SouthGaRef,
The rule tibear posted has absolutely no relevance to your situation. The rule you are looking for is (OBR) 7.07:
Quote:
7.07
If, with a runner on third base and trying to score by means of a squeeze play or a steal, the catcher or any other fielder steps on, or in front of home base without possession of the ball, or touches the batter or his bat, the pitcher shall be charged with a balk, the batter shall be awarded first base on the interference and the ball is dead.
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If the catcher can do as his coach suggested and manage NOT to interfere with the batter's opportunity to hit the pitch, he is fine. If he interferes with the batter and/or steps on or in front of the plate without the ball, he's not.
The umpire is correct on the essential point that the penalty includes a balk (the significance being that ALL runners advance, even if they were neither stealing nor forced), though his statement was kind of "technically" incorrect. The pitcher is charged with a balk as a result of the catcher's actions.
JM