Marking courses are a great way for any bowler to enhance their knowledge of the sport and can also provide you with that competitive “edge” in any game you take part in. Marking is a skill and being an integral part of a game with a “bird’s eye” view brings a fantastic opportunity to learn through the perception and game play of others.
There are currently two Marking Courses available, an overview and points to consider are detailed below.
MARKING AWARENESS COURSE – Provided by the EBUA (English Bowls Umpires Association). This course usually has a duration of one day, at the conclusion candidates receive a Certificate of Attendance. The course is run in an informal way and includes an overview of the Laws of the Sport of Bowls specifically relating to marking and the duties of a marker. In addition, candidates receive instruction in carrying out the various measures and an introduction to the range of measuring equipment.
Having completed the course, candidates are eligible to join the EBUA as a marker and are encouraged to progress, with the help of a mentor, through competency levels via assessment. Only EBUA markers who achieve a competency level 3 are eligible to apply for marking duties at the National Finals at Leamington.
More information, including scheduled course dates and locations, is available on the EBUA website: Markers Course Calendar | English Bowls Umpire (ebua.co.uk)
SURREY MARKERS COURSE
An intense and structured course with both theory and practical elements. A comprehensive questionnaire based on the Laws of the Sport must be completed and passed prior to attending the practical sessions. In these sessions, held over four mornings on two consecutive weekends, candidates receive instruction on the various measures and are introduced to the different measuring equipment. In addition, practical marking skills are taught and assessments lead to certification at club or county level. Candidates who achieve a pass at county level may be offered the opportunity to mark games played in the final rounds of the county competitions.
Recognised by Bowls Surrey, this course has been run successfully for many years and offers the individual the opportunity to progress their marking theory and practical technique. Re-Qualification and Upgrading also available.
NEXT COURSE – April/May 2027 at Donyngs IBC – apply via email to surreybowlscoaches@yahoo.com
POINTS TO CONSIDER: The course overviews and your answers to the following questions will lead you to the most beneficial course for you!
What is your personal goal?
Are you interested in progressing to umpiring?
Do you want to mark at the National Finals?
Do you prefer to learn at a slower pace?
Do you prefer to learn at a faster pace?
What level would you like to achieve?