How do I throw the ball back in?

Under Law 8.2.2(b) of the Laws of Australian Football 2026:

1. When you signal out of bounds, the field umpire immediately blows the whistle to show the ball is out of play.
2. Wait for the field umpire to direct you. Then bring the ball into play by throwing it over your head towards the centre of the playing surface.
3. The field umpire may recall a throw-in that, in their opinion, gives no opportunity for the ball to be contested.

Related rules that affect your throw-in:

• Ruck contests: each team may have only one ruck contesting a boundary throw-in, and a free kick is paid against a player who contests it and is not the ruck (Law 18.4).
• Contact before release: a free kick is paid against a player who makes contact with an opposition ruck before the ball leaves your hand (Law 18.4.3(d)).
• Hitting it out on the full: a free kick is paid against a ruck who hits your throw-in out on the full (Law 18.4.3(f)).
• Handing over the ball: a player must immediately hand you the ball or drop it directly to the ground once it is out of bounds, or a free kick is paid against them (Law 18.10.2(c)).