Short mat bowls is an all-year sport unaffected by weather conditions and does not require a permanent location as the rink mats can be rolled up and stowed away. This makes it particularly appropriate for small communities as it can be played in village halls, schools, sports and social clubs, hotels etc. where space is restricted and is also required for other purposes: it is even played on North Sea oil rigs where space is really at a premium. The foam-backed rink mats range from a minimum length of 40ft to a maximum of 45ft. The width is 6ft. The game is played in broadly the same way, and provides the same enjoyment and has the same attractions as outdoor bowls. The object is for each player in a singles game or each team in a pairs, triples or fours to gain as many shots as possible by getting their bowls nearer to the jack than their opponents. The bowls themselves, and the smooth soled heel less footwear are the same as those used outdoors. The presence of the block, which prevents players from playing with force directly towards an opponents bowl in order to knock it out of a scoring position, and the narrow playing area, requires players to develop skill in using the natural bias on the bowls to bowl round the block.
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- East Kent Short Mat Bowls Association Includes rules, league tables, honours, newsletters, and shop.
- Mid Ulster Bowls Features club listings, league tables, fixtures and results, plus history, news and photos, and details of the Irish zoning system.
- Short Mat Bowls Magazine Magazine dedicated to the sport of Short Mat Bowls, providing subscription information and general list of contents.
- New Zealand Indoor Bowls Incorporated Information about indoor bowls in New Zealand, including competition results, regional associations, news, calendar, and list of district coaches.
- Herefordshire Short Mat Bowling Association Details and contact information for affiliated clubs plus County and charity competition information. Includes links to other short mat sites.
- English Short Mat Bowling Association Official site. Contains laws of the game, rules and regulations, competition details and county contacts.
- Lea Short Mat Bowling Club A club located near Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire. Features a history of the club, information about the sport, internal and inter-club competitions, and photos.