An electronic timing system for timing of athletic events is provided. The timing system includes one or more vertically oriented radio-frequency identification reader assembly, a portable timing controller, a remote server, and a radio-frequency identification timing tag that is configured for attachment to an athlete. The vertically oriented radio-frequency identification reader includes an antenna assembly, a water-resistant radome surrounding the antenna assembly, and a tripod supporting the radome and antenna assembly. The portable timing controller includes one or more input/output devices, such as Ethernet or USB ports, for exchanging data with the radio-frequency identification antenna. The remote server also includes similar input/output devices for exchanging data with the input/output devices of the portable timing controller. The timing tag and antenna are configured for wirelessly communicating data between one another.