Catcher Hits Batter

[SoCalASABlue]

"The batter interferes with the catcher's fielding or throwing by leaning over home plate, by stepping out of the batter's box, by making any movement which hinders action at home after the pitch reaches the catcher or the catcher's attempt to play on a runner, or by failing to make a reasonable effort to vacate the congested area when there is a throw to home and there is time for the batter to move away." NFHS 7-4-4.

According to your scenario, the umpire was wrong to even bring up "intent" but made the right call in NOT calling interference IMHO. Your catcher needs to find a clear throwing lane. If the batter had stepped out of the box and got in the way of the pickoff attempt, then I can definitely see the umpire calling interference.

[UmpSteve]

IMO, you aren't applying the rule correctly. Follow the bolds applied below.

The batter interferes with the catcher's fielding or throwing by leaning over home plate, by stepping out of the batter's box, by making any movement which hinders action at home after the pitch reaches the catcher or the catcher's attempt to play on a runner, or by failing to make a reasonable effort to vacate the congested area when there is a throw to home and there is time for the batter to move away." NFHS 7-4-4.