Unsporting Foul

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Da Official

But JR...you do agree that "Face Guarding" is an attempt to obstruct someone's vision correct?

It might be. But the rule is not called face guarding (if you want to be technical) and the rule says it is illegal to, "Purposely obstructing an opponent's vision by waving or placing hand(s) near his/her eyes."

Then the rule goes on to say under a note: "Purposely diverting an opponent's attention by waving is different than holding or waving the hands near the opponent's eyes for the express purpose of obstructing the vision so that he/she cannot see."

The NF made it clear this rule was to prevent poking someone in the face, not normal defending of a play by putting their arms up. The rule was not put in place to prevent defending a shot or a pass which requires waving of arms in many cases.

Originally Posted by Da Official

Guys I'm just wondering when is this ever called? I've never seen an official call this foul (other than myself). Why is it in the rule book if nobody understands it or wants to call it?

Honestly, I think you are having a harder time with this rule than most. For one I almost never see a player but there hand that close to someone's face without fouling them. And unsporting fouls are for non-contact situations, not ones that involve contact. Do not be a maverick because you read a rule.

Peace