Ahhh...I've wondered this as well. First off, about loading stuff, pit rolls a few things outside, then the equipment crew (none of which, are in pit), loads stuff. Going to practice...our field is really close by. So, the pit rolls their stuff there, but then after rehearsal, our band directors make us take stuff back to our band hall. And they freak out when we dont get the chimes or like, a tiny xylophone. And they dont do stretches, run, or anything.... so...ours get a lazyness credit. (oh, and at contest, our EQUIPMENT CREW unloads pit stuff and it's always right next to where we enter the field)