Goalkeeper Handling Outside the Box & DOGSO
This YMTC episode examines a goalkeeper handling the ball outside the penalty area and whether it should result in a red card for Denial of an Obvious Goal-Scoring Opportunity (DOGSO), a yellow for Stopping a Promising Attack (SPA), or no card at all. The discussion highlights the 4Ds of DOGSO, common referee mistakes, and when handling by the goalkeeper outside the box warrants a send-offYNTC #28.
Situation: Goalkeeper Picks Up Ball Outside the Box
Game Context:
- The goalkeeper comes out of the penalty area (PA) and picks up the ball.
- The ball is two yards in front of an attacking forward.
- The closest defenders are three yards behind the forward (roughly at the penalty spot).
- No contact occurred between players.
- The forward was moving toward goal when the goalkeeper handled the ball.
Key Question:
“Is this a red card for DOGSO, a yellow for SPA, or just a simple foul?”
Analyzing DOGSO: The 4Ds Criteria
For a Denial of an Obvious Goal-Scoring Opportunity (DOGSO) Red Card, all four DOGSO criteria (“4Ds”) must be satisfied:
- Defenders – Was the goalkeeper the last defender?
- Yes. The nearest defenders were three yards behind the forward, meaning the keeper was the only one preventing the scoring opportunity.
- Distance to Goal – Was the attacker close enough for an immediate goal-scoring chance?
- Yes. The attacker was inside the 18-yard box with only the keeper to beat.
- Distance to Ball – Was the attacker in control or likely to reach the ball?
- Yes. The ball was only two yards in front of the attacker, making possession highly likely.
- Direction of Play – Was the attacker moving toward goal?
- Yes. The attack was headed directly toward goal at the time of the handling.
Since all four DOGSO criteria are met, the correct decision is a red card for DOGSO-Handball.
Why This Is Not Just a Yellow (SPA) or Simple Foul
- Stopping a Promising Attack (SPA) warrants a yellow card only if one or more DOGSO criteria are missing.
- Example of SPA: If the attacker was moving toward the corner instead of goal, or if another defender had a chance to cover, then SPA (YC) would be more appropriate.
- In this case, the attacker was headed directly toward goal, making DOGSO the correct call.
- Could the Referee Just Call a Simple Foul (DFK Only)?
- No. Handling the ball outside the box by the goalkeeper is not always DOGSO, but in this case, the action directly denied a goal-scoring opportunity.
- Ignoring the DOGSO aspect would be a critical error in decision-making.
When a Goalkeeper Handling Outside the Box Is NOT a DOGSO
There are rare cases where a goalkeeper handling outside the box is NOT a red card:
Example 1: Poorly Played Ball by the Attacker
- If the attacker takes a heavy touch and the ball is far beyond reach, then distance to ball is missing, meaning no DOGSO.
- In this case, the ball was only two yards away, so DOGSO applies.
Example 2: Attack Direction Not Toward Goal
- If the attacker was dribbling toward the corner flag instead of the goal, DOGSO is not present, and SPA (YC) would be the right call.
- Here, the attacker was moving directly toward goal, so DOGSO applies.
Final Takeaways: Handling by Goalkeepers Outside the Box
- DOGSO Requires All 4Ds (Defenders, Distance to Goal, Distance to Ball, Direction of Play).
- If all are present → Red Card (DOGSO).
- If one is missing → Yellow Card (SPA).
- Not Every Keeper Handling Outside the Box Is a DOGSO.
- If the ball is out of control, or if the attacker isn’t heading toward goal, the decision might be different.
- Referees Must Be Confident in Applying DOGSO Correctly.
- Failing to give a DOGSO red when deserved undermines game control.
- Giving a DOGSO incorrectly (when criteria are missing) can ruin a match.
This episode highlights the importance of precision in DOGSO decisions and how referees must evaluate all four criteria before deciding between a red, yellow, or just a foul.
Last Updated on March 12, 2025 by Frank