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Membership cards represent a versatile and technologically advanced solution for the identification and management of members within sports federations and associations. Their primary function is the recognition of athletes, both within training facilities and during federal or amateur competitions.
The adoption of cards for federations simplifies management and enhances the membership experience. Here are the main benefits derived from their use:
The use of cards within federations allows for the centralisation of member data into an accessible database, enabling precise management of deadlines and renewals.
If the facility includes access control, the cards allow for effective monitoring of entries and exits, preventing unauthorised access and ensuring a protected environment for athletes and staff.
A customised design strengthens the club’s identity, transforming a simple badge into a symbol of belonging for every member.
The terms of use for services can be printed on the reverse of the federation cards, making them available for consultation at any time.
Card for sports federations are available with various technologies:
Membership cards with barcode: they feature a printed barcode or QR code on the membership card that can be scanned by an optical reader.
Magnetic stripe cards: they have a magnetic stripe, either black or coloured, on the back. To activate a gate, the card must be swiped through a reader.
RFID membership cards for federations: these cards have an embedded contactless chip, allowing the card to be read without physical contact with an RFID reader. This feature makes RFID membership cards for sports federations more durable and long-lasting.
The cards used by federations come as standard plastic cards in ISO format, or as paperboard cards.
Plastic cards are compatible with barcode printing, the application of magnetic stripes, and the integration of contact or RFID chips; they have a much longer lifespan due to the nature of the substrate, which makes them extremely robust. They are available in four different materials: PVC and PETG, which are flexible and resistant; degradable PVC and recycled PVC, which maintain the high-quality standards of the standard material but are more sustainable.
At Partitalia, we produce and supply customised membership cards using various printing techniques: paperboard cards can be printed using offset technology and customised with member data via inkjet technology.
Standard, recycled, and degradable PVC cards, as well as PETG cards, are easily customised using thermographic, inkjet, re-transfer, or laser engraving printers, which allow for the inclusion of the member’s photo and details. To allow data to be added to the card using a pen or marker, a signature panel can be printed on the card, enabling freehand writing.
In this section you will find the most frequently asked questions about membership cards and their use in sports federations.
The membership card is a document issued to each member of a club or sport federation, allowing for the identification of athletes and improving the management of the organisation. Furthermore, it is essential for participation in events, competitions, and initiatives organised by the sport organisation.
Cards for sports federations are available in paperboard or as plastic cards in ISO format. Plastic cards are considered the best option for federations due to their robustness and long lifespan. They are made from PVC and PETG, flexible and durable materials, as well as degradable PVC and recycled PVC, which are more sustainable but still offer excellent technical characteristics.
Yes, membership cards made of paperboard, PVC, degradable and recycled PVC and PETG are compatible with the printing of a barcode or QR code on one side of the card, which can be scanned by an optical reader.
The data stored on membership cards varies depending on the technology used and the specific needs of the sport association. Generally, there are two main categories: personal and contact information (first name, surname, date of birth, gender, residence, email, phone number, photo) and membership data (unique number, membership type, expiration date, membership fee status, authorisations, event participation).
Sure, cards for sports federations can be customised with the member’s data and photo. Partitalia works with a wide range of printing and customisation techniques for membership cards, including offset printing for paperboard cards; thermography, inkjet, re-transfer printing, or laser engraving for plastic cards.
