What does a marker do in lawn bowls?
I · Intermediate · Irregularities, officials and conduct · 6 of 7The skip runs the team and settles disputes with the other skip; if they cannot agree, the umpire decides. In singles, a marker centres the jack, marks touchers, answers questions about the head and measures when asked. The umpire measures disputed shots, rules on distances and whether bowls are in play, and the umpire's decision is final.
How it works
- The skip: has sole charge of the team; settles disputes with the other skip in line with the laws.
- Unresolved disputes: go to the umpire, whose decision is final; the umpire overrules skips who get the law wrong.
- No umpire appointed: the skips choose a competent neutral person.
- Score cards: the skip records, agrees and signs them.
- The third: may measure disputed shots and tell the skip the score.
- The lead: places the mat and delivers and centres the jack when their team starts.
- The marker: checks the mat, centres the jack, checks its length, marks touchers, answers questions about the head, shows who is shot when asked, stops bowls from other rinks and measures if asked.
- Shot indicators: the marker may hold up coloured paddles showing who is shot.
- The umpire: checks stamps and rink widths before play, measures, rules on distances and on whether bowls are in play.
- Appeals: only on the meaning of a law, to the controlling body.
The glossary has the skip, the third, the marker, the umpire, the shot indicators and the score card.
Tricky cases
Two skips agree on a ruling that breaks the laws. Does it stand?
No. The umpire must overrule it.
In singles, can a player ask the marker who is lying shot?
Yes, while in possession of the rink.
Can the umpire's measurement be appealed?
No. Only questions about the meaning of a law can go to the controlling body.
Is there always an umpire?
No. If none is appointed, the skips or the marker pick a competent neutral person when one is needed.
Why the rule exists
Most decisions are left to the skips, which keeps the game self-governing. The umpire is the backstop when they cannot agree.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Players' duties | Skip, third, lead | WB Law 40 |
| Marker | Singles duties | WB Law 42 |
| Umpire | Final decisions | WB Law 43 |
| Measuring kit | Listed | WB Law 54 |
From the rule book
World Bowls, Laws of the Sport of Bowls, Crystal Mark Fourth Edition (August 2022), Definition C.30 and Laws 40, 42, 43 and 54. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the World Bowls Laws of the Sport of Bowls.