“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.”

• A marker is serving two people. If we all marked one game for every two we played there would not be a problem. We are fortunate at the FBC to have a few people who happen to like marking and they are seen on the bowling green regularly. We all know who they are and they are to be commended.
• If you are marking a game the following rules should be observed. (Note that these are not the formal SBA rules related to official markers. These rules are what is expected of a marker at FBC in domestic tournaments.)
• 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.
• They should be consistent in answering any question from the player in possession of the rink about the state of the head. They should reply to the specific question but may (contrary to previous practice) provide additional relevant information that would remove misunderstanding or supplementary questions. For example if someone asks, “Was the last bowl shot?”, old school was to just answer that question, e.g.. “yes” or “no”. latest guidelines would be to answer either “Yes” or “No shot bowl is this one”
• If you are unsure of the situation, for example you cannot decide who is lying, 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 must not move any bowls until the end is complete and the players have agreed the number of shots. Only the player conceding shots should remove bowls.
• They shall measure disputed shots when required but once again they must 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. This is acceptable at local level.