Baseline in Babe Ruth

Question
I know you're not an expert in Babe Ruth rules, but I found this extremely interesting and wondered if you'd ever heard of this before.

According to Rule 7.08 (2010 BR Rule book), Any runner is out when-- (a) (1) She runs more than three feet away from a direct line between bases to avoid being tagged, unless her action is to avoid interference with a fielder fielding a batted ball.

Everything I've ever learned about softball is that the 'basepath' exists only when a play is being attempted, and it is between the RUNNER (at the time of attempted tag) and the base they are heading towards.  The 'baseline' (imaginary line directly between bases) is rarely referenced in the rule book.

Answer
Hi Scott,

I think it's a very badly written rule and somebody should look at revising it.

It does seem that they are talking about or describing a "baseline"  though I can't believe that's what they mean.  I don't think they really meant to say you had to stay w/in 3' of a direct line between the bases on an attempted tag.
Plus I think the part that starts w/ "unless her action" is unnecessary and should be covered in a good interference rule. Plus, while you can't interfere, you can't have a basepath if the batted ball is not yet fielded.

Not the most sensible rule I've read.

Mark