Law 64A Duties of marker

1. centre the jack, and place a full length jack 2m from the front ditch in compliance with Law 19.
2. ensure that the jack is a minimum of 23m from the mat line after it has been centred.
3. stand at one side of the rink, and at least 2 metres to the rear of the jack.
4. answer any specific question relating to the existing state of the head while the player is in possession of the rink and when requested clearly indicate the shot if possible.
5. mark all touchers immediately they come to rest, and remove marks from non-touchers. With the agreement of both opponents the marker shall remove all dead bowls from the green and the ditch. The marker shall mark the positions of the jack and 'touchers' which are in the ditch. (See Laws 23 and 29).
6. protect the head from any disturbance by outside objects.
7. not move, or cause to be moved, either jack or bowls until each player has agreed to the number of shots.
8. measure carefully all doubtful shots when requested by either player. If unable to come to a decision satisfactory to the players, the marker shall call the umpire whose decision shall be final.
9. enter the score at each end, and intimate to the players the state of the game. When the game is finished, the marker shall see that the score card, containing the names of the players, is signed by the players. and disposed of in accordance with the rules of the competition.

Law 28F Displacement by a bowl from an adjoining rink

3. The marker shall stop any bowl from an adjoining rink which is likely to displace the jack or any bowl on the rink on which such marker is officiating.

GENERAL ADVICE

The following hints and advice are offered for the benefit of all Markers.

• Always be correctly attired and have your pen, measure and chalk handy.
• Introduce yourself to both players. Make sure you know each players bowls and arrange with players for the removal of dead bowls from the ditch. Advise them you are required to mark touchers immediately they come to rest and to allow a short time for you to do that.
• Remind the players that it is up to them to decide whether bowls or the jack near or on the boundary line are in or out of play. If they cannot agree then they call the Umpire. They cannot ask the Marker to make such a decision.
• Be strictly neutral. Do not comment on or declare the result of an end. The players will declare the result at the end.
• "Jack High" means that from the mat line the nearest portion of a bowl is level with the nearest portion of the jack. Otherwise the position is referred to as 'past jack high' or 'short of jack high'.
• If players elect to play their trial ends before the start of the match you can assist:
  • By aligning the jack.
  • Indicate to each player, if requested, how far the bowl finished from the jack.
  • As each bowl comes to rest, move it back behind the 2 metre mark so that succeeding bowls may finish their run unobstructed.

• If the jack is rolled away from the centre line the marker must move the jack in a straight line parallel with the mat line to the centre line of the rink.
• The jack should always be aligned with the hand and not with the foot
• Some markers give unsolicited information to players by indicating that the jack is being placed on the 2 metre mark. Such action is NOT PERMITTED.
• Players should observe the movement of the jack and if they wish to know the exact position of the jack they must ask the appropriate question.
• The marker never gives voluntary information.
• Touchers should be marked with one chalk line or chalk spray across the smooth surface of the bowl. The bowl should be steadied with the other hand when marking a toucher.
• Be careful when chalking or removing chalk. It is not good marking if a marker moves a bowl and has to replace it.
• Exercise great care when removing chalk marks, if the mark is on the under side, roll the bowl over, remove the chalk mark and then roll the bowl back to its original position.
• MARKERS NEVER LIFT A BOWL IN PLAY.
• When the players have agreed on the result of an end - repeat their decision back to them, enter the score on the card and advise the players of the progressive score - winner of the last end first.
• Be clear and concise in your replies to questions. If in doubt, say so. If uncertain as to the meaning of a question then ask that it be repeated.
• Replace any bowl or the jack if they are displaced by a rebounding non-toucher.
• Do not show interest in or talk to spectators.
• Do not move about when a player is on the mat.
• If in doubt about which bowl is shot - say so - the player in possession of the rink may inspect the head - never invite the player to inspect the head.
• Get both players to sign the official score card at the end of the match or when a match is stopped and not resumed on the same day, hand it to the official in control. Once the official card is signed it cannot be altered.
• On request a marker can:
  1. Indicate a bowl not visible from the mat.
  2. Indicate a hidden jack.
  3. Indicate the distance between the jack and a bowl and between bowls.
  4. Advise how far short of or how far past a bowl is to jack high.
• The marker SHALL stop any bowl from adjoining rinks which is likely to displace the jack or a bowl on the marker's rink. The marker cannot lift a bowl under any circumstances.

A crucial component of the marker's duties is answering questions posed by the player in possession of the rink. When answering questions it must be borne in mind that the player is seeking information peculiar to their situation only. Consequently you must be at all times even handed in your responses, brief and to the point. Answer the question asked and ONLY THE QUESTION ASKED. Do not give any extra information because what you tell the player on the mat you also tell the opponent and that could mean that you as marker have influenced the game.