Question Number: 14782

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/2/2007

RE: Red Under 18

Todd Arklan of Los Angeles, CA USA asks...

Under what conditions might a defender commit a non-penal foul (restart IFK) that results in DOGSO and a send-off? Most examples of DOGSO are penal fouls (tripping, holding, etc) and are punishable by a DFK or PK. Could you devise an example where a players impeding or playing in a dangerous manner would result in a send-off for this reason?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Playing in a dangerous manner would be the most likely IFK foul that could also be DOGSO. Another one could be misconduct only which is not a foul, for example the keeper screaming in the attacker's ear just as she manages to break past.

The goalkeeper-specific offenses (double touch, etc.) are specifically exempt from DOGSO.

Impeding would be technically possible, but highly unlikely. Part of the definition of DOGSO is proximity to the ball. If a player is impeded, the ball is not within playing distance. There could be a strange scenario where both conditions are met, but I haven't been able to envision one.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Impeding could easily happen in front of goal. Player has a break away and the defender realizes that his team will lose a goal and steps in attackers path to prevent him from getting to ball. Restart = IFK, BUT DEFENDER GETS SENT OFF.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Impeding the progress of an oppoent and playing in a dangerous manner are 2 obvious answers. Not so obvious are instances of misconduct which result in DOGSO. An example, an attacker is going 1 on 1 towards the keeper, a defender is in close pursuit, cannot pass the attacker, and runs up to his back and screams, "Look out!! I've got it!" The attacker turns his head and trips and loses control of the ball. The yelling is unsporting behavior. The restart is an IFK but the defender is sent off for denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity by committing an offence punishable by a free kick (usb).