Appeal questions

[Illini_Ref]

Appeals have always confused me. Let's assume NF rules.

1. Runner misses first and is diving back. Tag or no? In one case (not this sitch) in the case book, this is referred to as a force play. I have always been taught that the BR to first is NOT a force play, and it is not by the NF definition of force play. If it is not, doesn't the BR have to be tagged?

2. Case in the case book as follows. Runner on second. Ball to LF. The LFer throws home too late, but the runner to the plate misses the plate. Catcher with the ball steps on the plate, before the runner starts to return and throws to second trying to get the BR. The case book says that upon proper appeal the runner is out. What the heck does that mean. Does the catcher has to say "he missed the plate" then throw to second. Or can he step on the plate, throw to second and then say "he missed the plate"?

3. What about the BR who hits a grounder passes first without touching, then the first baseman catches the ball while touching the bag? Out? Or do you make him appeal verbally? I was taught that if the runner is a step past the bag when the throw arrives you signal safe and wait for an appeal. If it is bang-bang you signal out. I know there is a sitch similar to this, but that play has the first baseman catching NOT touching, then stepping on the base which constitutes an appeal.

4. Play at the plate. Catcher misses with the tag and the runner misses home. Signal or no? I had a NCAA umpire tell me that you HAVE to signal if there was a play. In this case you signal safe because the tag was missed. If there was no attempted tag you signal nothing. What if the runner crosses the plate and misses it and there is no play at all? I still signal safe.

Thoughts??????