Free Throw Lane Positions

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by Jim Henry

Going over some rules review between plays of SNF (Go Colts) and came upon this post from last year.
Rule 8-1 Art4c says "...SHALL be occupied by opponents of the free thrower."
In the case book, 8.1.3 situation says in the ruling, "...the first mark spaces MUST be occupied by opponents..." I assume SHALL means MUST because SHALL is defined as mandatory. Not trying to split hairs but I suggest that the rule and case sit should use the same words. I can see the coach in the above mentioned sit arguing the verbiage. If it happens to me, I'll pull out my Webster Pocket Dictionary, not the rule book.

Shall and must are the same. Any attorney can tell you that is one of the first things that is taught at law school.
But just for the sake of clarity the governing body at one level of a sport which I officiate just decided to change all of the instances of "shall" to "must". I can't recall right now, if that was soccer or basketball.