Was I out of line here?

[mick]

He then said "but that call is not in the 'spirit' of the rules 'at this level.'" I explained that the safety of the players was always in the spirit of the rules - especially at this level and that this was a dangerous play. The guy's getting really hot at this point and starts barking ....

Coach, when he started barking he probably knew he was not precisely correct and that would have been a good time to say "Thank you", and leave.

...could a player be construed as legitimately going for the ball if the offensive player is *between* her and the ball?

Also, I'd say slim chance, but some. The other night I had the same call, where the little guy lost the ball, chased the Big guy back and grabbed the big guy's shooting elbow/upper arm from behind (I thought out of frustration and with no chance at the ball). Big guy went to the line for 2+ the ball.

mick