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JOIN NOWC and GD blocking the GA
If my C and GD block the GA so that she can't get into her attacking third is that okay. They are basically facing them and getting in their way so that it makes it hard for the GA to get free? Also, if the GA then runs into one of my defenders and the ball is just about to be shot by their GS do I pull it up as a free pass in the centre third or do I presume that it does not affect the movement of the ball and let the GS continue with their shot?
Susan BarbourTeacher, England
ANSWERS
nicky lamCoach, England
It is fine to block the GA and keep her from entering the attacking third.
If the Goal Attack runs into one of your defenders it is contact against the Goal Attack and your team will receieve a penalty pass from wherever the contact took place.
Janet Coach, Australia
I agree with previous response but would question why you would want your C tied up with defending a GA in the centre third when the GS is already in a position to shoot? Shouldn't they be marking their own player to prevent circle feeds and be ready for quick movement out of goal third if GK gets a rebound/tips ball. Successful defence tactics are more about creating opportunities for turnovers and not spend too much time on one attacking player who poses no threat if not even close to the ball. Also, from an umpires perspective a GA would have to be clearly pushing through strongly or running into a player(s) before I would call any infringement as generally if all players are moving/jostling it would merely be "contesting" and my primary focus would be on what is happening in and around the goal third not the centre third.
Susan BarbourTeacher, England
Yes I agree with that comment. It was a substituted GS who could not shoot and relied on passing to the GA so I would not normally use the C for the block in the centre third. The jostling for the ball is often hard to officiate when someone has jostled a bit too much and maybe knocked their opponent therefore giving them an advantage. Thanks for both your help.
