staffette

Staffette is a term used primarily in British English to describe a relay race in track and field. In a staffette, a team of runners completes the distance by passing a baton from one competitor to the next. The most common events are the 4x100 metres and the 4x400 metres, though the format can be used for other distances in schools, clubs, and championships.

Teams typically consist of four runners, each assigned a leg of the race. Runners must exchange the baton within a designated exchange zone; the final runner finishes by crossing the finish line with the baton. Proper baton exchange, speed, and coordination are crucial. Passes made outside the exchange zone or handling errors can lead to disqualification or penalties.

Etymology and usage: The word staffette derives from a diminutive form of “staff” (baton) with the suffix -ette, reflecting older English usage. In many contexts the event is simply called a relay, and “staffette” is more common in historical writing, certain schools, and some Commonwealth countries. In international competition, the term “relay” is now standard, but the concept remains the same.

History and regional notes: The term dates to the early 20th century and has been associated with school and club athletics in the United Kingdom and parts of the Commonwealth. While broader athletics organizations have shifted toward the generic term “relay,” staffette remains part of the traditional vocabulary in particular communities and event names.