One reason for umpire shortages is the growing number of sporting events that require officials. Youth sports have exploded over the past couple of decades or longer, with more and more opportunities for girls in particular to play youth sports. The SEC didn't sanction softball until 1997. You didn't have many college players from the South until the past 25 years. Look at a large high school and count all the sports teams they have including JV and 9th grade teams. There are more youth sporting events going on now than most people imagine.
Also, officials have choices about what sport to officiate. In football, while you have to take a little abuse, you're not as close to the fans as you are in baseball/softball. I have a friend who does only football now because he can't tolerate baseball fans. And it used to be primarily three sports - football, basketball, softball/baseball. (I guess that's four sports.) Now, you've got lacrosse, flag football, I could go on and on.
Also, probably not fair to compare umpiring to other stressful professions because umpiring is a side job. If it were a full-time job with benefits, you might not have such a shortage. But it's relatively low pay job that is often a labor of love. And when the love is taken out of the equation, what's left? And there is now more competition for part-time work, like Uber and Door Dash, or working remotely doing various things where you're more likely to be thanked than yelled at.
Also, officials have choices about what sport to officiate. In football, while you have to take a little abuse, you're not as close to the fans as you are in baseball/softball. I have a friend who does only football now because he can't tolerate baseball fans. And it used to be primarily three sports - football, basketball, softball/baseball. (I guess that's four sports.) Now, you've got lacrosse, flag football, I could go on and on.
Also, probably not fair to compare umpiring to other stressful professions because umpiring is a side job. If it were a full-time job with benefits, you might not have such a shortage. But it's relatively low pay job that is often a labor of love. And when the love is taken out of the equation, what's left? And there is now more competition for part-time work, like Uber and Door Dash, or working remotely doing various things where you're more likely to be thanked than yelled at.