Quote:
Originally Posted by MrUmpire
Shall—used to express a command or exhortation b—used in laws, regulations, or directives to express what is mandatory "it shall be unlawful to carry firearms"
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And your point?
It is, indeed, mandatory that F1 [at least appear to] take a sign [from F2] while engaged/ on the rubber.
There is, however, nothing in the Rules that PROHIBITS F1 from taking a sign before engaging, nor taking one from the dugout, his dad or girlfriend in the stands, or The Great Hairy Thunderer; AS LONG AS he ALSO takes [or appears to take] a sign from F2 while engaged and before pitching.
Since anything other than a quick pitch will be interpreted [by any competent umpire] as "taking a sign", the mandatory portion of the Rule is complied with.