The Coin Toss

Related Scripture:

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven.”  Matthew 5:16.

The coin toss in football dates to the very earliest days of American football.  It was part of the first-ever intercollegiate football game, played on November 6, 1869, between Rutgers and Princeton to determine which team would get the first opportunity to possess the football.  It’s an important part of the game, especially when two teams play overtime, and the winner of the toss decides whether to go on offense or defense first.

I have witnessed many coin tosses over the years and have noticed how differently Referees go about conducting the toss.  One toss recently caught my attention.  I attended a televised FCS collegiate football game and witnessed, in my view, an extraordinary coin toss.  Fellowship of Christian Officials (FCO) produces a coin with the FCO logo (a cross emblazoned with an official’s shirt and hat) on one side and the Christian and American flags on the other.  During the coin toss, the Referee turned on his microphone so the entire stadium could hear the proceedings of the toss.  He explained to the captains that he had a coin and on one side was a cross, and on the other side there were two flags and he then proceeded to conduct the toss.  As I listened in, it occurred to me that he was using an FCO coin.  I thought to myself, I have the same coin.  How cool is that?

I was reminded that during football games there are countless ways, and many are subtle, that we as officials can employ that serve as a witness for Christ.  Maybe it’s using an FCO coin during the toss, wearing a WWJD or other arm band, or more importantly simply representing Christ through our words, deeds, and actions while we officiate.  Make it a point every time you hit the field or court to keep the words found in Matthew 5:16 entrenched in your heart.

Questions to Ponder

Do you have any subtle, yet powerful, ways you show your faith in Christ on the field or court?

Tom Skinner - Lanier Football Officials Association (LFOA) - FCO Officer -Snellville, Ga