verbal interference

It is a rule in the NFHS rule book 2-22-1. I don't have access to the rule book but an example on site is below. Different situtation but sounds like it would apply to your case

With R1 on third, B2 hits a fly ball to the outfield. As the runner on third tags, the defensive coach (in the third-base dugout) yells, "Go, go, go," to the runner tagging. R1, as a consequence, leaves the base before the catch and must return to tag the base. RULING: This is verbal obstruction. At the end of playing action, U1 will award R1 home due to the obstruction. U1 will also warn the coach that his actions are not in accordance with fair play. (2-22-1, 3-3-1g-4, 8-3-2)

I saw it called once when a young man slid into 2nd on a DP attempt and yelled. The throw was late to first but the ump called the runner out. I also heard that ump bragging about that call a year later at a local watering hole.

Wow, I had never heard of a verbal interference...

First off lets clarify this...it is not interference it is obstruction. The Offense inteferes, the defense obstructs.....

This is a NFHS rule only.....

NFHS rule 2-22-article 1

obstruction is an act (intentional or unintentional, as well as phyisical or VERBAL) by a fielder or any member of the defensive team that hinders a runner of changes the patter of play.

NFHS official interpretation from Elliot Hopkins to umpires is "ANY VERBAL DECOY such as but not limited to "I got it" or "go, go, go" is obstruction....

also note that almost all physical decoys are legal. pretending to field a grounder, catch a popup are legal....only fake tags are forbidden.......

NCAA and OBR do not have this provision.

piaa_ump,

From the dugout, one of our kids yelled "TAKE TAKE TAKE" to our hitter when a runner got a HUGE steal break...just telling him to take the pitch. The umpire warned our player for "obstruction". I politely and quietly reminded him that the offense "intereferes" and does not obstruct. He didn't like that too much, even though it was just a quiet conversation between us.