Umpiring
	For further information please refer to the Umpires web site at www.ebua.org.uk
	Umpires and Markers - Responsibilities and Authority
	Role: The role of the Umpire is as an arbiter, ensuring the Laws of the Game are enforced with tact. His attitude and actions should be such that he is regarded more as a helper than a restrictor. It is essential that he is not only seen to be, but is neutral at all times. He must ensure the game is smoothly run with no unnecessary interference and should refrain from any intervention unless there are flagrant misinterpretations or deliberate contraventions of those Laws. He is on hand to arbitrate on any dispute, and to give his opinion as to the interpretation of the finer points of a Law.
	Responsibilities: Preliminaries:- Ensure that the green on which the event is to be played fully complies with the several requirements of the Laws of the Game affecting, size of green, width of rinks, placement of rink and side bank markers, height from playing surface and angle (if applicable) of bank, width, depth and material in ditches, these checks should be carried out well before the commencement of the event.
	Before Commencement of the Game: - On arrival of the players, requests should be made to the senior representatives of each side for players bowls to be offered for inspection so as to ensure they are in accordance with the requirements as to date, serial number and if applicable, distinguishing marks, and, all bowls used by a player are from the same set.
	During the Game: - Enforce the Laws of the Game as described above, be attentive at all times, not just sit in a chair at one corner of the green. Ensure you are in the right place at the right time should an incident occur so as to prevent undue delay. To hear the shout for "Umpire" several times is disconcerting both to players and spectators and projects a poor image of the umpire concerned and all umpires. Be proficient in the use of all devices for measuring to project to the player's competence that your measuring can be relied on. Confidence is essential so as to indicate total control.
	During non-international events the Umpire has total control and must therefore have a comprehensive knowledge not only of the Laws of the Game but also the Rules or Regulations attached to a particular competition or tournament he has been appointed to cover.
	The Rules or Regulations of a particular tournament, league or other event do not override the requirements of the Laws of the Game unless such Rules or Regulations comply with the Laws of the Game and have been approved by the National Authority and are displayed at the Club.
	Authority: The Umpires authority comes from his appointment by a "Controlling Body" to officiate at the particular event. With that authority comes the role and responsibilities to control that event in all aspects to ensure the Laws of the Game and other Regulations which may be attached to the event are complied with.
	The Marker.
	Role: The role of the marker is to assist the players in a singles match so as to enable the players to concentrate wholly on the match in hand.
	Responsibilities: The responsibilities of a Marker are as numerous as an Umpires, on some occasions even more so. In the Absence of an appointed Umpire the Marker has to take control of the whole game. Check all bowls to ensure compliance with the Law requirements, and ascertain that the rink dimensions are correct prior to the commencement of the game. Centre the Jack and ensure a correct length and position. Mark all Touchers immediately they come to rest, and ensure the opponent is not attempting to deliver his bowl until such time as the Toucher is marked - the rink still belongs to the player whose bowl is being marked until such time as the Toucher is marked. Mark the scorecard and regularly keep the players informed as to the state of the game. At the close of the game obtain the signatures of both players on the card, check the scoring totals are correct, sign the card and return it to the controlling body or as the rules of the particular competition dictates. Reply to any questions from the players as to the state of the head, the replies should be clear and to the point - concentration on the play and of the players is essential so as to avoid unnecessary delay in keeping the game running smoothly - if a player has to repeat his question then the Marker has failed and the game may be spoilt. Indication of which bowl, in his opinion, is shot and on completion of the end remove the mat from the previous end as necessary. If requested by the players, he measures all doubtful shots but never attempts to do so without permission. Never turn a bowl out of the head after measuring; the players should do that after agreeing shots, or if an Umpire is present and the players refers to him then he does that. Although it is not the responsibility of the Marker to keep any scoreboard up to date, his responsibilities are to the players on that rink of play on that day, it may be advantageous to do this, thus saving the players another task and keeps the spectators informed.
	Authority: The Authority of the Marker comes from the "Controlling Body" who appoints the Marker in accordance with the Laws of the Game requirements, or from the individual who has requested an individual to act as a Marker.
	For further information please refer to the Umpires web site at www.ebua.org.uk