Goal Keeper DOGSO #1
A recent game involved a U15 Girls EDP match where a goalkeeper left the penalty area and attempted to make a save with her hands but missed, disrupting play without making tangible contact with the ball or attacker. The attacker continued but did not score, and a defender caught up. The referee, after letting play continue for a second or two under advantage, blew the whistle.
The immediate reactions included the goalkeeper arguing there was no foul since no contact was made, parents yelling without understanding the rules, and coaches curiously waiting for the decision. The referee awarded a direct free kick at the top of the penalty area but chose not to caution the goalkeeper. The decision factored in poor field markings, lack of clear input from the AR, and using a club linesman.
Was this the right call? Should the goalkeeper have received a yellow card?
Decision Analysis
The scenario falls under the two O’s: Opportunity and Opinion.
- Opportunity: In cases involving Denial of an Obvious Goal-Scoring Opportunity (DOGSO), an attacker is either clearly denied a chance to score or still has a legitimate opportunity to continue the play. In this case, the attacker continued after the keeper’s challenge, meaning there was still an opportunity to score. Thus, at most, the incident could be classified as stopping a promising attack (SPA), which would warrant a yellow card rather than a red.
- Opinion: The referee’s opinion, shaped by positioning, game flow, and field conditions, is critical. As the center referee, the decision made is always the correct one based on the referee’s considerations in the moment. Many high-level referees have seen strong challenges by goalkeepers inside and outside the penalty area go uncalled.
Assessors evaluating referee performances do not judge whether a call was right or wrong but assess positioning, fitness, mechanics, and management of contentious moments. An assessor may question decisions to gauge emotional composure, but ultimately, the referee’s call is final. However, getting the correct restart type is essential, as mistakes in this area often lead to failing assessments.
Refereeing Philosophy
A key lesson for newer referees is to officiate in a way that aligns with their natural style. One cannot imitate another referee’s approach and expect success. If a referee prefers a more physical game, they should manage it accordingly while staying within the laws of the game. The goal is to make the best possible decisions, but they must be the referee’s own decisions.
A well-known referee from Baltimore, Fred, often shares stories of officiating in tough environments. His experiences emphasize handling games with confidence and understanding the nuances of game control.
Situational Awareness & Crew Safety
In certain environments, it’s necessary to consider crew safety. Walking out to the parking lot as a group can sometimes be a precautionary measure. While refereeing is generally a low-threat activity, unexpected situations can arise, reinforcing the importance of staying alert.
Referees should always be aware of their surroundings and their crew’s comfort in different settings. Experience matters, but proper training in decision-making and situational awareness is just as valuable.
Considerations for Decision-Making
USSF provides a list of considerations for referees to rely on when making difficult calls. While the list is extensive, understanding key elements helps in uncertain situations. Below are some considerations for goal celebrations, which serve as an example of how referees must assess player actions within the Laws of the Game:
- Does the celebration waste excessive time?
- Is the player making a provocative gesture?
- Does the goal scorer climb onto the perimeter fence?
- Does the player remove their shirt or cover their head with it?
- Does the player jump into the stands or interact with spectators in a way that causes safety concerns?
- Is the celebration excessive and likely to create disturbances?
Different leagues and levels of play have varying interpretations of these considerations. For example, FIFA, USSF, AYSO, high school, college, and professional organizations all apply different standards based on the competition level.
Personal Experiences & Growth as a Referee
Experience accumulates over time, but a key takeaway is learning to trust training. Whether in high-risk environments or standard matches, a well-trained referee can differentiate between situations that require immediate action and those that can be managed with composure.
New referees will transition from relying on senior officials to making their own independent decisions. Requesting assignments with experienced colleagues can be beneficial, but at some point, assignors push referees out of the comfort zone to develop independence.
Refereeing is an ongoing learning process, and every game provides an opportunity to refine decision-making, positioning, and game management. While mentorship and advice are valuable, ultimately, every call belongs to the referee on the field.
Last Updated on March 12, 2025 by Frank