jkumpire,
I believe that DG has given you the best advice.
Keep it short & sweet.
I like to think I would have said,
(Q1) "No direct step, Coach."
(Q2) "That is a balk."
(Q3) Silence.
When you "overexplain", you just create the opportunity to get yourself in trouble.
One thing I have learned in my brief umpiring experience is that, on the rare occasion when you are not 100% certain of your call, if you make the call as if you are 110% certain, you tend not to get so much grief about it. If you externally exhibit any signs of doubt or uncertainty, you are almost sure to get some grief about it.
Also, as DG suggests, don't worry about the coach's evaluation; just focus on getting the calls right and properly managing the game. I'm sure this varies from one area to the next, but I have heard of cases where getting a bad evaluation from certain coaches can actually improve one's chances of getting post-season assignments.
JM
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Finally, be courteous, impartial and firm, and so compel respect from all.
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