When must I answer a player's question, and what can't I say?

What you must answer (law 42.2.6 to 42.2.8):

• any specific question about the state of the head asked by the player in possession of the rink;
• when asked, tell or show that player the position of the jack;
• when asked, tell or show that player which bowl or bowls you think are shot;
• where the Controlling Body authorises it, signal shots with shot indicators.

Who may ask (Bowls SA Markers Guide): only the player in possession, whether or not they are on the mat, and only about the head as it is at that moment. Once their bowl stops and any toucher has been marked, possession passes to the opponent, and the first player may not ask again until it's their turn.

What you must not do:

• give any advice, or any information that wasn't specifically asked for;
• guide or direct play, or show by word or gesture that you favour a player or are pleased or disappointed with a shot;
• signal that the head has changed, unless it changed after you answered a question (for example a bowl fell), in which case you must tell the players;
• congratulate or commiserate with either player before the game ends, or chat with spectators or people on other rinks.