Excellent observation!
IIRC, the Iroquois invented Lacrosse as a substitute for clan warfare.
Let me see if I can find a reference.
http://www.e-lacrosse.com/laxhist3.htm
“It was played to amuse the Creator, to train young men for war, and to settle disputes between tribes. The game was played by tribes in all parts of the United States and Canada; “
“The game was especially violent when used as an alternative to war to settle intertribal disputes. One example was a game between the Creek and Choctaw tribes in 1790. This game, which was to determine which tribe had the rights to a beaver pond, broke out into a violent battle after the Creeks were declared the winners of the game. Because of the massive attack and the savage play, lacrosse truly was the little brother of war. “