OFFICIATING
Bowls SA supports a national framework of accreditation for Officiating.
This framework is provided by Bowls Australia and includes a combination of online and face-to-face learning and assessment. A national framework ensures consistency, minimum standards of expertise and the broad understanding of best practice in officiating.
Accreditation and Reaccreditation of Officials
The State Umpires Committee has reviewed the procedures to be undertaken for accreditation and reaccreditation of Officials (Umpires, Markers & Measurers) in order to satisfy the requirements of the National Officiating Accreditation Scheme (NOAS).
All Presenters and Assessors (Umpire Educators) were sent an email with a document outlining the procedure and updated resources for conducting courses and assessments.
To assist with administration, members of the State Umpires Committee have been assigned to designated areas of SA. Each member will work with the Officials, Presenters and Assessors and liaise with Regional Umpires Committees and/or Umpires Discussion Groups within their areas to facilitate the smooth operation of the accreditation procedure and to assist in ensuring access to courses and assessments for all who wish to be accredited.
State Officiating Committee
- Sandy Wallace (Chair)
- Joan Prosser
- Di Milner
- Vic Culbertson
- Brian Leckie
- Ian Graetz
- Rob Mckeown
For all National Official’s Accreditation & Reaccreditation, Officiating and Law enquiries please contact Bowls SA:
Email: reception@bowlssa.com.au
Phone: 08 8234 7544
Administration Procedure Overview
The candidate for accreditation or reaccreditation completes the appropriate online application form in expression of interest tab below.
- Bowls SA verifies the details on the form
- The members of the State Umpires Committee ensure that the candidate is assigned to the appropriate course and/or assessment with an appropriate P&A. The State Umpires Committee will work with Regional Committees as appropriate to ensure that candidates are assigned to courses.
- The Presenters and Assessors conduct the courses and assessments and forward notification of assessments to Bowls SA.
- The State Umpires Committee confirms the outcome of the assessment, after which the details of the candidate are submitted to Bowls Australia and the NOAS accreditation is issued.
The role of the State Umpires Committee is also to work with Regional Umpires Committee to support those bodies in their work to promote quality officiating and to liaise to arrange courses and assessments as required.
Laws of the Sport of Bowls
Follow the link to purchase your official Bowls Australia publication providing guidance to Bowls Australia Laws of the Sport of Bowls:
Want to get involved?
Markers, Measurers & National Umpires play an important role in managing and allowing a match to be played safely, fairly and within the laws of the sport of Bowls.
Bowls SA Officiating Accreditation Process 2024
How to Become an Official
Take the first step towards becoming a marker, measurer or umpire and get yourself enrolled into one of our Officials Courses. Bowls Australia’s accreditation system is an educational pathway for people seeking to develop their skills as an official.
The four accreditations are:
- Marker
- Measurer
- Umpire
- International Technical Official (ITO)
These accreditations are skill-based and require specific competencies.
You can choose to gain accreditation as a National Umpire which encompasses accreditation as a Marker and Measurer, or you can choose to just complete a Marker or Measurer accreditation depending on your interests and needs.
The final step in the Officiating pathway is the ITO. This accreditation is a World Bowls accreditation. The ITO accreditation is designed for those already accredited as National Umpires, who wish to umpire at national and international events such as the Australian Open, Commonwealth Games, and other major events.
All accreditations last for four years and after this period of time, you will need to successfully complete a re-accreditation course to maintain the qualification.
What is involved?
If you decide to undertake any of the courses, you can expect:
- Some pre course readings
- 4-hour small group session facilitated by one of Bowls SA qualified Presenter and Assessors
- Practical and theory assessment
- Ongoing communication from Bowls SA
The assessment is based on the Bowls Australia Laws of the Sport theory examination, and practical evaluation through an established competency-based assessment system and self-reflection.
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, State events and National events.
The interactive Marker 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 performances 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 Sport 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 of 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 the 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. The 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 participants 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 Sport 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 and must have successfully completed the Marker & Measurer Modules.
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 completion of this 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 Sport 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.
Presenter and Assessor (Officials)
Having highly competent Officials is paramount in any sport, with bowls being no exception. The process of accrediting Officials is crucial to the continued integrity of the sport Lawn Bowls. The Presenters & Assessors are charged with duty to conduct courses to for the Accreditation and Reaccreditation of Officials.
Presenter & Assessor Accreditation
To accredit to become a Presenter & Assessor:
✓ Been an Accredited National Umpire for a minimum of 4 years.
