Guidance for Markers in Competitions
The following information is for new bowlers or bowlers who are not familiar with the duties of a Marker when officiating for a singles match. These guidelines are to outline the rules, etiquette and neutrality of the Marker.
- The marker should be in possession of chalk and a measure. Other pieces of useful equipment are callipers for measuring smaller distances between bowls and wedges (to prevent bowls toppling over when being measured).
- If the jack is cast closer than 2 metres to the ditch, the Marker will centre the jack at 2 metres using a suitable measuring device.
- The Marker shall ensure that when the jack is cast it remains within the confines of the rink before centring the jack. The Marker should ensure that the jack is not less than 23 metres from the mat.
- Once the jack is centred, the Marker should then stand approx 2 – 3 metres behind and to one side of the jack, ready to observe the first bowl being delivered.
- The Marker, when asked, will tell or show the position of the jack to the player in possession of the rink.
- When asked, the Marker will answer any specific question about the state of the head that is asked by the bowler in possession of the rink. No other comment should be made or added.
- The Marker shall mark all touchers immediately they come to rest and prior to the next bowler taking possession of the rink. The Marker shall remove any chalk mark from a bowl that is not a toucher and inadvertently left on from the previous end.
- If both bowlers agree, the Marker will remove any dead bowls from the green or ditch.
- The Marker shall not move or cause to be moved, either jack or bowls until each player has agreed the number of shots. The Marker should repeat the agreed number of shots and to whom the shots have been awarded.
- The Marker shall measure all doubtful shots when requested by either bowler. If the result of the measure is in doubt, an umpire, selected by the Marker, shall make the final decision.
- The Marker will enter the result of each end on the scorecard and the scoreboard (if one is in use).
- When the game is finished, the Marker shall see that the scorecard, describing the competition, the date played, the final score and containing the names of the bowlers, is signed by both bowlers.
These notes are for guidance only and do not supersede any official rules from the governing bodies of bowls.
Guidance for Markers in Competitions