A player may run 15 metres before needing to bounce or touch the ball in Australian rules football.
The running rule allows a player to carry the football while moving, but the player must bounce the ball or touch it on the ground after travelling 15 metres. The player may then continue running and must repeat the action after another 15 metres. This creates the distinctive bouncing runs seen in Australian football.
The rule is measured from the point where the player gains possession and applies to carrying the ball during play. Players may also dispose of the ball by kicking or handballing before reaching the limit. Failing to bounce or otherwise touch the ball can result in a free kick to an opponent.
The distance is sometimes confused with the 15-metre minimum for a mark, but these are separate rules. One concerns running with possession; the other concerns a catch from a sufficiently long kick.