Robert’s Rules – CUASA Cheat Sheet

Types of Motions

Main Motion: a motion whose introduction brings business before the assembly; such motion can bemade only while no other motion is pending

Secondary Motion: serves as a starting point for the division of motions into the classes shown

• Incidental Motion: deal with questions of procedure arising out of: (1) commonly, another pending motion; but also (2) sometimes, another motion or item of business a) that it is desired to introduce, b) that has been made but has not yet been stated by the chair, or c) that has justbeen pending
• Subsidiary Motion: assist the assembly in treating or disposing of a main motion
• Privileged Motion: do not relate to the pending business, but have to do with special matters of immediate and overriding importance which, without debate, should be allowed to interrupt the consideration of anything else

Steps in Making a Main Motion

How a motion is brought to the assembly

1. a member with the floor makes a motion
2. another member seconds the motion
3. the chair states the question on the motion – opening the debate
4. members debate the motion
5. the chair puts the question (restates the motion and calls a vote)
6. the chair announces the result of the vote

Stating a Main Motion

Whereas, The … [text of preamble clause];

Resolved, That … [stating action to be taken]; and That … [stating further action to be taken].

Once a motion has be stated by the chair it belongs to the assembly and can only be amended or withdrawnby a vote of the assembly.

Rules of Debate/Decorum

• only one question at a time may be considered
• no person can speak until they are recognized by the chair
• only one person can have the floor at any time
• confine remarks to the merits of the pending question
• all remarks are addressed through the chair
• avoid using member’s names
• refrain from attacking member’s motives
• refrain from speaking adversely on a prior action not pending
• no member is entitled to the floor a second time in debate on the same motion as long as any other member who has not spoken on the motion desires the floor.

Interupting the Debate

A member who does not have the floor can interupt the debate for

1. Point of Order: to note a breach of rules or procedures
2. Point of Information: to ask for clarification or more information on a motion or item of discussion. A point of information does not allow the member to interupt to give information on the questionbeing discussed – they must be recognized, in order, by the chair to
3. Point of Privilege: if there is a pressing situation that affects a right or privilege of the assembly or of an individual member (for example, noise, inadequate ventilation, introduction of a confidential subject in the presence of guests, etc.)

*This is an incomplete list. A full copy of Robert’s Rules can be found here.

*Robert’s Rules are modified by the bylaws of any organization. CUASA’s bylaws can be found here.