Wikipedia:The admin baton

The baton being passed from one admin to the next.

After DanCherek's RfA, Tamzin started a tradition of "passing the baton" to the newest admin. The tradition took hold, and the baton is still making its way around the 'pedia. It is a part of the generous benefits package new admins receive, almost as valuable as the T-shirt and 100% pay raise.

Appearance of the baton

There is no designated image of the baton, and the admin who passes the baton may pick whatever image they please from Commons. Whatever form the baton takes, though, it should be understood to bear this inscription:

Tamzin started this tradition to recognize DanCherek for his bravery in ending the three-month drought that began with the conclusion of her own acrimonious RfA. It serves as a reminder that, despite dramas petty and grand, we work together to build an encyclopedia—and serves to recognize those who subject themselves to a nerve-wracking and often unfair process out of their dedication to this project. You, holding this baton, are saluted by all its past holders. Thank you.

FAQ

Optional questions from Admin hopeful

1. When will I get my baton?

A: First, you have to pass your RfA—which is not an easy feat! If you are successful, congratulations! Historically, the previous baton-holder will leave you a message on your talk page within a day or two of the closure of your RfA. I know that receiving the baton is the entire reason you ran in the first place, but patience is a virtue!

2. What if the current baton-holder is inactive?

A: It has happened before. In that instance, Tamzin did so on behalf of the inactive user.

Optional questions from Baton holder

3. As the baton holder, what are my responsibilities?

A: The baton holder's job is to pass the baton as soon as humanly possible. Think of the baton as a hot potato. You can accomplish this by encouraging good candidates to throw their hat into the ring. Once someone is successful in their RfA, leave the baton and a message of encouragement on their talk page.

4: Anything else I should be doing in the meantime?

A: I suppose you could make use of the tools you just received.

Optional questions from Miscellaneous question-asker

5. Who currently holds the baton?

A: ComplexRational.

6. How long have they held it for?

A: 3 years.

Path of the baton

Date	RfA	Passer
August 9, 2022	DanCherek	Tamzin
August 15, 2022	DatGuy	DanCherek
August 19, 2022	Femke	DatGuy
August 31, 2022	Z1720	Femke
September 21, 2022	ScottishFinnishRadish	Z1720
October 2, 2022	Whpq	ScottishFinnishRadish
October 14, 2022	Isabelle Belato	Whpq
December 15, 2022	Extraordinary Writ	Tamzin
December 21, 2022	ComplexRational	Extraordinary Writ