✓ Must be physically able to kneel on the bowling surface to conduct a measure and able to stand up without physical support.
✓ Maintain a Police Check and Working with Children Check as per BA’s Member Protection Policy.
✓ Be assessed by the Chair State Umpires Committee (or their nominee), or a nominated P&A Mentor and be deemed competent by meeting BA’s Presenter/Assessor Reaccreditation Assessment Sheets (A).
To maintain your Accreditation as a Presenter & Assessor
✓Follow the Presenter and Facilitator Guide as per the current National and Officials Accreditation Scheme.
✓Continue to abide by the Presenter and Assessor Code of Ethics, which must be signed and submitted with Presenter/Assessor Accreditation Application
✓ Maintain a National Umpire or International Technical Official (ITO) accreditation.
✓Present and deliver at least one officiating course (accreditation and reaccreditation per year)
Presenter & Assessor Reaccreditation
Every four years, all Presenter and Assessors must undergo reaccreditation by the Chair State Umpires Committee (or their nominee), or a nominated P&A Mentor, and be deemed competent by meeting BA’s Presenter/Assessor Reaccreditation Assessment Sheets (A) every four years. Assessment is required for both Presenting and Assessing.
To Reaccredit as a Presenter & Assessor you must:
✓ Must be physically able to kneel on the bowling surface to conduct a measure and able to stand up without physical support.
✓ Maintain a Police Check and Working with Children Check as per BA’s Member Protection Policy.
✓ Be assessed by the Chair State Umpires Committee (or their nominee), or a nominated P&A Mentor and be deemed competent by meeting BA’s Presenter/Assessor Reaccreditation Assessment Sheets (A).
✓ Continue to abide by the Presenter and Assessor Code of Ethics, which must be signed and submitted with the Presenter/Assessor Reaccreditation Application.
✓ Maintain a National Umpire or International Technical Official (ITO) accreditation.
✓ Present and deliver at least one officiating course (accreditation and reaccreditation per year).
International Technical Official 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 (State/Region) 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 (State/Region) events in the two years immediately prior to the date of application.
UPCOMING COURSES
2023-24 Officials Calendar
To Register for a Official courses please click on the course that suits you.
Please note: if no events appear above at any point, it means that there are no current courses confirmed at this point in time
Investment
- Marker $33
- Measurer $33
- Umpire $33
The total investment to become an umpire is $99, this has been spread out over the three courses – Marker ($33), Measurers ($33) and Umpire ($33) as all are required to become an Umpire.
- Re-accreditation courses $33
Those registering for a course will need to purchase the Law Book and Officials Manual online from the Bowls Australia Online Shop.
How to register
From October 2021, registrations for Bowls SA courses are being managed by online registrations.
Step 1:
Identify the course that you are interested in attending.
Step 2:
Click on the registration link for that course.
- Submit all required information
- Review the terms and conditions of the course
- Make payment
Step 3:
Ensure you have a copy of the Law Book and Officials Manual.
These can be purchased from Bowls Australia. As these come from interstate, please allow enough time for you to receive them
Step 4:
Once registered, look over the content and check your emails (including junk or spam) for confirmation communication.
Please note:
- If you have limited access to the internet or need some support in registering, you can seek support form your club committee or give Bowls SA a call on 8234 7544.
- We will also work closely with the Presenter and Assessors who support country regions in finding the best solution for registering members for courses in their area.
Expression of Interest
For Members
- If you are interested in becoming an official, sign up to be the first to hear about new course dates.
- You can unsubscribe at any time.
For Clubs
- Associations and Clubs can now request an Officials Course to be held at a venue of their choice.
- Just complete this request form to let Bowls SA know you are interested, and we will work with our volunteer presenters and assessors to book training for your members.
The above information will also assist us with planning the location of future course opportunities.
Resources for Officials & Players
Umpire’s Kit
The Laws of the Sport of Bowls require that Clubs provide their Umpires with suitable equipment to carry out their duties. Measurers and Umpires should ensure that their Club’s kit and equipment is complete, in good working order and well maintained.
Overview of equipment
Law 54 deals with the minimum equipment that should be available. There is a range of equipment available for Measurers and Umpires. Measurers and Umpires should ensure that their Club’s equipment is sufficiently comprehensive to cover measuring and other situations that might arise.
MORE INFO
For information on Officials please contact
8234 7544 or email: reception@bowlssa.com.au
