9.01(c) can't create a balk
Steve,
Balks are specifically covered in OBR 8.05. An umpire would be hard pressed to call anything else (except as provided in the rules) a balk. (Such as 8.01 "Pitchers shall take signs from the catcher while standing on the rubber.")
Furthermore, per OBR "Umpires should bear in mind that the purpose of the balk rule is to prevent the pitcher from deliverately deceiving the base runner." Unless you determine somehow that the pitcher is deceiving the base runner by taking signs either off the rubber or from someone other than the catcher, it'd be tough to call a "balk".
The most we could do, I suspect, would be to instruct the pitcher to comply with the rules. If for some stupid reason he fails to comply, you may forfeit the game to the opposing team for willfully and persistently violating any rules of the game. (4.15(e))
Me? I sure wouldn't make a mountain out of a mole-hill. Tell the pitcher he can't do whatever it is he's doing (or not doing)and get on with the game. Heck . . . some pitchers don't even take signs! Some give signs (instead of getting them).
Jerry
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