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NO to calling a strike. 7.3.1 does not provide a penalty strike for stepping out of the box (when the pitcher is on the pitcher's plate). It only puts the batter at risk of having a strike called if the pitcher continues with the pitch. It also puts the batter at risk of being charged with delay (20 sec rule) which then will allow a penalty strike to be called.
Offensive conferences have no direct penalty. The rule only states that the umpire will deny the request for a conference. If, after being told "NO" to the second conference, the coach continues to approach his batter then you have a disciplinary issue between the umpire and the coach. Use your umpire authority and USC rules to put the coach on the bench.
WMB
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