 Historically , the game was developed on natural grass turf . However , in 1976 , the International Hockey Federation ( FIH ) made artificial pitches mandatory at all major competitions . The 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal was the first of these ; however at this time few players had seen nor played on synthetic pitches . Although it is still permissible to play on natural turf all national competitions and international matches must be played on an artificial surface . Elite @-@ level competitions , such as the Olympic Games and World Cup , require a water @-@ based playing surface . However , due to water conservation efforts , this is not seen as a long @-@ term sustainable option and alternative elite surfaces that do not require water are being researched . 
