ASA Slow-Pitch Rule Interpretations

Question
Dr Ambrose, I have a few questions that have come up during player discussions recently that I would love your clarification on:
1) If a batter carries the bat to first and touches it, the batter is out.  What would the call be (or would there be one) if a runner that is in the process of scoring picks up the bat that was left by the batter before crossing home so runners behind him will not be hurt while sliding into home later in the play?
2) I had a disagreement with an umpire last night regarding a pitched ball that I caught.  I had originally caught the ball behind home plate but it hit the heel of my glove and popped up and toward the pitcher.  I then moved my glove forward and caught the ball over home plate.  The umpire initially called it a strike then reversed his call because I caught the ball after breaking the home plate plane.  I asked for an explanation and he said the rule was not located in the rulebook but it could be found under Clarifications and Situations.  I searched the ASA site Clarifications and could not find this rule.  Please elaborate on this for me.
3) If a runner slides into home and misses home plate and the catcher misses the tag, what is the proper call?  I think that the proper call is actually no call at all at first because the play is still going on.  Once the runner leaves the field of play he would be called out due to the give up rule.

Answer
Hi Stacey,

In ASA you can carry the bat all the way around the bases if you choose.  You cannot use it as a weapon or to interfere with a play, obviously.

I would have no call on a runner picking up a bat.  I guess if some umpire did the question is what rule did they break?...none btw unless they attack the catcher with it.

I don't where they get some of this stuff "broke the hp plane"???  Sorry can't elaborate on something he made up.  

The proper mechanic is for the umpire to hesitate slightly and if no attempt is made to tag the runner to call a safe. (a runner passing a base is presumed to have touched the base unless a defensive appeal is made) So in ASA the defense must appeal by tag or touching the plate w/ control of the ball that the runner missed the base.  leaving the field of play doesn't mean anything.  After the next pitch or if all infielders have left fair territory no appeal can be made.

hope this helps

Mark