What is out on the full, and what is the free kick for a player who sends the ball out?

Under the Laws of Australian Football 2026, the ball is out of bounds on the full when it has been kicked and passes completely over the boundary line without touching the ground within the playing surface or being touched by a player on or above the knee. A kick that touches a behind post, or passes over it, without touching the ground or a player on or above the knee also counts.

A field umpire awards a free kick against a player who (Law 18.10.2):

• kicks the ball out of bounds on the full
• kicks, handballs or forces the ball over the boundary line without showing sufficient intent to keep it in play
• fails to immediately hand the ball to the boundary umpire or drop it directly to the ground once it is out

The free kick is taken at the point where the ball crossed the boundary line. Players are meant to be encouraged to keep the ball in play.

Your job is to signal out on the full. The field umpire pays the free kick.