An RFID tag assembly for use in tracking or timing of a progress of a user and the method of operating thereof the assembly including an RFID tag having a mounting substrate with an exposed first planar surface and an opposing second planar surface with one adapted for selective attachment to a surface of a carrier and an RFID semiconductor chip having a predetermined operating frequency with an antenna interface mounted on the second planar surface, a conductor, an antenna and a spacer composed of a foam material that is non-conducting and non-absorbing of a substantial amount of energy at the predetermined operating frequency that is attached to the at least one of the first and second planar surfaces of the mounting substrate and is positioned between a surface of the body of the user and the RFID tag for positioning at a minimum spaced apart distance from the surface of the body of the user during operation of the RFID tag.