Question is whether OP provided accurate and all information on this issue. Previously noted steps on disqualification is standard procedure. If official did not raise yellow flag, he or she can still submit disqualification (some do this verbally and then follow up with written report, depending on Referee). Appeal process provides opportunity for team to get "second opinion", but usually the appeal process will follow form, especially if more than one official sees violation. If the baton was taken before the zone, obviously that is a violation of the rules, otherwise why have exchange zones.
UMPIRING RELAY EXCHANGES
(USATF Rules 127, 163, 170; NCAA Rules 3-5, 5-5, 5-8; NFHS Rule 5-9 thru 5-13)
(Also see the Best Practices “Umpiring – General” paper)
General rules pertaining to running violations apply -- stepping on or over the lane line, interference, running
in lanes, etc. Reminding athletes of relay rules is preventative officiating and can help prevent infractions.
Each Official Should
• Review the Best Practices “Umpiring – General” paper, and have the specified equipment • Know their assigned area of responsibility in exchange zones and the zone markings • Inspect and remove all old tape marks in the run-up area following each race
Flags
• NCAA & NFHS: Raise and hold a white flag when all runners are ready • NCAA & NFHS: After runners pass, raise a white flag when no violation takes place • All: Raise a yellow flag if runners in your zone are not ready for the start. Raise a yellow flag to signal
potential violations. Report apparent violations to the Head Umpire in writing.
Marks
• USATF: One piece of tape, contrasting color, max 5 x 40cm; allowed only for races in lanes • NCAA: Max of two 2” pieces of tape/suitable material, no wider than width of the lane; allowed only
when using the International Zone • NFHS: As designated by the Games Committee
General The baton must be carried by hand throughout the race and passed, not thrown, to a teammate.
Gloves or substances on the hands are not permitted. A runner may not push or pull a teammate. Team
members may run only one leg of the relay.
Placement of Competitors
For all relays Remind runners of the exchange zone limits & markings, and that they may not step back out
of the zone toward the incoming runner
For exchanges made in lanes: • In the 4x100, 4x200 & other relays with an incoming leg of 200m or less, outgoing runners may start in
the International Zone, no more that 10m outside the exchange zone • In all other relays and legs, outgoing runners must be within the exchange zone
For exchanges not made in lanes, outgoing runners are positioned by officials: • USATF: According to the order of incoming runners 200-meters out (entering the curve) • NCAA & NFHS: According to the order of incoming runners as they exit the last curve • All: Once incoming runners pass these points outgoing runners are set in position and may not move,
regardless of shifts in the incoming runners’ positions. Once inner lanes are clear – when those runners
have departed - remaining outgoing runners may move to the inside.
Baton Exchange
• All: The position of the baton, not the athletes, governs the exchange. The baton must be in sole
possession of the outgoing runner within the 20-meter exchange zone • USATF & NCAA: The passing of the baton commences when the baton is first touched by the
outgoing runner and is completed when it is solely in the possession of the outgoing runner • NFHS: The outgoing runner shall not take sole possession of the baton while it is outside the exchange
zone
Dropped Baton
Umpiring Relays, USATF Best Practices Mar 12, (Credit: B. Boyd)