The U.S. boycott in the 1980's Games prevented the team from entering the competition in Moscow. Four years had gone by when the U.S. received the bronze medal in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic games. The U.S. team would keep up its Olympic tradition with competing in Seoul in 1988 and Atlanta in 1996. After the FIH made the first women's cup in 1975, the U.S. team started a striking string of eventful trips to the tournament in 1983. The U.S. qualified for every one of World Cup tournaments including a bronze medal finish in Dublin in 1994. The U.S Field Hockey team continues to keep the public aware and promote the sport as a lifetime activity ("Field Hockey" World). .
The most important thing needed to play the game, the field. Both teams compete on a smooth grass surface or artificial turf field 100 yards (91 meters) long and 60 yards (55 meters) wide. Different lines divide the field into different sections. A goal line runs along the width of the field at each side's end. A wide arc that is called the striking circle extends from each of the goal lines. A center line, (also called a 50-yard line,) runs parallel to the goal lines and divides the field in half. A goal cage sits in the middle of each goal line. The cage has two goal posts that are 7 feet (2.13 meters) high and 12 feet (3.66 meters) apart. A crossbar connects these posts. A strong net is secured to the posts and crossbar. A backboard that is18 inches (46 centimeters) high and 4 yards (3.7 meters) long is placed inside that net. Sideboards that are the size of the backboard are secured to the backs of the goal posts at right angles to the goal line. .
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The players all need equipment to be able to participate. Each of them carry a stick that has a curved end with one flat side on it's right and a curved side on the left. Only the flat side can be used when striking the ball. Every player uses sticks that can vary in length from 34 to 37 inches (86 to 94 centimeters) in length.