What if I disagree with the down number or the chain position?

Q: What if I disagree with the down number or the chain position?

Speak up before the next snap. The rule book says: Downs box official: if you do not agree with the down number signalled by the Referee and/or the Down Judge, you must immediately report the disagreement to the Referee before the ball is next put into play. Down Judge: if the Down Judge does not agree with the Referee's down number, the Down Judge must immediately check with the Referee so the disagreement is solved before the ball is again put into play. All field officials: before every down, check that the downs box shows the correct number of the next down, and if you disagree, check with the Referee immediately. The Referee has prime responsibility for the count of downs and control of the downs box and distance chain, with the Down Judge assisting. That does not remove the responsibility from the other field officials to make sure the down is correct and the chain is placed correctly. Source: Canadian Amateur Rule Book for Tackle Football 2026-2027, Case Book comment 3-4-1.

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Accepted Answer

Speak up before the next snap. The rule book says:

Downs box official: if you do not agree with the down number signalled by the Referee and/or the Down Judge, you must immediately report the disagreement to the Referee before the ball is next put into play.
Down Judge: if the Down Judge does not agree with the Referee's down number, the Down Judge must immediately check with the Referee so the disagreement is solved before the ball is again put into play.
All field officials: before every down, check that the downs box shows the correct number of the next down, and if you disagree, check with the Referee immediately.

The Referee has prime responsibility for the count of downs and control of the downs box and distance chain, with the Down Judge assisting. That does not remove the responsibility from the other field officials to make sure the down is correct and the chain is placed correctly.

Source: Canadian Amateur Rule Book for Tackle Football 2026-2027, Case Book comment 3-4-1.