At 93 years old, Frank Foster remains an active soccer referee, officiating matches three times a week. His 46-year career on the field, during which he has overseen approximately 5,500 games, is attributed to a lifetime of healthy habits, including a diet influenced by strict wartime rations.
Foster, a great-grandfather, credits the "healthy food" he consumed as a teenager during wartime for establishing a strong nutritional foundation, contrasting it with a diet of "sweets and cakes." His game-day preparation continues to focus on wholesome nutrition, often starting with oatmeal or cereal to ensure he has the energy for a full 90-minute match. This routine enables him to referee men's, women's, and children's games.
A military veteran who passed his referee exam with a 98% score in 1980, Foster employs what he describes as old-school discipline to manage games. He believes modern elite officials are too lenient with player antics and theatrical diving, stating, "Those who go down like they have been shot, well I would just book them." To maintain control and prevent intimidation, he sets strict ground rules before games begin and is firm with players who attempt to surround him, warning them with yellow cards if they do not stay in their designated positions.
Foster also opts out of modern video review systems, which he feels create unnecessary "aggression and disappointment" over minor infractions like microscopic offside calls, arguing that it "spoils the game."
He continues to maintain his refereeing kit and boots meticulously, ensuring they are neat and clean for each match. Foster expressed surprise at still being active at 93 but is committed to making the most of his continued ability to officiate.