The Chattanooga TSSAA Umpires Association isn't on its last legs, but the group is in desperate need of propping up.
"We have 60 teams (high school and middle school), and in order to support that we need 65-70 umpires," said Ralph Chambers, who handles baseball assignments for the association.
Thus far, with high school teams able to begin practice on Feb. 9, the association has just 40 umpires registered for baseball and about half that for softball.
"There will be a few sign up that we know of, but it's very unusual to have this small amount registered," Chambers said.
Veteran Al Slater, who'll be 74 next month, is staying on the field, and Chambers also talked Harley Grant and John Holder into coming out of retirement.
"Our umpires are getting older, and we aren't getting enough new blood in the system," Slater said.
The pay is $70 per umpire per high school baseball game and $65 for high school softball. Middle school games pay $60. Major expenses are a $50 registration fee, the necessary uniform and equipment and travel.
"There are young guys out there umpiring Dizzy Dean and Dixie Youth and the summer leagues, and we'd like to get them involved," Chambers said. "I don't know if it's lack of interest on their part or not knowing where or how to sign up."
The lack of youth is almost as disconcerting as not having the numbers to cover all the games. There is also the worry of being forced to send one umpire rather than a two-man crew to some games.
"I've been (assigning) for four years and only had to go with one umpire twice," Chambers said. "I don't like to do it. I think you need two in order to do the best possible job."
Anyone interested can contact Chambers at 423-380-5992 for baseball and Larry Bateman at 423-505-4659 for softball. He or she also can check out the group's website at chattaump.org or come to its meetings at 6 p.m. each Monday at Notre Dame.
Contact Ward Gossett at wgossett@timesfreepress.com or 423-886-4765. Follow him at Twitter.com/wardgossett.