THE MARKER

 

The marker’s main duty is really just to ensure that a singles games progresses smoothly, and in accordance with the laws of the game: Specifically…..

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You should familiarise yourself with the Conditions of Play before the game. For example, know what should happen in the event of an improperly delivered jack, or a killed end. Is a timed match being played, or is it first to 21 shots (or whatever.) If it’s a timed match keep a check on the time yourself as well.

 

Check the mat is placed on the centre line of the rink.

 

Centre the jack.

 

Make sure that the delivered jack is at least 23 metres from the mat line after it has been centred (the ‘mat line’ is the front of the mat, ie closest to the front ditch). This is your responsibility, not the players. On our green the distance is marked at exactly 23 meters from the 2 meter mark to the shortest possible spot for the jack. So if the mat is moved up the rink from the 2m mark, the jack, to be legal, must be at least that distance beyond the 23m mark. We often compare those two distances in mat lengths. If you are unsure, get the long tape and measure it. (The players may NOT agree to play to a short jack less than 23m. You must ensure it is legal.)

 

Place a delivered jack that comes to rest less than 2 metres from the front ditch on the two meter mark. (To be positioned precisely, the side of the jack closest to the mat line should be exactly two meters from the front ditch. On our green the lines are quite thick, and the edge of the line nearest to the ditch is exactly 2m from the ditch - so that edge of the line (closest to the ditch) is where the front of the jack should be positioned.)

 

During play, stand to one side of the rink, behind the jack and away from the head.

 

Answer any specific question about the state of the head which is asked by the player in possession of the rink. Contain your answer to the specific question asked. (The player ‘in possession of the rink,’ is the person whose turn it is to play, and that player remains in possession of the rink until their bowl comes to rest.)

 

When asked, tell or show the player in possession of the rink the position of the jack.

 

When asked, tell or show the player in possession of the rink which bowl or bowls the marker considers to be shot; (Unless you are 100% certain it is best not to provide an opinion on who is holding the shot or shots – just say you think a measure is required.)

 

Note, therefore, that the player who is not in possession of the rink has no right to ask questions.

 

You may, where the equipment is provided, signal to players and spectators (using the appropriate number and colour of shot indicators or some other suitable method) which player’s bowl or bowls the marker considers to be shot/s.

 

Mark any touchers with chalk and remove the chalk marks from non-touchers as soon as they come to rest.Stop any bowl from a neighbouring rink that is in danger of moving a jack or bowl that is at rest on your rink and place it on the bank of their rink. (You MUST NOT lift or move bowls on your rink to allow a renegade bowl to pass. You MUST stop it.) It is for this reason that you should be physically present on the rink during the game. If you are marking a game where your game is the only one being played then there is no objection to you standing or sitting off the green as long as you can easily identify touchers, respond to players requests, etc.

 

Remove dead bowls from the rink of play. (Ensure players agree that a bowl is dead before removing it. Unless, of course, it’s in the ditch.)

 

Mark the position of a live jack and any touchers which are in the ditch. (This is supposed to be done with a white marker to indicate the jack’s position, and a coloured marker for a bowl or bowls.)

 

Do not move, or cause to be moved, either the jack or any bowls until the players have agreed the number of shots scored. It is best not to touch live bowls on the rink at all – allow the players to do that. (Unless, of course, you are measuring.)

 

Measure any disputed shot or shots when asked to do so by either player. If the players are not satisfied with the marker’s decision, the marker must ask the umpire to do the measuring. If an umpire is not available, the marker must choose a competent neutral person to act as the umpire. The umpire’s decision is final. If you are asked to measure, take special care. Chock the jack and any bowls that might potentially move. If you accidentally move a bowl or jack in the measuring process the players must agree to return it to its original position. If they can’t agree, the end must be replayed.

 

When each end has been completed,

- record the score on the score card;

- if scoreboards are not being used, tell the players the running totals of the scores

- remove from the rink the mat used during the previous end, if necessary.

 

When the game has been completed, the marker must make sure that the score card

- contains the names and signatures of the players.

- contains the time at which the game was completed; and

- is dealt with in line with the Conditions of Play.
 

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Coach/Coaching

 

A coach may interact with a player in order to give advice as long as the umpire and/or marker and opposing player are advised before the game commences. That interaction, in whatever form, must not interfere with the concentration of an opponent. A coach may not go on to the green, and certainly shouldn’t be providing verbal advice from one end of the rink to the other. Further, advice can only be given when the player concerned is in possession of the rink. A player may have only one coach present at the rink at any one time. [See Law 44]