Gourt > Sports > Bowling > Short Mat Bowls
History
The Short Mat Bowls game was first played in Wales by two South Africans who came to work in the area. They had played bowls outdoors in South Africa and, perhaps due to the poor climate and the long close season in this country, they began to play a simulation of the outdoor game on a strip of carpet in a church hall. Some time later, they moved to Northern Ireland and took the new game with them. Rules and conditions of play were drawn up and the game soon became well established in the Province. It was introduced into England by Irish expatriates, but development was slow until the 1980's when its potential as a low cost sport for people of all ages was realised. The English Short Mat Bowling Association (ESMBA) was formed in 1984, and is now the governing body of the sport in England.
Administration
The sport is administered in England at two levels, The ESMBA oversee administration of the National Championships and Inter County Championships in addition to running the National Squad. At a more local level, 28 County Associations arrange a series of League, One Day and Knockout competitions within there own geographical area. The latest figures from the ESMBA puts membership at 25211 bowlers in 928 clubs. The ESMBA rules of the game are followed by the affiliated clubs and also by most others. Most clubs arrange competitions among their own members as well as allowing time for those not wishing to take part in competitions to enjoy informal bowling.
Equipment
The foam or rubber backed rink mats, permanently marked with the required lines, can be purchased direct from the manufacturers or from sports equipment dealers, with or without the necessary mat furniture. The ESMBA specify a minimum mat length of 40ft and a maximum of 45ft. The width is 6ft. The cost of mats depends on the length required and also the quality of the material. The cheapest mats at present (2006) cost under £600 and starter kits, comprising one 45ft mat, two fenders, block, jack, two foot mats and two sets of bowls are available at around £900. More on [ Short mat bowls ]
Indoor Lawn Bowls :: Lawn Bowling
United Kingdom :: Regional
Back from karate. Interesting array of events on offer in village hall - cinema and short mat bowls (not at same time). Also doubles as PO.
MichaelNewbury (Michael Newbury) Sat, 02 Jan 2010 12:25:57 -0000
Back from karate. Interesting array of events on offer in village hall - cinema and short mat bowls (not at same time). Also doubles as PO.
Cornwall County Short Mat Bowling Association - Official site includes news, calendar, rules, results, Hot Shots Club, forum, and related links. Also provides history, description of the sport, competitions, database of local facilities, qualified umpires, and approved markers.
De Vlaamse Curve Bowls Federatie - Provides a history of the Flemish Short Mat Federation from 1988 until 2000.
Meta Description: [ Alles over de Vlaamse Curve Bowls Federatie en curve bowls in België. ]
East Kent Short Mat Bowls Association - Official site for East Kent, England. Includes rules, league tables, constitution, honours, newsletters, minutes, club pages and shop.
Meta Description: [ Descriptive site for the short mat bowler including rules, league tables, constitution, honours, newsletters, minutes, club shop, etc. ]
English Short Mat Bowling Association - Official site. Contains laws of the game, rules and regulations, competition details and county contacts.
Ettington Short Mat Bowls - Features league scores, news updates, club history, and information about the Stratford District League. The site also includes a description of the sport and the mat.
Mid Ulster Zone - Affiliated to the Irish Indoor Bowling Association and consists of 40 clubs in Northern Ireland. Includes club listings, league tables, fixtures and results, history, news, photos and details of the Irish Zoning System
Meta Description: [ MyGroup Portal Description here.... ]
New Zealand Indoor Bowls Incorporated - Contains competition results, regional associations, news, calendar, and list of district coaches.
Meta Description: [ Indoor Bowls in New Zealand, Playing Indoor Bowls ]
Norfolk Area Short Mat Bowls - Contains details about competitive short mat bowls in the county of Norfolk (England).
Meta Description: [ Short Mat Bowls, Bowling, Short Mat, Lawn Bowls, Indoor Bowls, Carpet Bowls, Green Bowls, Rules, Ties, Badges, Cravats, ]
North Yorkshire Short Mat Bowling Association Home Page -
Meta Description: [ Short Mat Bowling in North Yorkshire - The NYSMBA ]
Northamptonshire Short Mat Bowls Assn - The official site for Northamptonshire, with good links to many other short mat related sites
Short Mat Bowls Magazine - Short Mat magazine's master website containing details and articles.
Meta Description: [ Master site for the magazine Short Mat International ]
Short Mat Bowls Map - Map of Uk and Irish Short Mat Bowls Clubs and venues Shorter URL is http:clik.to/shortmatbowls
Yahoo! Groups : shortmatbowls - Message Group for Short Mat Bowlers worldwide
Meta Description: [ shortmatbowls: Short Mat Bowls ]
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