positioning of 3rd baseman

Question
Co-ed softball. Runner on first. Ball is hit to right field, runner rounds second and heads for third. Reaches third standing up then gets hit in the side of the head with the ball after it bounces in front of him from the throw from right field. Where should the third baseman have been? She he have come off the bag since it wasn't a force and catch the ball before hitting the runner. The runner clearly beat the throw.

Answer
Andrew,
    Since the runner clearly beat the throw the third baseman could have come off the bag.  The third baseman shouldn't come off the bag to get the ball if he is going to be in the way of the runner.  The pitcher should be backing up third base in case of an over throw.  The shortstop should be the cut off during the play.  If their is no play on the runner or if the throw is off line than the third baseman should yell to the short stop to cut the ball off to prevent any wild throws.  
    This play starts with the right fielder making a good throw that is able to be cut off if needed.  It also starts with good communication between the third baseman ,shortstop, and pitcher to get lined up in the cut off position.  If all this happens it doesn't matter if the third baseman doesn't get to the ball because the cut off and back ups are in place.  
   Realistically if the third baseman could have gotten the ball without interfering with the runner he should have.  

Thank You,
John Priest