When to raise the offside flag

[wardtc]

I've worked with several partners who have differing opinions on when to raise the offside flag. Here's the scenario:

Defenders have pulled up to the halfway line. Attackers forwards are marking close to them, but on the attacking side of the field in an offside position. Attacking team gains the ball and punts it over the halfway line. Forwards sprint to the ball which is 15 yards ahead of them. By the time they get to it, they are at the 18.

Does the AR raise the flag at the time of the punt, or run with the attackers and wait till they make contact with the ball first? Some say immediately because they gained an advantage (headstart in the race for the ball), and were involved with play (started to race to the ball). Others say they don't get the advantage till they touch the ball (many things could happen - roll an ankle, loose the race, keeper gets the ball first).

Either way, the ball is brought back to the point they were at (midfield) when the punt was made right?