Good question.
1. Players don't huddle accidentally.
2. Water doesn't get spilled deliberately.
3. Defenders rarely cross the plane deliberately.
4. Hitting the ball may be the only one where it matters.

Intent doesn't come into play in any way for any of the DOG warnings. You penalize the act when it occurs and you recognize it.

So the ball comes out of the net and hits an unsuspecting player from the scoring team in the leg, you're going to issue a DOG?

Why?:confused:

Don't we still have to call it even if we didn't think the defender meant it?

I've just never seen it called when contact was inadvertent. Not that it happens that way often; it's hard to not see it coming.

I'm not.

The word interfere implies (to me, in this instance) some intentional act (including potentially some willful inaction).

Good point by both you and Snaqs. I spoke too hastily. If the ball gets kicked away...... under a bleacher, whatever....you blow the whistle to stop the clock. But if you also feel the kick was intentional to delay the throw-in and gain an advantage, you should issue the DOG warning at the same time. Intent does play a part in that situation.

I stand rightfully corrected.

I was going to post exactly this advice, but I couldn't find anything in the book that permits stopping the clock to retrieve a ball that gets away.

5-8-2c

Gracias.

Case book play 4.42.3(a) along with the rule that Bob cited.

Merci.

Shut up.

Well, somebody got out of bed on the wrong side, I see.

That implies there's a correct side, one which is easier and leads to a better day-long mood. Hmmm.