Marker Etiquette

Etiquette for Markers on the Bowling Green

“So if you would a Marker be

Then make it worth your while

To do the job quite capably

And do it with a smile.”

  • If you are marking a game the following rules should be observed.
  • When a player has delivered the jack the Marker should centre it then stand back and to one side, ensuring that all rink markers are visible to the players.
  • The Marker should answer any specific question (from the player in possession of the rink) about the state of the head. They should not offer any additional information that has not been requested. For example if someone asks, “Who has the shot?”, you should just answer that question, eg. “you have” or “she has”. You should not say anything like, “You have two shots”.
  • If you are unsure of the situation, for example you cannot decide who has the shot, don’t guess. You can offer an opinion but make sure that the player who is asking the question is made aware of this.
  • The Marker should mark all touchers immediately they come to rest and remove chalk marks from non touchers. They should also remove all dead bowls from the rink with the players’ agreement. They should also mark the position of touchers and or the Jack which are in the ditch.
  • The Marker should not move any bowls until the end is complete and the players have agreed the number of shots.
  • The Marker shall measure disputed shots when required but once again they should not move the bowls until the players agree. If an Umpire is available then they may be called upon for a decision. Where no Umpire is available the Marker may select one. Both players may also agree that the Marker should make the decision.

Text adapted from the ‘Vale of Leven Bowling Club’ internet website information pages.