WFA Law – DOGSO Explained

DOGSO stands for Denying an Obvious Goal Scoring Opportunity. It is one of the most serious offences in walking football because it involves stopping a clear chance to score by unfair or illegal means.

This law exists to prevent deliberate “professional fouls” and keep the game fair.

What Is a DOGSO Offence?

A DOGSO offence occurs when a player unfairly stops an opponent who has a clear chance to score. This can include:

• Fouling an attacker moving towards goal

• Running offences that block a clear chance

• Deliberate handball on a goal-bound shot

Red Cards and Blue Cards

Normally, a DOGSO offence results in a red card and a penalty kick.

However, if the referee believes the foul was a genuine attempt to play the ball, the referee may issue a blue card instead, while still awarding a penalty kick.

All other DOGSO offences must result in a red card.

Handball DOGSO

Outfield players who deliberately handle a goal-bound shot commit a DOGSO offence.
Goalkeepers may also commit DOGSO if they deliberately handle the ball outside the goal area.

Momentum Exception

If a goalkeeper makes a legal save inside the goal area and their momentum carries the ball outside the area, this is not DOGSO. Play restarts with a penalty kick.

The Four D’s Test

Referees assess four key factors:

If all four apply, it is DOGSO.

Restart After DOGSO

All DOGSO offences restart with a penalty kick and appropriate disciplinary action.

Part of the official WFA Walking Football Rules Hub:
👉 /walking-football-rules/