[Mike Simonds]

Just curious...

In our association we don't really follow the 30 minute prior to kick-off procedure, although I think we should...

The problem is that we are required to be in our locker-room no later than 1 hour prior to game-time fully dressed and ready to begin the pre-game.

However, the average pregame often goes over 30 minutes. Therefore, we don't have any officials on the field until about 20 minutes prior to coin-toss.

Do you gentlemen feel that one official should be designated the "watch-dog" who in always on the field no later than 30 minutes prior and is then able to watch the warm-ups, etc.?

I say this because once a few years ago I was on the chain crew and we were on the side-lines waiting for the crew to come-out about 20 minutes prior and one team did this Haka war dance up to the 50 yard line and then their captain stepped across, grabbed a hand-full of turf, threw it up into the air and then chanted some Polynesian taunt to the other team...

The other team seemed a bit amused by all this going on and then proceeded to begin their own team chant...

So the entire incident was very mild but I can see where such antics could get out of control...

So what is the vote out here? Send a crew-mate out at least 30 minutes prior? Or just finish the pre-game and then go late?

Actually, I'm in favor of holding the pre-game on the field, either in the middle of the field or off to the side. That way we have established our presence on the field and complied with the 30 minute rule...