In Australian rules football, a rushed behind occurs when the ball passes through the goalposts and was last touched by a defending player.
It may be less risky for a defending player in possession of the ball to deliberately concede a rushed behind rather than try to prevent any score outright.
A deliberately rushed behind results in a free kick to the opposing side unless under immediate pressure—a rule implemented in the 2009 AFL season.
Since 2009, it has been illegal in AFL matches for a defender to deliberately concede a rushed behind when he is not under any pressure from the attacking team.
[10] AFL Legend Kevin Bartlett said in May 2017 that the rule "lacks common sense", referring specifically to an incident where Richmond defender Jayden Short was in a footrace to the goal line with Essendon forward Josh Green.