SHORTMAT originated in Ireland because Ireland has so few indoor bowling greens for winter play. SHORTMAT quickly spread to Wales, Scotland and England, where it is currently the fastest growing section of the sport of Bowls.
| . |
|
SHORTMAT |
|
BACKGROUND INFORMATION |
WHAT IS SHORTMAT?
SHORTMAT is a version of lawn bowls which has grown tremendously over the last
two decades. It is principally played as an indoor game using regulation bowls – ie., the same size bowl as for outdoor play in lawn bowls – on a specially designed
mat.
|
|
HISTORY OF SHORTMAT SHORTMAT originated in Ireland because Ireland has so few indoor bowling greens for winter play. SHORTMAT quickly spread to Wales, Scotland and England, where it is currently the fastest growing section of the sport of Bowls. |
|
WHO CAN PLAY SHORTMAT? Anyone from 9 to 90, with varying degrees of skill and ability – from newcomer social player to the advanced professional bowler –can play and enjoy this game! |
|
WHERE CAN SHORTMAT BE PLAYED?
SHORTMAT is portable and can be set up in minutes and simply rolled up again for
storage. As it does not require committed space, it can be rolled out anywhere
there is a suitable level surface, and is therefore ideal for bowls. social and
sporting clubs, church and community halls, school gymnasiums, office/factory
canteens, hotels, leisure resorts, holiday camps, have all been used in the past
for shortmat.
A space as small as 15.0m (50ft) x 3.66m (12ft) would be sufficient for one
mat.
HOW SHORTMAT IS PLAYED
SHORTMAT is played to rules very similar to lawn bowls. The official length of the mat for competition is 12.2m to 13.7m (40 to 45ft) and width is 1.83m (6ft).
SHORTMAT can be played as singles (two or four bowls each), pairs (two or four bowls), triples (two or three bowls) or
fours (two bowls). A maximum of eight players may participate at a time on each mat.
The duration of the game is flexible and can be varied to suit the players or the circumstances. The length of the game may be set at a predetermined number of shots, ends, sets or
period of time. Scoring is the same as in lawn bowls.
FEATURES, BENEFITS AND ADVANTAGES OF SHORTMAT
SHORTMAT is easy for people to learn. Someone who has never played before can be taught the rudiments of the game
how to hold the bowl and how to deliver it – within 15 minutes!
SHORTMAT doesn’t have the problems of body contact sports and physical characteristics make no difference. Regardless
of sex, age or physical ability, players can all compete and have fun in participating.
The social atmosphere of lawn bowls is well known – and because SHORTMAT takes place in a smaller area and players are closer together, the social interaction is even greater.
SHORTMAT is faster than lawn bowls – almost twice as many ends may be played in a set period compared to lawn bowls, thus adding to the excitement of a team game.
