athletics vs out of play

athletics is a noun but out of play is not a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
athletics	Yes	No	No	No
out of play	No	Yes	No	No

athletics (noun)	out of play (noun)
an active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition
participation in sports events as an extracurricular activity
a contest between athletes

athletics (adjective)	out of play (adjective)
	(of a ball) not available to be played during a game