An umpire shortage across the Texoma region has raised concerns as the baseball and softball season nears, potentially affecting timeliness and safety for youth and high school games. The Wichita Falls Umpire Association reports being 15 to 20 umpires short of desired staffing levels, with the average age within the association rising near 45 years. To address the gap, officials note a recent UIL-approved increase in pay—$85 for varsity contests and $75 for sub‑varsity—to attract younger recruits. Texoma Baseball Academy may be among the local programs impacted if rescheduling becomes necessary due to limited umpire availability, particularly given the importance of adequate rest days for pitchers between starts. The association encourages interested individuals to pursue training to support regional competition continuity.