What is the official call for a player who makes physical contact with a player who isn’t actively playing the ball?

The situation described pertains to a player making physical contact with an opponent who is not actively engaged in playing the ball. In this context, the official call should reflect the nature of the contact and the player's conduct on the court.

A foul is often categorized based on the intent and nature of the contact. In this case, the correct call is a technical foul. Technical fouls can be assessed for various infractions, including unsporting behavior, which encompasses making contact with someone who is not participating in the play. This type of foul is typically used to address actions that violate the spirit of the game, rather than just the rules concerning the play itself.

Using this definition and the context of the rules, the call demonstrates how crucial it is for players to maintain respect for their opponents, regardless of their involvement in the active play. This maintains the integrity of the game and promotes fair play among competitors.