93-Year-Old Referee Frank Foster Keeps Whistling

At 93, referee Frank Foster still takes to the field three times a week, brandishing red and yellow cards for his local football league.

The great-grandfather, with a staggering 5,500 games under his belt from a 46-year officiating career, attributes his endurance and health to a lifetime of good habits and straightforward eating, according to reports.

Foster reflects on how strict wartime rationing during his teenage years shaped his diet, steering him toward nutritious meals instead of sugary treats.

Even now, his match-day meals kick off with oatmeal, cereal, or toast with marmalade, all aimed at energizing him for the 90 minutes on-field.

He humorously suggests that his diet helps him stay spry enough to officiate games for men, women, and children alike, though he finds little enjoyment in signaling the end of play.

His mental sharpness and commanding presence are as impressive as his physical stamina.

A military veteran, Foster aced his officiating exam in 1980 with an impressive score of 98 percent. He maintains control over his games with a no-nonsense approach, asserting that today’s top referees often lack the strictness required to manage player conduct. He lays out clear ground rules before each match to keep things orderly and has little tolerance for exaggerated antics.

“Players that go down like they’ve been shot? I’ll book them,” he quips.

Foster is equally adamant about holding his ground when players crowd him.

“I will never allow myself to be surrounded by them,” he insists, reminding players to stay put, or face a yellow card.

He tends to steer clear of the modern trend of reviewing plays via video, as he feels it generates unnecessary tension over minor infractions like offside calls. “It really spoils the flow of the game,” he comments, noting that sometimes, only a player’s toe is offside, which seems absurd to him.

Reflecting on his longevity in the role, he admits he never imagined he’d still be refereeing at this age, yet he embraces the opportunity to showcase his skills.

Living in South Yorkshire, England, he ensures his referee kit is always freshly washed and presentable, and he diligently cleans his black Adidas boots post-game to keep them looking sharp for the next match.