Guidance for Markers
A GUIDE FOR MARKERS
Do not expect others to mark for your singles if you are not prepared to mark ties for other bowlers. The “Duties of the Marker” can be found in the “Laws of the Game”. However these guidelines should provide the basis of what is expected of you when marking a singles tie at your club.
Before play commences
- Make sure you know the rules of the competition you are marking.
- Ensure you have the necessary equipment e.g. pen, score card, chalk, measure and wedges.
- Introduce yourself to the competitors and enter their names on the score card.
- Establish which bowl belongs to which player.
- Indicate that you will only answer direct questions from the player who has possession of the mat and that you intend to mark or indicate touchers as soon as the bowl comes to rest.
During play
- Ensure that the mat is properly placed and that the jack is centred at the legal distance from the front of the mat before the first to play plays their first bowl.
- Remain still, behind and to one side of the rink while a bowl is being played, making sure you do not obstruct the boundary pegs or that your shadow does not fall on the jack.
- Do not approach the head unless it is to mark a toucher, remove chalk marks, indicate a toucher or to answer questions.
- Mark jack or touchers in the ditch. Remove dead bowls with the permission of the players and ask if a “line” bowl is in or out.
- Be as accurate as possible when giving distance between jack and bowls and if unsure which is the shot when asked, say so. Do not volunteer information unless asked.
- Only measure shots when asked by the players. If you cannot decide or the players are undecided, call an umpire. If bowls are likely to fall before or during a measure, use wedges.
- Do not disturb or break up a head, this should be done by the players or an umpire.
- Before marking the score card make sure you know which “Player” has been awarded the shot or shots.
- Inform both players of the state of score at the completion of every end.
After the game
Complete the score card and have it signed by both players before returning it to the appropriate official.
DO NOT CONGRATULATE EITHER PLAYER UNTIL THE END OF THE GAME AND, ABOVE ALL, REMAIN IMPARTIAL.