Back-to-Back DOGSO Calls & Game Management
This YMTC episode explores two Denial of an Obvious Goal-Scoring Opportunity (DOGSO) incidents and the game management decisions involved in handling them. The discussion revolves around when to call a penalty, when to let play continue, and how to manage reactions from players and coachesYMTC #12.
Incident 1: The “No Autopsy, No PK” vs. “Foul Inside = PK” Debate
Situation:
In a high school scrimmage, a clear DOGSO foul occurred in the penalty area. The referee faced a decision between two contrasting schools of thought:
- “No Autopsy, No PK” Approach – If there’s no dramatic impact (like a player going to ground), the foul isn’t necessarily called.
- “A DFK Foul Outside the Box = A PK Inside the Box” Approach – If the same foul occurs outside the penalty area, it’s a direct free kick (DFK), so if it happens inside the box, it must be a penalty kick (PK).
What Happened?
The referee chose not to call a penalty because:
- It was a scrimmage.
- The players were used to high school referees who let minor fouls go unless a player went down dramatically.
- The attacking team did not demand a PK. Instead, the captain showed great sportsmanship by simply passing the ball out of play.
Impact on the Game:
- Two minutes later, at the other end of the field, a more severe foul occurred (a cross-thigh tackle resulting in injury).
- The other referee ignored the foul, and since he refused to wear a communication device, there was no way to intervene.
- Given that both teams had already called the first referee “crazy” for awarding a PK, he chose not to overrule the non-call from 80 yards away.
Game Management Takeaways:
- When both teams question a decision, sometimes it’s best to accept it and move on.
- Referees make mistakes—even experienced ones.
- Using past moments of good sportsmanship can help de-escalate reactions to controversial calls.
Incident 2: A Last-Second Foul Just Outside the Box
Situation:
In a high school JV scrimmage, the visiting team trailed by one goal. With three seconds left, an attacker made a strong run down the flank, pushing toward the penalty area. A defender tackled him just outside the box, bringing him down, but the ball squirted out to a teammate 30 yards away.
Referee’s Decision:
No whistle. Play continued.
Why?
- The game had three seconds left—blowing the whistle for a DFK outside the box would essentially end the game.
- If the referee had stopped play, the fouled team would have needed time to retrieve the ball and set up a free kick—time they didn’t have.
- Instead, letting play continue gave them a final opportunity to take a shot from distance.
Takeaway:
- In NFHS games, time only extends for a penalty kick—not a DFK outside the box.
- USSF referees often allow promising attacks to finish when time expires, but NFHS rules require the game to end immediately when the clock hits zero.
- Some high school and college referees ignore this rule, extending time at their discretion, which can be debated.
Incident 3: Goalkeeper Handling the Ball Outside the Box (But No DOGSO)
Situation:
A striker broke free and advanced toward goal. The goalkeeper rushed forward and blocked the shot with his chest just outside the penalty area. However, as the ball fell, he momentarily caught it between both hands before instantly dropping it.
Reaction:
The attacking team screamed for:
- DOGSO (Denial of an Obvious Goal-Scoring Opportunity)
- SPA (Stopping a Promising Attack)
- A Red Card for Handling Outside the Box
Referee’s Decision:
- Whistled for a DFK but gave no caution or ejection.
Why?
- The keeper’s initial play was legal—he stopped the shot with his chest.
- The momentary hand contact was not deliberate enough to warrant DOGSO.
- The striker had already moved out of contention after his shot, meaning there was no other immediate attacker challenging for the ball.
Takeaway:
- DOGSO requires four criteria:
- Distance to goal – Was this a clear goal-scoring opportunity?
- Number of defenders – Was the goalkeeper the last defender?
- Control of the ball – Did the attacker still have possession?
- Direction of play – Was the attacker moving toward goal?
- If any of these are missing, a DOGSO red card should not be given.
- In this case, the keeper stopped the ball legally first, and there was no immediate follow-up attack, so a simple DFK was the correct call.
Final Takeaways: Game Management & Decision-Making
- Understanding DOGSO vs. SPA
- DOGSO requires clear goal-scoring potential.
- A simple handling violation is not always DOGSO—context matters.
- Balancing Game Management vs. Strict Law Enforcement
- Sometimes allowing play to continue (like in the three-second foul scenario) gives a team a better chance than stopping for a free kick.
- In NFHS games, strict clock management applies—no extended play unless it’s a PK.
- Referees Must Learn from Each Call
- If a controversial decision happens early, be aware of how it might affect later calls.
- Use communication tools (like headsets) to stay connected with fellow referees and avoid missing major fouls.
Final Thought
This episode reinforces that no two situations are identical, and referees must adapt to game conditions, player reactions, and competition rules. The best officials anticipate challenges, manage emotions, and make the best decision for the game—not just the rulebook.
Last Updated on March 12, 2025 by Frank