Dropped 3rd Strike Bases Loaded

Question
Scott...
    My Little League Softball (10-12 year olds) team has run into the following situation twice over the last two games that we have played in, and I can't seem to find an answer to help clear up the confusion.  Here's the situation:  the bases are loaded with two outs.  The catcher drops the third strike and the batter runs to first.  
    Here's a couple of questions:  can the catcher step on home and force the runner out from third base, or does the catcher have to tag the runner, as the runner from third was advancing at their own risk?  Also, can the runners come off the bases and watch the play unfold as the catcher attempts to get out the only force out which is the batter running to first and then run the bases after at their own risk?
Thanks in advance for your time and answer.

Answer
Hi Pete,

Thank you for your question.  I'm sure you see a lot of dropped third strikes in that age group!

Here are the answers to your two questions:
1) Yes, the catcher can step on HP and force the runner out from 3B.  No tag is required.  Treat the dropped third strike in this situation the same as a batted ground ball, with all the same tag and force options for getting the third out.

2) Yes, the runners can come off the bases and watch the play unfold as the catcher attempts to force out the batter/runner, but that's a poor offensive strategy against a smart defense.  During a bases loaded dropped third strike, the batter/runner AND all three runners are at risk for both being tagged out or forced out, so they should be running hard at the moment of the dropped third strike.  If I were the catcher and I had just retrieved a bases loaded dropped third strike, and looked up to see the only player running was the b/r, I wouldn't even risk making a throw to force her out.  I would merely step on HP, or walk toward 3B and tag that runner.

Scott Kelly