Marking a bowls game video
Every singles match in a competition needs a marker. As a marker you can make or break a game. Good markers always comply with the following rules of conduct:
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- They know the names of the competitors, know which of them is the challenger and can identify their bowls
- Remind the players that they will mark touchers immediately after the bowl has come to rest
- Remind the players that they need the players’ agreement before removing a dead bowl
- Have measure, chalk and pen handy
- Keep their attention entirely on the game they are marking
- Stand still unless required to mark a toucher or to answer a question
- Ensure the mat is centred, particularly if it has been brought up the green
- Satisfy themselves that the jack is of legal length
- Wait until the players have agreed the shot(s) before marking the score card or leaving the head
- Keep the players informed of the score
- Alter the score board at every end
- In a two-wood singles, they ensure that the score board shows the ends as well as the score
- Walk quickly up the side of the rink so as not to delay the players starting the next end
- If it is a very tight measure and the players cannot agree on the shot, good markers suggest that the umpire be called – the more often the shot is measured the more likely it is that something will be moved
- Know what to do when there is an extra end in a two-wood singles
- Ensure that the players sign the card
- Try not to stand in front of the same spectators every time – but they know they will always be in someone’s way
- They are alert, decisive and unobtrusive
- Never stand on the bank having a cigarette or chatting.
- Never watch the game on the next rink. Never offer the players advice or declare the shot.