What's it going to look like in 5 years?
 

For years, we have all noticed, and commented on, the general shortage of good umpires. But now, based on a recent event locally, I am wondering if we are approaching a crisis.

An established and well-respected Metro Atlanta umpire association, that has been around for years, was disqualified from GHSA because its membership has fallen below the minimum number of umpires required to handle the high schools in its assigned area.

This association has since merged with another association, which will at least allow the remaining umpires to be able to call ball.

Maybe I am over-reacting, but can't help feel that this is the "first domino".

What it is going to look like 5 years from now?

Who was going to work the games if you disqualify qualified umpires because their membership dwindled?

The umpires were not disqualified as individuals.
It was the local association that was not going to get any games to assign.
But I understand your question, if rhetorical.