Editing Relay race (section)

===Rules and strategy===
Each runner must hand off the baton to the next runner within a certain zone, usually marked by triangles on the track. In [[Sprint (running)|sprint]] relays, runners typically use a "blind handoff", where the second runner stands on a spot predetermined in practice and starts running when the first runner hits a visual mark on the track (usually a smaller triangle). The second runner opens their hand behind them after a few strides, by which time the first runner should be caught up and able to hand off the baton. Usually a runner will give an auditory signal, such as "Stick!" repeated several times, for the recipient of the baton to put out his hand. In middle-distance relays or longer, runners begin by jogging while looking back at the incoming runner and holding out a hand for the baton.

[[File:Relay race baton pass.jpg|thumb|Two runners prepare to pass the baton.]]
A team may be disqualified from a relay for:

* Losing the baton (dropping the baton shall not result in disqualification. See IAAF rule no. 170.6)
* Making an improper baton pass, especially when not passing in the exchange zone
* [[False start]]ing (usually once but sometimes twice)
* Improperly overtaking another competitor
* Preventing another competitor from passing
* Willfully impeding, improperly crossing the course, or in any other way interfering with another competitor

Based on the speed of the runners, the generally accepted [[strategy]] used in setting up a four-person relay team is: second-fastest, third-fastest, slowest, then fastest ([[Anchor leg|anchor]]); however some teams (usually middle school or young high school) use second-fastest, slowest, third-fastest, then the fastest (anchor). But if a runner is better in the starting blocks than the others, they may be moved to the first spot because it is the only spot that uses starting blocks.