93-Year-Old Referee Frank Foster Still on the Field

At 93, spirited referee Frank Foster isn’t slowing down — he still officiates three times a week for his local football association, waving red and yellow cards without missing a beat.

This great-grandfather, who has officiated around 5,500 matches over a remarkable 46-year career, attributes his health and stamina to long-standing healthy habits and a simple diet. It seems, according to reports, that his early life, marked by strict wartime rationing, led to a preference for “healthy food” instead of “sweets and cakes.”

Even now, his match-day routine includes a hearty breakfast, typically oatmeal, cereal, and marmalade on toast, which he believes energizes him for the 90-minute game.

He jokes that this routine keeps him active enough to officiate men’s, women’s, and children’s matches, although you won’t catch him blowing the final whistle in his leisure time.

Foster’s mental agility is equally impressive. As a former military veteran, he passed his officiating exam in 1980 with a remarkable 98 percent score. His approach to discipline on the field is old-school; he insists that modern referees are “too lenient” and lets players’ antics degrade the game. He establishes firm rules before each match starts to maintain order, showing zero tolerance for theatrics. “I only call out the ones who fall down as if they’ve been shot,” he asserts.

His firmness extends to ensuring that players respect his space too; he’s not shy about issuing warning cards. “I tell the players, ‘Stay where you are,’ and ‘If you move an inch I’ll give you a yellow card.'” It’s about asserting control.

Interestingly, he shies away from modern video reviews. He believes they generate unnecessary tension over minor offside calls, stating, “Sometimes only a player’s toe is offside. That’s ridiculous.” He thinks such practices spoil the game.

Foster admits he never anticipated still being active in this role at his age but is genuinely enjoying his involvement. He maintains a fresh and tidy appearance for every match, ensuring his kit is clean and even polishing his boots after each game.