What counts as obstruction, and when is a tackle illegal?

Question

Accepted Answer

Obstruction (FIH Rule 9.12): players must not obstruct an opponent who is trying to play the ball. A player obstructs if they: back into an opponent; physically interfere with an opponent's stick or body; shield the ball from a legitimate tackle with their stick or any part of their body. Allowed: A stationary player receiving the ball may face any direction. A player with the ball may move off in any direction, except bodily into an opponent or into a position between the ball and an opponent within playing distance who is trying to play it. Third-party (shadow) obstruction: running in front of or blocking an opponent to stop them legitimately playing the ball. This includes attackers running across or blocking defenders (including the goalkeeper) at a penalty corner. FIH's 2027 emphasis: penalise shielding the ball with the stick more strictly, but only clear cases. Don't penalise legitimate dribbling where the player stays in contact with and controls the ball. Also watch for tacklers who push or lean on an opponent to win the ball. Tackling (Rule 9.13): players must not tackle unless they can play the ball without body contact. Reckless play, such as sliding tackles and overly physical challenges that take an opponent to ground with potential to injure, should get match and personal penalties. Related: no touching, handling or interfering with opponents, their sticks or clothing (9.3), and no intimidating or impeding (9.4).