DOGSO is one of the most important concepts for referees to master. It stands for Denying an Obvious Goal-Scoring Opportunity, and I have seen matches decided by whether a referee gets this call right or wrong.
What Does DOGSO Mean?
DOGSO applies when a player commits an offence that stops an opponent from scoring or having a clear chance to score. It is one of the seven sending-off offences listed in Law 12.
The Four Criteria for DOGSO
To determine if an offence is DOGSO, referees consider:
- Distance to goal - How far from goal did the offence occur?
- Direction of play - Was the attacker moving toward goal?
- Likelihood of keeping possession - Could the attacker control the ball?
- Location and number of defenders - Were other defenders able to recover?
All four must point toward an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.
Red Card or Yellow Card?
Here is where many referees get confused. DOGSO does not always mean a red card.
Red Card DOGSO
- Offence occurs outside the penalty area
- OR offence is a handball (anywhere)
- OR offence involves no attempt to play the ball
Yellow Card DOGSO (Triple Punishment Change)
- Offence occurs inside the penalty area
- AND the defender makes a genuine attempt to play the ball
- AND a penalty kick is awarded
This “triple punishment” rule change from 2016 means that a defender who commits a foul trying to win the ball inside the box gets a yellow (not red), even if it is DOGSO. The logic: a penalty is already a significant punishment.
Real Match Scenarios
Scenario 1: Last defender pulls back an attacker’s shirt 25 yards from goal as they break through on goal.
- Result: Red card. DOGSO outside the penalty area, no attempt to play the ball.
Scenario 2: Goalkeeper rushes out and takes down an attacker in the box while attempting to win the ball.
- Result: Yellow card + penalty. DOGSO but genuine attempt to play the ball inside the area.
Scenario 3: Defender handles the ball on the line to stop a goal.
- Result: Red card + penalty (or goal if advantage). Handball DOGSO is always a red card.
DOGSO vs SPA (Stopping a Promising Attack)
I have noticed people often confuse DOGSO with SPA. A promising attack is just that, promising, not obvious. SPA results in a yellow card.
The difference: Would everyone in the stadium think “that is a goal” if the offence did not happen? That is DOGSO. “That might lead to a goal”? That is SPA.
Practice Your Decision-Making
DOGSO scenarios are a favourite on referee exams because they test your understanding of multiple laws at once. The best way to prepare is through scenario-based practice.
RefereeGPT includes hundreds of DOGSO scenarios to help you make confident decisions when it matters.
Preparing for your referee exam? Try RefereeGPT free - gamified training for the Laws of the Game.