Abstract: An electronic timing system is provided for timing of athletic events including a radio-frequency identification antenna, a portable timing controller, a remote server, and a radio-frequency identification timing tag. The portable timing controller includes one or more radio-frequency identification readers, and a touch-panel computer electrically coupled to the one or more readers to manage data coming into said one or more readers. The controller further includes first input/output means for exchanging data with said radio-frequency identification antenna, and second input/output means for exchanging data with a remote server. The controller also may be powered by portable, user replaceable lithium-ion batteries. The radio-frequency identification timing tag is configured for attachment to an athlete. The timing tag and antenna include means for wirelessly communicating data between one another.

Abstract: A disposable timing tag is provided, including a thin, flexible planar sheet member having first and second end sections, and a middle section. A printed radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit is disposed on the middle section thereof and includes an integrated circuit chip, and a dipole antenna electrically coupled thereto. The dipoles of antenna extend generally along the longitudinal axis of the sheet member toward the first and second respective end sections thereof. The first and second end sections of the flexible planar member are separated from the middle section by fold lines formed in the surface of the planar member extending across the horizontal axis thereof, and the planar sheet member is folded such that the first and second ends thereof are connected to one another and the planar member forms a substantially D-shaped closed loop.