[AtlUmpSteve]

Just one thing to add.

As an umpire, it is always better to state "in my judgment" rather than "in my opinion". You used that phrase twice in your OP, which suggests to me that this is the phrase you use as your standard.

Get used to using rulebook terminology, even when talking among other umpires, and it will then be natural to use it with coaches. Say circle, not mound, pitching plate, not rubber, catcher's obstruction, not interference, illegal pitch, not balk, and judgment, not opinion.

If you told that coach your opinion, he has every right and reason to attempt to make you change it, with every argument he can think to use. Once it is your judgment, he can only choose to disagree.

Finally, I have been told the USSSA rules most closely resemble NFHS. I refer you to rule 8-8-3, Runner is NOT OUT when .... "more than one fielder attempts to field a batted ball, and the runner comes into contact with the one who, in the judgment of the umpire, could not have made an out."

The ASA equivalent is 8.8-C. NCAA 12.11.11. The only difference is NCAA ends with "play", not "out".