The United States Bridge Federation has dropped its effort to punish six members of the women’s championship bridge team for holding up a sign that said “We did not vote for Bush” during an awards ceremony last month in Shanghai.

In exchange, the women have agreed to a statement recognizing the federation’s right to request that bridge teams representing the country refrain from using awards ceremonies for anything other than accepting medals. “I feel vindicated,” said Jill Levin, one of the players.

Jan Martel, the president of the federation, said the agreement ended an affair that had become “divisive” and “polarizing.”

“We all believe it was in the best interests of bridge to have this resolved,” Ms. Martel said, “and we all care much more about those interests than our own egos.” She said she hoped publicity from the dispute would attract new players to the game.