johnnyg08,
That is correct, the concept of "verbal obstruction" is completely absent from OBR, while it is explicitly present in the FED rules.
Some experienced umpires have suggested to me that, in "lower level" games that use OBR as the foundation ruleset, it might make sense to apply the concept (especially if it is the opposing coach who is verbally obstructing the kid runner) in such games. Personally, I think they've got a point and I believe 9.01(c) would apply.
Visual obstruction, on the other hand, is pertinent to both rulesets.
JM
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