Umpire Numbers Dwindling Across The State

Every year, fewer and fewer officials and umpires are registering for high school athletics in Tennessee. It has even begun to alter future schedules as every football team in the state will have to play one game on Thursday this coming fall. That problem is trickling its way into spring sports. Recently, a softball game between Page and Spring Hill had to be postponed due to not having any available umpires. We talked to three Upper Cumberland head coaches and got their thoughts on the matter and if they’ve had to deal with missing any games up to this point. Hear from York Institute baseball coach Adam Bowden, Cookeville softball head coach Jordan Webb and Warren County baseball head coach Phillip King on the lack of umpires.