Speak No Evil

Ephesians 4:29 – “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

As sports officials, we often encounter issues that can be difficult to manage – foul language by coaches, players, and fans being one. Foul language seems rampant these days in sports. It’s almost like it’s a routine part of the game. If we are honest, we have probably spewed some choice words ourselves on occasion, especially during a tense moment in a game. There are rules officials enforce that cover unsportsmanlike conduct. However, more times than not, it seems officials are lenient or turn a deaf ear to unsportsmanlike conduct involving foul language unless such language is directed right at officials. There seems to be an attitude among officials that “I have other ‘bigger fish to fry’ than being the language police out on the field.”

The Bible is crystal clear that we are to “put away crooked speech” and we are to never take the Lord’s name in vain. So, as Christian officials, how do we address this issue during a game? From time to time, I will remind a player not to use foul language around me or I may politely ask a Coach the same. If foul language is part of unsporting behavior directed at an official, I penalize the offender. But’s it’s a difficult issue to manage. I think at the end of the day, it’s best to pray and ask the Lord for guidance to help you deal with this issue. It presents yet another opportunity for you to represent Christ out on the field or on the court.

Questions to Ponder:

Do you address foul language on the field or court?

More importantly, do you follow God’s word when it comes to your language?

Tom Skinner - GFOA - Snellville, Ga.