Sideline Sid - Sports blogger Sideline Sid is a local sport fanatic. Not only is he a classic rugby bloke but he has views, opinions and knowledge on all sports played in the Bay of Plenty.

While the Rugby World Cup is still 12 months away, there are some real changes happening at ITM Cup games this season.
Sidline Sid was at Baypark last weekend where getting in, around, and out of the venue has had some authoritative changes.

While the public would see little difference initially from past seasons, venue security at provincial rugby grounds has been dramatically increased as a trial run for next year's Rugby World Cup.
In the past, we have taken for granted our right to go wherever we want at the bigger sports events in the country with little control or restrictions other than what you can take in the way of food or drink into the grounds.
That has dramatically changed at venues such as Baypark and at Rotorua International Stadium and other grounds that will host the Rugby World Cup matches.
The big word for all other people other than the paying public is accreditation. From players to match officials, media, and the myriad of volunteers who roll up their sleeves and help on game day - they must have all filled out the necessary documentation and in most cases supplied a photo for ID to gain entry to the venue.
One of the busiest persons at Bay Union in the days leading up to the Steamers game with Auckland was the (voluntary) accreditation officer. All the participants and support staff that sought entry last Saturday needed to have an ID swinger.
Many of the rigid controls that will ensure that New Zealand puts on a safe event next year is restricting entry to just those that need to be in various places in the grounds.
Each ID will not only identify the wearer, but will only allow access by way of codes on the identification to specific areas.
At Baypark last weekend there were a number of teething problems as some people tried to talk their way past security (in most cases without success). This was the very reason that the security has been introduced some 12 months ahead of the cup to get people used to restrictions on entry.
While Sidline Sid ran foul of a couple of security staff that seemed to have received their training in Nazi Germany - he understands the need for the upgraded security measures.
The game was played in conditions not much better than the All Blacks water polo test with Scotland in 1975. One outstanding feature was the several thousand Steamers fans that turned up in the terrible conditions to be 'Bay Proud'.

Few provincial rugby unions in the country have more fanatical supporters than the Steamers fans. The biggest fan of all was there impervious to the wet weather.

That saying, that it takes a big man to do a big job certainly sums up Hori BOP. He is never happier than when entertaining the kids that come along, or winding up the opposition supporters. While there is a new kid on the block with Steamie, the new mascot, there will always be a place for Hori BOP as the Steamers number one fan.

Seeya at the Game