The baton has its own position
The UKA 2026–2028 relay rule makes the baton’s position decisive for the takeover zone. The exchange starts at the receiver’s first touch and ends when only the receiver holds it. The rule considers the whole baton.
An outgoing runner’s torso is already inside the zone while their arm reaches backwards towards a baton still outside it. A frame centred on the runner’s chest can look reassuring while hiding the object whose position matters.
Keep both ends of the exchange
At the other boundary, a shared grip continuing until the baton leaves the zone creates a different timing concern from a completed handover inside it. Inspect the first touch and the end of shared possession separately.
The original comparison explains why two runners both appearing within painted markings is not a complete exchange verdict. The camera needs the baton, its ends and the boundary during the relevant contacts. The close view of the hands also needs the zone boundary in frame; otherwise it can show the grip while concealing the baton’s position. The narrow point is the object and interval assessed.
Questions answered
Is the receiver’s torso the decisive zone reference?
No. The baton is.
Does the exchange consist only of the release frame?
No. First contact and completion both matter.
Sources & further reading
Official references for the subjects discussed. Service terms and device software can change.