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OBR is ok with crashing the catcher in any way to dislodge the ball. So under OBR, no penalty. However, NCAA and FED would not allow a base runner to kick at a catcher with intent to dislodge the ball. This is a safety rule and since NCAA and FED take care of it, I would rule likewise for all youth leagues, at all ages. If a coach wants to argue I will say I only have two options, an out or an out and ejection for malicious contact. That will send the coach back to the dugout. I have an OUT, even if the catcher drops the ball.
Now if you rule this way, you don't have the league president on your back, because all the parents are concerned for the safety of their players. The proper way for him to address the situation is to discuss with whomever is booking the umpires (ie there is a chain of command), and then they can come to me to discuss in private. If I get a League President giving me a reprimand when I arrive at the field for another game (ie he has hunted me down, and I have not heard this from my booking agent first) I will be happy to discuss with him, explain rules, etc., and if we can not reach consensus that he is full of sh*t, then he can get dressed to do the game in my place, as far as I am concerned.
If he comes during a game with a rulebook in hand to discuss something that happened 2 innings previous, then there will be a game delay as I explain the rules to him, which may include the fact that judgement calls are not to be questioned, by coaches, managers, or league presidents.
By the way, I have never had a league president bother me before or during a game, but if it ever happens, it's not going to make me a happy camper.
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