Contact

Overview

Rule 17

There are two types of contact.

Interference

Players must not make physical contact that unfairly interferes with an opponent, whether accidental or deliberate.

This includes: 

• pushing, tripping, holding, leaning on, or bumping into an opponent

• knocking or hitting an opponent, including during a shot

• hitting or taking the ball from an opponent’s hands

• pushing the ball into an opponent.

For physical contact to interfere it must: 

• cause an opponent to lose the ball

• interfere with their passing or shooting

• force a change in the body position of the opponent that limits movement or gives an unfair disadvantage

Terminology: Contact

Incidental contact that doesn’t interfere with an opponent is part of a fair contest and is not penalised.

Causing contact

Player in the air

A player can jump and land in their own space or any vacant space on court. 

• A player cannot jump into a stationary opponent.

• A player cannot move into the landing space of an opponent who has jumped.

When opposing players jump to catch or touch the ball, the player who gains possession has priority. The opposing player must give them space to land safely.

Moving player

A player must not move too close or too quickly in front of a moving opponent. Enough time and space must be left for the opponent to stop or change direction, depending on their speed.

Terminology: Causing contact

Video

📽️ Watch the videos below for an explanation of contact.