Crossword Genius

Small staff a sports club takes on (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

baton

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'small staff' is the definition.
'baton' can be an answer for 'staff' (I've seen this before). I'm not sure about the 'small' bit.

'a sports club takes on' is the wordplay.
'a sports club' becomes 'bat' (I've seen this in another clue).
'takes' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'bat'+'on'='BATON'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for baton that I've seen before include "Stick passed in relay races" , "Short rod (that can be passed!)" , "It's passed in a relay race" , "Relay runner's stick" , "Relay race stick" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.