Closely Guarded

[Nevadaref]

You are probably being way to picky, but I'll also add a thought.
Closely guarded and INITIAL legal guarding position to not have to connect. A player could establish ILGP while 10 feet away from an opponent just by meeting the criteria you listed. Then player could then turn sideways and slide up to the offensive player. When the within 6 feet requirement is met, a closely guarded count should be started.
In short, there is no requirement that ILGP be established within 6 feet of the offensive player in order to get a closely guarded count; only LGP must be maintained.