There have been some discussions in our club whether one can defend an opponent with a stance that is wider than normal. Some people have argued that it is obstruction if you, closer than 0.9 m, defend with your feet and legs wide (let’s say wider than shoulder width for the purpose of explaining). This argument is understandable from the perspective of the attacker who wants to pass a defender in order to get the ball or attain a better position. However, the argument has no support within the official rules.
Rule 16.4 (Obstruction of a player not in possession of the ball) and more specifically rule 16.4.1 states:
“A player is obstructing, if within the distance of 0.9 m (3 feet) measured on the ground from an opponent without the ball, any movements are employed by that player, whether attacking or defending, which take the arms away from the body, other than those involved in natural body balance.”
