POINT OD ORDER Flashcards
What is Point of Order
A tool, which is used to draw attention to a breach in rules, an irregularity in procedure, the irrelevance or continued repetition of a speaker or the breaching of established practices or contradiction of a previous decision.
Can it be used anytime?
It can be used at any time during a meeting including interrupting a speaker, but it must be valid. A point of order not raised because you disagree with or do not like what is being said
What is the general rule and exceptions in point of order?
A point of order must be raised at the time the rules are broken or else it would be too late. For example, if a motion was made and discussion began on it, it would be too late to raise a point of order that the motion was not seconded. If such a motion was adopted without a second, it remains valid and not having a second becomes irrelevant
What is the exception to late point of order?
It violates the bylaws of the organization or it violates the fundamental principles of parliamentary practice or procedure
Three types of motions
Main Motion: The motion being raised, as to be the prime reason why a business is being conducted.
Special Motion: A motion used to ensure that everything is doing well as the business is conducted.
Incidental Motions: Are motions used to aid the main motion, mostly to expound or put more time to put a motion on debate and dialogue.
When is point of order proper?
What should be avoided in raising point of orders?
Avoid using points of order excessively. Some individuals utilize them to express disagreement with the speaker’s viewpoint. When used incorrectly or too frequently, others in the meeting often become weary of the individual raising them, leading to a loss of support for that person
What are the characteristics of point of order
- A point of order is an announcement that the rules are not being followed”
- A point of order is not a ‘viewpoint’ that you want to share with the group
- “A point of order is not a way to show off your Robert’s Rules expertise
WHAT MUST THE CHAIR
DO WHEN A POINT OF
ORDER IS RAISED?
When a point of order is raised, the chair must immediately stop the process of the meeting to proceed with the point of order. Afterwards, the chair will ask the speaker to resume the seat and list the point of order. Then, the chair will discuss together with the relevant authorities the validity of the issue raised in the point of order
CAN A POINT OF ORDER BE DEBATED
No, when a point of order is raised, it is meant to bring attention to the violation of the rules of order or procedural error, rather than to initiate a debate on the substantive issues being discussed.
CAN A POINT OF ORDER BE CHALLENGED
Yes, an individual can point out the invalidity of ruling of the chair in response to the point of order. Then, the procedural motion “dissenting from the chair’s ruling” should be moved immediately. The motion should be seconded and put to the vote without debate to determine whether the ruling of the chair is upheld or reversed
CAN THERE BE MORE
THAN ONE POINT OF
ORDER AT THE SAME
TIME
Yes, in some rare cases, a second point of order can be raised to counter the first point of order if dealt with incorrectly. However, there can only be one point of order to be considered
SHOULD POINTS OF
ORDER BE RECORDED IN
THE MINUTES
No, recording the points of
order in the minutes is
unnecessary for most
organizations unless the rules
of the organization requires
inclusion of points of order
