out of play vs athletics

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

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

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

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