Originally Posted by Anonymous
Originally Posted by Anonymous
One more explanation from US Lacrosse

Obstruction of the Free Space to Goal (shooting space):

NOTE: This call should be made only if the player with the ball has the opportunity to and is looking to shoot.


Obstruction of the Free Space to Goal (shooting space): with any part of her
body guard the goal outside the goal circle so as to obstruct the free space to
goal, between the ball and the goal circle, which denies the attack the opportunity
to shoot safely and encourages shooting at a player. The Obstruction of the Free
Space to Goal rule is in effect when the ball is within the critical scoring area and
above the goal line extended.
1. This positioning applies only if initiated by the defender and not if she is drawn
into the free space to goal by an attacking player.
2. This positioning applies to a defender not marking an attack player within a
stick’s length.
NOTE: This call should be made only if the player with the ball has the opportunity
to and is looking to shoot.


That is correct, and there are a few more examples in the book. Point is attacker has to be attempting to shoot. Too often see it called with just passing ball around. Rules are very clear and easy to understand, not sure why it is so confusing to some officials.