the box loader is usually a team member but sometimes others will help out, before the run the team compan uses hand signals to let the boxloader know what order the dogs are running in and the direction they turn, they are told beforehand if any of the dogs require special balls. boxloaders over here are never taken for granted at all the tournys have special prizes and draws that are just for the boxloaders. the club I was a member of tried to avoid using small balls if possable, but they are allowed. Happys moms refused to take a ball if it was not popped lol so we had to keep broken tennis balls in a pail just for her