Which of the following is an example of a free pass?

A free pass is awarded when a player commits a minor infringement that does not involve contact with an opponent. In this context, "stepping" is an example of a minor infringement where a player takes too many steps while holding the ball without passing or dribbling. When this offense occurs, the opposing team is awarded a free pass from the spot where the violation took place, allowing them to resume play without obstruction from the opposing team.

In contrast, the other options pertain to different situations in netball. For example, obstruction involves a defender being too close to an attacker without giving them space to pass, which leads to a different type of penalty. Contact relates to violations that involve physical interference with an opponent, usually resulting in a penalty pass. Breaking occurs when a player moves into the center circle before the whistle is blown at the start of play or during a restart, bringing about its own penalty process. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why "stepping" is correctly identified as an example of a free pass in the sport of netball.