Short mat bowls is played indoors, so it is an all-year sport that is not affected by weather conditions.

Because the equipment is transportable and easy to set up, it is particularly appropriate for locations that are also used for other purposes such as village halls, schools, and sports and social clubs; it is even played on North Sea oil rigs.

In serious competition matches, such as organised in UK and Europe by SMPT (Short-mat Players Tour), a specific number of 'ends' are played.

In short mat bowls; the game has been simplified, to allowing the winning skip to simply place the jack on a line determining a preferred the length .

[5] The origin of the short mat bowls game is uncertain, but one story is that it was first played in Wales by two South Africans who came to work in the area.

It was introduced into England by Irish expatriates, but development was slow until the 1980s when its potential as a low cost sport for people of all ages was realised.

[6] The English Short Mat Bowling Association (ESMBA) was formed in 1984, and is now the governing body of the sport in England.

At a more local level, 37 County Associations arrange a series of League, One Day and Knockout competitions within their own geographical area.