How do I become a marker or umpire?
Rule- South Africa
- Bowls South Africa
- Outdoor bowls
- All ages
- Laws of the Sport of Bowls CM4
- BSA domestic regulations
- 2026
- Players
Bowls South Africa trains technical officials through courses set by its National Standing Committee for Technical Officials (Technical Officials Students Training Manual, revised March 2023). The path is:
- Markers Course: terminology and definitions, the marker's duties (law 42) and basic measuring theory and practical.
- Advanced Markers Course: advanced marking and measuring, and practical marking.
- Level 1 Umpires Course: green specifications (laws 46 to 49), equipment (50 to 54), movement of bowls and jack (37 to 38), results and game decisions (22 to 28), irregularities (29 to 31), getting a game underway and players' duties, basic first aid, lightning, and practical measuring.
- Level 2 Umpires Course: arranging games, officials' duties, regulations for play, tournament officiating, presentation skills, advanced measuring and an oral interpretation of laws test.
Candidates who meet each course's requirements are certified by Bowls South Africa.
Updated 22 Oct 2026