Officiating

Bowls NSW 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.

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 NSW. 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.

To contact the State Umpires Committee, send an email to umpires@bowlsnsw.com.au

State Umpires Committee
MemberDesignated AreaAreas Covered Include:
Alan Clarke (Chair)WestNorth, Central & South West NSW
Sue ThurleyWestNorth, Central & South West NSW
Gaye ScarfeNorthCentral Coast to Far North Coast NSW
Robyn ButcherSouthFar South Coast NSW
Maureen RandellMetroSydney Metro, Greater Sydney & Illawarra
Gerry MiechelsMetroSydney Metro, Greater Sydney & Illawarra

For all National Official’s Accreditation & Reaccreditation,
Officiating and Law enquiries please contact Bowls NSW:

Email:  umpires@bowlsnsw.com.au
Phone:  02 9283 4555

  • The candidate for accreditation or reaccreditation completes the appropriate application form and forwards the complete form (with any required payment) to Bowls NSW
  • Bowls NSW 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 NSW.
  • 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.

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.

How to become an Official                            

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 

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.

How to Reaccredit your Officiating qualification

Presenter and Assessor (Officials)

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.


International Technical Official – Bowls Australia

Umpires Kit

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.


Please click below link for the list of Recommended Equipment and Documentation for an Umpires Kit:
Recommended Equipment & Documentation


Please click below link for the list of Basic Equipment and Documentation for an Umpires Kit:
Basic Equipment and Documentation

Bowls Australia

Australian Sports Commission

World Bowls