College football kicks off in just a few weeks, and along with that comes fans’ frustration with the referees. But one ref, Donnie Aultman, isn’t worried because he grounds his identity in Christ.
For him, Saturdays are just another opportunity to share that with the world.
“Often, people see officials as almost not human,” Aultman told Sports Spectrum. “…We’re out there just trying to keep a game going, be a meaningful part of it, but at the same time, people like me are trying to live our faith out through that as well — what God’s called us to do.”
“Just taking that minute for myself — or a couple minutes — just to calm myself and pray,” he added of what he does before games. “Often, I’ll pray for each person on the crew by name.”
We’re cheering for the refs in tonight’s National Championship! ◼️◻️
Donnie Aultman, who graduated from @LATechBUSN in 1994 & 1999 & is a member of our Alumni Association, was chosen to referee the @CFBPlayoff National Championship in Miami. 🏈
Good luck tonight, Donnie! pic.twitter.com/h1PejwnENZ
Related: College Football Players Shows Up to Game Proclaiming ‘Jesus Won’
— LA Tech Alumni (@LATechAlumni) January 12, 2021
Before games, Aultman also hands out coins to donors or children he sees on the sidelines.
One side includes information about becoming a refereeing and the other features Colossians 3:23, which reads, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
“I’ve found that it’s a way that I could not only reach [people] as far as, ‘Hey, maybe you want to be an official one day,’” Aultman said, “but also maybe that Bible verse planted a seed.”
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Just a few years ago, he took his evangelism even further and created a website called Official(ly) His.
Through the platform, Aultman hopes to “inspire current and aspiring sports officials” through devotions “aimed at enhancing teamwork within officiating crews and enriching their spiritual journey with Christ.”
It’s a practical resource too.
“You’ll also find information on the duties of a sports official and guidance on joining a local chapter. Plus, there’s a special section dedicated to teaching kids the values of good sportsmanship, including respect for officials,” Aultman’s purpose statement reads.
“I’ve had NFL officials, high school officials, I’ve had all levels of officials say they’ve used the devotions in their crews as well,” Aultman told Sports Spectrum. “…God has called me to do this and given me the opportunity to do this. And I don’t try to waste it.”
For Aultman, officiating college football isn’t just about calling the game — it’s about building a platform to quietly plant seeds of faith, one coin, one prayer and one crew at a time.
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