Crossword Genius

Staff cross when Oscar is dismissed (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rod

'staff' is the definition.
(both can mean a stick or cane)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for rod that I've seen before include "Old saying 'Spare the . . . and spoil the child'" , "Wand - fishing stick" , "A few yards" , "Long, straight stick" , "Flexible stick for 11 Down" .)

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