Roberts Rules of Order –
Simplified
Guiding
Pr
inciples
:
• Everyone has the right to participate in discussion if they wish, before anyone may
speak a second time.
• Everyone has the right to know what is going on at all times. Only urgent matters may
interrupt a speaker.
• Only one thing (motion) can be discussed at a time.
A motion is the topic under discussion (e.g., “I move that we add a coffee break to this meeting”). After
being recognized by the president of the board, any member can introduce a motion when no other
motion is on the table. A motion requires a second to be considered. If there is no second, the matter is
not considered. Each motion must be disposed of (passed, defeated, tabled, referred to committee, or
postponed indefinitely).
How to do
things
:
You want to bring up a new idea before the
group.
After recognition by the president of the board, present your motion. A second is required for
the motion to go to the floor for discussion, or consideration.
You want to change some of the
wording
in a motion under
discussion.
After recognition by the president of the board, move to amend by
•
adding words,
•
striking words or
•
striking and inserting words.
You like the idea of a motion being
discussed,
but you need to reword it beyond
simple
word
chan
ges.
Move to substitute your motion for the original motion. If it is seconded, discussion will continue
on both motions and eventually the body will vote on which motion they prefer.
You want more study and/or
investigation
given to the idea being
discussed.
Move to refer to a committee. Try to be specific as to the charge to the committee.
You want more time
personally
to study the
proposal
being
discussed.
Move to postpone to a definite time or date.
You are tired of the current
discussion.
Move to limit debate to a set period of time or to a set number of speakers. Requires a 2/3
rds
vote.
You have heard enough
discussion.
Move to close the debate. Also referred to as calling the question. This cuts off discussion and
brings the assembly to a vote on the pending question only. Requires a 2/3
rds
vote.
You want to
postpone
a motion until some later
time.
Move to table the motion. The motion may be taken from the table after 1 item of business has
been conducted. If the motion is not taken from the table by the end of the next meeting, it is
dead. To kill a motion at the time it is tabled requires a 2/3
rds
vote. A majority is required
to table
a motion without killing it.
You believe the
discussion
has drifted away from the agenda and want to bring it
back.
“Call for orders of the day.”
You want to take a short break.
Move to recess for a set period of time.
You want to end the
meeting.
Move to adjourn.
You are unsure the
president
of the board
announced
the results of a
vote
correctly.
Without being recognized, call for a “division of the house." A roll call vote will then be taken.
You are
confused
about a
procedure
being used and want
clarification.
Without recognition, call for "Point of Information" or "Point of Parliamentary Inquiry." The
president of the board will ask you to state your question and will attempt to clarify the situation.
You have changed your mind about
something
that was voted on earlier in the
meeting
for which you were on the
winning side.
Move to reconsider. If the majority agrees, the motion comes back on the floor as though the
vote had not occurred.
You want to change an action voted on at an earlier
meeting.
Move to rescind. If previous written notice is given, a simple majority is required. If no notice is
given, a 2/3
rds
vote is required.
Unanimous Consent:
If a matter is considered relatively minor or opposition is not expected, a call for unanimous consent
may be requested. If the request is made by others, the president of the board will repeat the request
and then pause for objections. If none are heard, the motion passes.
• You may INTERRUPT a speaker for these reasons
only
:
o to get information about business –point of
information
to get information about
rules–
parliamentary
i
nquiry
o if you can't hear, safety reasons, comfort, etc. –
question
of
privilege
o if you see a breach of the rules –point of
order
o
if you disagree with the president of the board’s ruling –appe
al
o
if you disagree with a call for Unanimous Consent –object
Quick Reference
Must Be
Seconde
d
Open
fo
r
Discuss
ion
Can be
Amended
Vote Co
unt
Required
to
Pass
Main Motion
√
√
√
Majority
Amend Motion
√
√
Majority
Kill a Motion
√
Majority
Limit Debate
√
√
2/3
rds
Close Discussion
√
2/3
rds
Recess
√
√
Majority
Adjourn (End meeting)
√
Majority
Refer to Committee
√
√
√
Majority
Postpone to a later time
√
√
√
Majority
Table
√
Majority
Postpone Indefinitely
√
√
√
Majority