MARKER'S CORNER

THE MARKER'S DUTIES

The marker’s duties are extensively covered in Section 42 of the Laws.

Arguably, the two most important duties of the Marker are to update the scoreboard and card correctly and to chalk touchers. However, the following 10 points make for a good marker:

Confirm the regulations of the Competition, e.g. ends to be played, shots to be score, time limits.
Know the names of the competitors and be able to identify their bowls.
Remember to be alert, decisive and unobtrusive, standing still unless required to chalk a toucher or answer a question.
Allow the players to agree the shots before updating the scoreboard or card.
Keep the players informed of the score each end.
Walk quickly up the green so as not to delay the players starting the next end.
If players cannot agree on the shots suggest an umpire is called.
Never stand on the bank having a chat or a cigarette.
Never offer advice to the players.
Never declare the shot.

Finally, be aware that the Marker MUST NOT move any of the players bowls. When measuring ask the players to remove the shot bowls.

Preamble

Before the start of the match the marker should go through a preamble with the players.

The main items to cover in the Preamble are:

Introduce yourself
Witness/carry out coin toss to determine who has the mat for the first end
Mark touchers before next bowl is delivered
Ask permission to remove dead bowls
Answer questions when the player is in possession of mat
Answer specific questions - unless asked for general position
Give distances - metric/imperial/demonstrate?
If a player intends to fire, ask them to please warn you
Whether they wish you to measure

Refresh your knowledge

To help keep your knowledge up to speed we issue monthly brainteasers - see the home page.

You can also brush up on your marking skills by clicking on the link below to the Markers Course Material.

Markers Course Material