Australian rules football rules explained
Scope: 2026 Laws of Australian Football. AFL competition regulations and community variations must be checked separately.
Moving the ball
Players may kick, handball or run with the ball. A handball strikes the ball with a clenched fist while it is held in the other hand. Throwing is not a legal disposal. When running in possession, the player must bounce or touch the ball on the ground at least once every 15 metres.
Starting and restarting
The 2026 laws use centre throw-ups. In the AFL competition, this replaces the centre bounce used in earlier seasons. Throw-ups can also restart play after certain stoppages around the ground.
Taking a mark
A mark requires a clean catch of a kick that has travelled at least 15 metres without another player or the ground touching it first. The player can take a protected kick or play on.
Tackling and holding the ball
A legal tackle holds the ball carrier between the shoulders and knees without prohibited or dangerous contact. High contact, trips and dangerous tackles can result in free kicks.
With prior opportunity, a legally tackled player must immediately dispose of the ball correctly. Without prior opportunity, the laws distinguish an elected incorrect disposal from a genuine attempt or a ball dislodged by the tackle. Umpires also judge whether a player makes a genuine attempt when able to do so. The decision is more specific than “tackled equals holding the ball”.
When the ball goes out
The restart depends on how the ball left the field. A boundary throw-in is common, but a kick out on the full and insufficient intent to keep the ball in play can produce a free kick. Competition-specific last-disposal rules may also apply. Do not assume every out-of-bounds ball is a throw-in.
Scoring
A legal goal counts for six points and a behind counts for one. The highest total wins. Draw and extra-time arrangements depend on the competition and stage of the season.
Sources and review
Reviewed on against Laws of Australian Football 2026, Laws 12–18, especially 15, 16, 18.6 and 18.10. This is an introduction; the full rules and the regulations for your competition take precedence.