How does the 0.9 m (3 ft) obstruction distance work?

An opposing player may attempt to deflect or intercept the ball, or defend a player in possession, provided there is a distance of not less than 0.9 m (3 ft) on the ground from the nearest part of the landing foot of the player with the ball to the nearest part of the opposing player's nearer foot in contact with the ground.

• One-foot landing: if the player stays in the landing position, measure from the landing foot. If the player lifts the landing foot, measure from where it was grounded.
• Two-foot landing: if neither foot moves, measure from the foot closer to the opponent. If one foot moves, measure from the foot that remains grounded.
• Pivoting: if the player pivots on the landing foot, the defender must adjust so their nearer foot stays at least 0.9 m from where the landing foot is now grounded.
• Jumping defenders: a defender who is the correct distance away may jump upwards or towards the player and land within 0.9 m, provided this does not interfere with the passing or shooting action.
• Inside 0.9 m: a defender may be within 0.9 m only if there is no interference with the passing or shooting action, and may make no effort to deflect, intercept or defend the player with the ball.
• Without the ball: a player within 0.9 m of an opponent may stretch out arms to catch, deflect or intercept a pass or fake pass, or to play a rebound from a shot, but may not use arm movements away from the body to prevent an opponent moving.

The sanction is a penalty pass where the infringer was standing (or where the obstructed player was standing if that avoids disadvantaging the non-infringing team).

Source: Rules of Netball 2024, Rule 16.