Given the following circumstances, please explain the grounds for the umpire calling a "balk." With a runner on 3rd base, the pitcher holding the ball in the stretch position and no other runners on base, the catcher points toward 1B. Seeing this, the pitcher steps back off of the rubber, turns to 1B, and instinctively braces his arms in the event he may need to throw the ball to 1B. No throw was made and as stated previously, no runner was on 1B. The umpire called a balk. Why?

Can not throw or attempt to throw to an unoccupied base. The act would be regarded as to trying to deceive the runner. Balk called.

Even though the pitcher stepped off the rubber it could be argued. But if the umpire thought it was to deceive the runner in any way a balk is called regardless if on the rubber or not.

Correct - A throw or an attempted throw to an unoccupied base is considered a balk.

Clarification: His glove hand and his ball hand were not raised above his abdomen, the movement was a reflex action. Certainly, the umpire was influenced by.the opposing coach who first screamed out "Balk."Were the specific actions of the pitcher enough to be interpreted as an "attempt to throw" and how does the attempt to deceive fit in?

The key word is "interpretation". Was the back of the pitcher to the runner at third and was there movement in an attempt to throw to first even without the breaking of his hands ie: a shoulder jerk or head movement. This could be interpreted as an action to deceive. An umpires judgement call. I'd be more concerned about my catcher telling my pitcher to go to first and my pitcher not knowing there is no one on first. He had no business going there in the first place so the ump thinks its some kind of trick play and calls a balk.

Further clarification: The catcher, who tends to be overly demonstrative on the field, extended his arm as though pointing to 1B. What he was trying to do was signal to pitch outside. The pitcher stepped behind the rubber to then see where he thought the catcher was pointing. At the furthest point, his back pointed to left/centerfield. No attempt was made to throw at 3B.

A pitcher who steps off of the rubber is now a fielder. Where would the balk rule come in.

Regarding the above circumstances, I'm afraid that the call may vary, depending on who the umpire is.

Is there still a warning for balks at 11U?