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I know of no association that REQUIRES the umpire to remove the bat. One philosophy is that if the plate umpire can safely, cautiously and carefully remove the bat, than he should do so. He can either hand it to an on-deck batter if that person is right there to slide it away. They are not, however, to do this unless they can do so safely, cautiously and carefully.
If R3 is coming home for a play at the plate, I won't likely be getting involved. If R2 is going to score on a hit to the outfield, there is generally enough time to remove the bat.
There may be a lot of "clones" out there afraid to do something that is not directed of them, but it is more negligent to leave the bat there when it can be removed safely, cautiously and carefully.
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