Heading: Contact: General principles     Sub Heading: Contacting an opponent with the hand(s) and/or arm(s)

"The touching of an opponent with the hand(s) is, in itself, not necessarily a foul.

The referees shall decide whether the player who caused the contact has gained an advantage. If contact caused by a player in any way restricts the freedom of movement of an opponent, such contact is a foul.

Illegal use of the hand(s) or extended arm(s) occurs when the defensive player is in a guarding position, places the hand(s) or the arm(s) upon and remains in contact with an opponent with or without the ball, to impede the opponent’s progress.

To repeatedly touch or ‘jab’ an opponent with or without the ball is a foul, as it may lead to rough play.

It is a foul by an offensive player with the ball to:

• ‘Hook’ or wrap an arm or an elbow around a defensive player in order to obtain an advantage.

• Push off’ the defensive player to prevent an opponent from playing or attempting to play the ball, or to create more space.

• Use an extended forearm or hand, while dribbling, to prevent an opponent from gaining control of the ball.

It is a foul by an offensive player without the ball to ‘push off’ to:

• Get free to catch the ball.

• Prevent the defensive player from playing or attempting to play the ball.

• Create more space."