Like Clockwork.

Hi Everyone,

Elliott Telfer Back again for his 4^th and final contribution to the PR Internship blog! Elliott Telfer is currently employed by RugbyWA/Emirates Western Force on a seasonal paid internship in Events. Elliott Telfer is referring to himself in the 3^rd person because he has been required to do so in the last four days of his internship. He has been required to write the run sheets for the remaining five home games (a full timed plan of how each game/event will run, right down to the amount of sausage rolls in the match day photographer’s room). This Saturday night, the Force take on the Reds in what will be one of their toughest, most exciting challenges yet, and the whole event will be running according to Elliott’s plan.

Whilst writing a run sheet, not only does Elliott have to guesstimate how long the 150-odd individual tasks will take over the course of the day, but it has match up to that of the venue and television schedules. Furthermore, he has to assign himself and his fellow staff members (most of whom he hasn’t yet had the pleasure of meeting) mundane tasks that no one wants to do. Each day at the RugbyWA office, he meets with different departments from within the organisation to negotiate how they want the event operating, unfortunately he can’t let everyone get their way.

The typical run sheet has three columns, one for ‘Time’, ‘Activity’ and ‘Responsibility’. The Time column outlines when an activity must occur, not sooner, not later, but dead on the stipulated time. Activity outlines the task to be completed, for example a task Elliott is allocated for every game is “Final Check of Team Line-ups. Changes relayed to Media Manager, Fox Sports and Lloyd Events.” Under the Responsibility column is the duty in which this activity has been assigned to, for example ‘Telfer’ is printed as the responsibility for the activity above. If anything is unclear, or a task doesn’t get completed because it wasn’t stipulated on the run sheet, its Elliott’s head on the chopping block.

So, for all those that are so kind enough to read this, if you do not hear from or see Elliott following this Saturday’s game, and you happen to hear of an error in the game. Elliott Telfer’s has most likely been decapitated by his superiors. However if you do hear about him following this (and he is alive), everything would have run like clockwork and he will live to see another day.

Elliott Telfer extends his greatest gratitude for reading his past four blogs, they have been a lot of fun for him to write and he has thoroughly enjoyed sharing his experiences with you all.

Best of luck to you and your Internship.

Elliott Telfer (in the 3^rd person)

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First taste of CRISIS MANAGEMENT

Howdy doody everyone,

My name is Elliott Telfer and I'm back for my third blog and I dare say my most interesting and entertaining. For those who don't know me or are unaware of what I'm doing for my Internship, I am an events intern for RugbyWA/Emirates Western Force.

My main duties revolve around game days, I come in 5-6 hours before kick off, set up, prepare, and rehears for the 92 minutes of stress. Before the game I do everything from setting up the player bench to making the final checks of the team line ups before passing it on to Fox Sports. During the game I sit in the control room and act on EWF's behalf, if the venue has a problem, I relay it back to RugbyWA, sort out a resolution and consult the venue.

On the Saturday just gone (13-4-13) in our match v The Crusaders, the venue experienced its worst issue to date. Pitch invaders. not just one, or two, but five. Thankfully only one of which was prancing around in his birthday suit, the remaining four choosing comical costumes. Due to security being overwhelmed by the number of invaders, two of the remaining four invaders were taken down by a player and a member of staff from the crusaders (possibly their best work of the night). This is where it gets interesting, for obvious reasons, I am limited as to what I can and cannot say, but what I can say however as what a headache this has been for the club. The first of the five invasions happened soon after half time, however the remaining four happened in the final five minutes, when the result of the game was very much in the balance, EWF holding on to a narrow two point lead. Play was held up for several minutes as the intruders were dealt with, as a result all momentum from the game had vanished. on Full Time, the EWF defence proved too good and held on for the win (THANK GOD). 

The Crusaders, disgruntled with the fact that there was five pitch invaders, compounded by their team loss, lodged a formal complaint to SANZAR (the governing body of Rugby Union) about the management and state of nib Stadium. As a result, not only does nib Stadium come under the microscope, but so does RugbyWA. Now I can't give details of this enquiry, but I can say how eye opening it is to be involved in PR crisis management, the whole organisation is adapting PR crisis management principles, I'm just glad I know how to handle this situation!

I wish I could reveal more to you guys, I may be able to in the coming weeks, but until then take a look at this statement from RugbyWA on the matter, it may open your eyes a little bit more on why I am being so tight lipped. http://www.westernforce.com.au/NewsEvents/NewsArticles/tabid/905/ArticleID/8860/Default.aspx
I had great hopes for this blog, being able to share my experience with you, but I have to say its hard finding something to say when you aren't allowed to speak about anything!

Thanks for reading guys, best of luck!

Elliott Telfer

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