"The good folks that run the sport of lacrosse need to change the rule when the ball leaves the playing field. Whichever team is nearest to the ball - when it leaves the playing field - is awarded possession." You have this wrong. The ball is only awarded to the person closest to the ball when it goes out AFTER A SHOT ON GOAL. If it is a missed pass or dropped ball that goes out, it is awarded to the other team (like basketball). The main reason for this rule about shots-on-goal is so that an offense will not hesitate to shoot the ball, as they know there's a chance they'll get it back (an attacker is often stationed behind the goal so that the offense gets it back). Probably about 40 to 60% of shots are on goal, most of the rest go out of bounds. If the offense gets it back because they hustled to get closer to the ball or stationed a player in prime position, then think of it as an offensive rebound. It adds another element to the game, keeps offenses shooting. Plus, a fast goalie can sometimes beat the offense to the ball on a missed shot by sprinting after a missed shot. This guy pulled it off a lot at U of Albany: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnWPmVcov5s