- Contact that occurs without intent, but intent does not determine legality.
- A player may accidentally create contact that is still illegal.
- Common example:
- Tripping a player unintentionally.
- Important officiating principle:
- Accidental contact that is illegal is still a foul, even if the player “didn’t mean to do it.”
- Coaches may argue intent, but officials must judge the result of the contact, not the intent.