What does the downs box official do?

The Downs Box Official (called the Downbox Official in the rule book) acts under the direction of the Down Judge and places the downs box at the point where the ball is to be scrimmaged, indicating the number of each down on it. The downs box is positioned out of bounds.

The number is changed only on signal from the Referee and the Down Judge. If you do not agree with the down number they signal, you must immediately report the disagreement to the Referee before the ball is next put into play.

Source: Canadian Amateur Rule Book for Tackle Football 2026-2027, Rule 2, Section 10, Articles 1 and 2, and Case Book comment 3-4-1.