When R3 slides not in a direct line to home plate and hinders F2's throw, what is the ruling?

The correct ruling in this situation is that it constitutes force-play slide-rule interference. According to NFHS rules, a runner must slide in a direct line to the base to avoid interfering with a fielder's attempt to make a play. If R3 slides outside of this direct path and hinders the catcher (F2) in any way while attempting to throw to a base, this is considered interference.

In this scenario, R3's actions prevented F2 from executing a play effectively, which directly impacts the defensive team's opportunity to record an out. As a result, the interference dictates that the play must be ruled as such, and appropriate penalties are applied according to the rules governing slides and interference situations. This mechanism helps to maintain fairness in the game, ensuring that runners do not gain an advantage by disrupting defensive players' abilities to make plays. In essence, this rule protects the integrity of the game's flow and upholds the safety of players involved in the action.