When to raise the offside flag

[phatneff]

I don't necessarily agree with that. There are times where it is more advantageous for the call NOT to be made than for it to be made. The best example of this is when the ball is in the vicinity of the goalkeeper. If the player is in the offside position and the ball is played to him while on the run, although it gets by him and he is still running to the ball, normally the call would be made. However, if it is rolling to the goalkeeper, it is much more of an advantage for the keeper to have it in his hands than to play it from the ground. I am a goalkeeper and an official and, speaking from experience, would much rather have the ball in my hands than it being spotted at the infraction point. You have more control over that ball at that point.

This can get tricky, but when become experienced enough to judge that, it will be much more beneficial for everyone involved.