INFO: RFID Technology

NOCSAE utilizes Passive UHF RFID tags to identify helmets.  

RFID is an acronym for Radio Frequency Identification.  

UHF is an acronym for Ultra-High Frequency.  UHF tags are both efficient and cost-effective.  

RFID tags contain a memory chip that is programmed at the factory with the NOCSAE ID number.  They also contain a thin metal antenna that is used to absorb energy from an RFID reader and transmit the NOCSAE ID to the reader.  

Unlike Active RFID tags, Passive tags do not contain a battery and do not transmit a signal until they are energized by an RFID reader.  The presence of an RFID tag in a helmet does not expose the player to additional radio emissions.  

Theoretically, Passive UHF RFID tags can be read at a distance of several feet.  NOCSAE tags are typically read at a distance of 12" or less.