NFHS Basketball Rules Practice Exam 2025 - Free Basketball Rules Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct choice is based on the understanding of what constitutes permissible contact in basketball according to NFHS rules. Incidental contact refers to minor contact that occurs during normal play and does not give an advantage to either player involved. This type of contact usually happens as players are moving in close proximity to one another, and it does not disrupt the flow of the game or demonstrate any intent to hinder the opponent's movement or play.

In the context of basketball, incidental contact is often recognized by officials as part of the game. It can include moments like brushing against a player when vying for position or making a natural movement that does not impede an opponent. Referees are trained to allow this type of interaction because it often accompanies the physical nature of the sport without compromising safety or fairness.

In contrast, the other options involve types of contact that may lead to fouls or are simply not relevant to the scenario being described. Illegal contact is a clear violation that disrupts normal play and is subject to penalties. Unintentional contact, while it may sound permissible, could still be seen by referees as a foul depending on the context of the play and the impact it had. Contact with timeouts called is not relevant in assessing what constitutes permissible play as it