The warding off rule is crucial for ensuring fair play and preventing offensive players from unfairly gaining an advantage by using their free hand or body to push away defenders. This article will explain what warding off is, how to recognize it, and how officials should enforce the rule according to the NFHS (National Federation of High Schools) standards.
According to NFHS rules, warding off occurs when a player in possession of the ball uses their free hand or arm (or any other part of their body) to hold, push, or control the movement of a defender’s body or stick while trying to avoid a check. Warding off is considered illegal because it gives an unfair advantage to the player with the ball by using body movements instead of proper stick handling.
Players are allowed to protect their stick and ball from an opponent’s check with their hand, arm, or body, but only when the opponent is trying to check their stick. However, pushing off, shoving, or moving the defender’s body using the free hand or arm is not allowed.