Does

[BayStateRef]

Originally posted by M&M Guy
If it's always automatic, why not use the word "must" in the rule?

Shall is the language of the law -- and of the rule book. If you were to have a choice, the proper word use is "may."

Virtually every rule in the book is stated as "shall." Every single one says shall, not "MUST."

The rule book has some "may" clauses: (uniform rules such as American flag, commemorative patch; may extend arms/elbows to hold ball under the chin (9-13-2); timer's mistakes (5-10-1); free throw administration delay (8-1-2)

It is your job to know that shall means MUST. Every time. It is not optional.

[Edited by baystateref on Jan 18th, 2006 at 05:08 PM]