Softball - Co-Ed, slow pitch

Question

Mark, here is another one.

Last nights game utilizing the 20 ft no return line from 3rd base and the extended 1st base line for the runners from 3rd to cross and not touch home plate.  I am the base umpire.
Bases loaded.  One out.  Ground ball is hit sharply to 3rd baseman. Runners take off.  Fielder touches 3rd base. I call the forced runner out coming from second base.  The runner that just left 3rd but has not crossed the no return line, returns to 3rd and touches bag. I don't make a call because in my opinion the force on the 3rd base runner is off.  In the confusion, the runner on 3rd walks off the bag and goes toward the fence to go around to visiting dugout.  I am ready to call that runner out for giving up on the play and leaving the area.  The ball does go to the catcher and the she touches home plate and the runner was called out by the home plate umpire.  My opinion is that the runner could have stayed on 3rd and been safe since he was not forced to go home when the other runner was forced out.  The home plate umpire ruled that the runner on 3rd had to go home no matter what and when the plate was touched by the catcher, he was forced out for the 3rd out.

Could the runner have stayed on 3rd after returning or did he have to go home no matter what?

Mark, thank you in advance.

Harold

Answer
Hi Harold,

Bases loaded, R2 is forced at 3rd, There is no force now for R1 at 3rd and they didn't cross the cl.  The returned legally IMO to 3rd.  I see no reason to call them out at home as they're certainly not forced to home.

as for wandering off as soon as they leave live ball territory you can call them out.

mark