Rule 2, Sec 32, Art 2(f) says that a slide is illegal if "the runner, on a force play, does not slide on the ground in a direct line between the two bases." However, Rule 8, Sec 4, Art 2(a)(b)(2) states "[r]unners are never required to slide, but if a runner elects to slide, the slide must be legal."
The spirit of the force play slide rule is player safety. I get that, but runners are never required to slide. Here is the specific situation. 6-4-3 DP potential. GB to 6, 4 crossing pattern over 2B dragging toe. R1 comes in jogging and standing up. BR has wheels and is at 1B when 4 throws to 3.
My ruling was R1 out at 2B, BR safe at 1B, no interference because the R1 did not interfere with the throw and BR was already at 1B and R1 did not make contact or alter the play of the fielder especially since 4 was crossing the bag with a toe drag.
Does anyone see this any differently? The rules quoted are from NFHS 2018.