Little League Question

[Mountaineer]

We had a play last night in a LL tournament game that we need clarification on.
Major Girls: R1 on 2nd, R2 on 1st - pitcher throws an illegal pitch. The umpire correctly calls the illegal pitch, as the ball gets to the batter the coach has the runners moving and moves them ahead one base. I realize that the runners do not advance on the IP as they do in HS, ASA, and NCAA - but can they steal on the pitch in LL? I know the rule book says "if a play follows the IP that the offensive coach has the option . . ." my next question is - is a steal considered a "play" in a delayed dead-ball situation.

MY initial reaction is - the offensive coach only gets the option if the batter puts the ball in play, otherwise, the IP is enforced - ball on the batter and all runners back to base occupied at time of pitch.

So here are my questions again:
1) Is a steal considered a play in a delayed dead-ball situation?
2) Can a player steal during an IP? Bearing in mind that we've now tipped the major coach off by calling the IP before the ball reaches the batter so he now has a free attempt to move his kids up without fear of them being thrown out. He can simply "choose" to take the IP and put his kids back - seems unfair to me.
3) Would there be a different ruling on #2 if it were Jr, Sr, BL since they can leave at the time of the pitch?