At 93 years old, Frank Foster remains an active soccer referee, officiating games three times a week. He attributes his sustained stamina and sharp cognitive abilities to a disciplined approach to life, including healthy eating habits forged during his youth.
Foster's routine involves a morning meal of oatmeal, cereal, or marmalade on toast to provide energy for the full 90 minutes of a match. This dietary habit, he believes, is a continuation of the healthy eating he experienced as a teenager due to wartime rations, which kept him from consuming excessive sweets.
Having begun his refereeing career in 1980, Foster has officiated approximately 5,500 games across men's, women's, and children's leagues. His commitment to the sport extends beyond physical endurance; he emphasizes maintaining authority on the field.
Foster, a military veteran who scored 98% on his referee exam in 1980, enforces strict ground rules before games. He has little tolerance for theatrical dives or player intimidation, stating he would book players who feign injury. He also maintains control by preventing players from crowding him, warning them with the threat of a yellow card if they approach too closely.
He has expressed a disinterest in modern officiating tools like video review, which he feels can disrupt the game and lead to unnecessary frustration over minor infractions. Foster believes that overly close offside calls, sometimes down to a player's toe, detract from the sport.
Maintaining a neat appearance is also part of his preparation; he ensures his kit is clean and his boots are scrubbed after each game, ready for his next match. Foster, who resides in South Yorkshire, England, continues to find fulfillment in officiating.