Officiating Accreditation

Marker Accreditation

The role of a Marker is critical at all levels of the game. This accreditation is perfect for participants who would like to become proficient Markers with intentions of performing the role of a marker at Club events, Region events and also National events.

The interactive Marker Accreditation Module will contain indoor and outdoor discussions and activities. Focusing on the things a marker should do when preparing to mark, laws relating to marking and how to use the index of the law book plus other topics will be workshopped indoors. Outside on the green, participants will discover the best techniques for selecting distances, using the correct equipment and identifying the best methods for anticipating player’s questions.

At the completion of the Marker Accreditation Module, the participant will be able to:

• Identify values and ethical behaviour expected of a marker.
• Plan and prepare for the requirements of marking.
• Self reflect on performance after the competition.
• Identify and manage the risks associated with marking.
• Apply a positive and cooperative attitude towards other officials, players and spectators.
• Using the Laws of the Game of Bowls in Australia, correctly identify and interpret the laws relevant to marking when called upon to do so.
• Identify the correct position for the jack/mat at the start of an end.
• Demonstrate the appropriate position for a marker to stand on the green during a game.
• Select and use the appropriate method for marking touchers.
• Identify the equipment that a marker needs in their possession during the game.
• Correctly demonstrate the use of equipment needed to mark a game.
• Using correct terminology and signals, demonstrate appropriate feedback regarding the state of the head during play when asked by the player in possession of the rink.
• At the completion of the end, provide appropriate terminology and signals of the result of the end.
• Accurately mark a singles game in a timely and professional manner including correctly maintaining a neat and accurate scorecard.

Measurer Accreditation

Many players would like to become skilful at Measuring. Completing the measuring component will increase your skills and abilities in undertaking accurate measures. This accreditation is designed to provide support for measurers at club level and above. The accreditation will ensure the participants are working on the green learning and practising measures using all types of approved equipment.

The Measurer Accreditation Module will predominantly be conducted on the green exploring the uses of a variety of equipment. The laws relating to the role of a Measurer will also be discussed coupled with the role of a measurer at club level. At the completion of this module, the participant will be able to:

• Identify values and ethical behaviour expected of a measurer.
• Plan and prepare for the requirements of measuring.
• Identify and manage the risks associated with measuring.
• Apply a positive and cooperative attitude towards other officials, players and spectators.
• Using the Laws of the Game of Bowls in Australia, correctly identify and interpret the laws relevant to measuring when called upon to do so.
• Identify and correctly demonstrate the equipment that a measurer needs in their possession during the game.
• Utilise a range of communication strategies to communicate decisions to players in an inclusive manner.
• Correctly measure the distance between multiple points when called upon to do so.

National Umpire Accreditation

The National Umpire Accreditation is aimed at umpires wishing to officiate at Club and Region level, and above. National umpires will learn how to use the index of the law book and how to correctly interpret laws. People wishing to become accredited must be proficient in all aspects of the game.

As 95% of the work umpires complete is conducted on the green, some of the course will be spent on the green working through scenarios relating to the laws of the sport. National Umpires will work in groups to correctly interpret the laws and discuss the best methods for communicating with players and other officials.

At the end of the module, the participant will be able to:

• Identify and display the values and ethical behaviour expected of an umpire at all levels of the game.
• Plan and prepare for the requirements of umpiring at all levels of the game.
• Maintain a level of fitness appropriate to the standard of bowls at all levels of the game.
• Review own performance post competition.
• Display a range of body language techniques in order to promote professionalism and enhance an air of presence.
• Using the index of the Laws of the Game of Bowls in Australia, correctly identify, interpret and apply the relevant laws appropriate to the game when called upon to do so.
• Utilise a range of communication strategies to communicate decisions to players in an inclusive manner.
• Apply a positive and cooperative attitude towards officials, other officials, players and spectators.
• Identify and manage the risks associated with umpiring and abide by the legal responsibilities expected of an umpire.
• Resolve disputes between players relating to the Law and Rules under which the game is being played.

International Technical Official (ITO) Accreditation

The ITO accreditation is a World Bowls accreditation which lasts five years. The frequency of and locations for the assessments will be decided by World Bowls.

Applicants for the ITO position must meet the following qualifying criteria and apply through Bowls Australia:

• Have actively officiated for a minimum period of three years. That is, have officiated annually in at least five events at any level for a combined total of at least thirty hours;
• Have officiated in at least two International/National/National Division (State/Region/District) events in the two years immediately prior to the date of application;
• Have officiated as a marker during the quarter-final, semi-final or final stages of at least two International/National/National Division (State/County/Province/Region) events in the two years immediately prior to the date of application.