking that actually takes the tackle option away.
Examples
This one only becomes obstruction right at the end when the attacker makes the movement backwards before hitting.
