PROCEDURE IN SMALL BOARDS
- Members are not required to obtain the floor before making motions or speaking, which they can do while seated.
- Motions need not be seconded.
- There is no limit to the number of times a member can speak to a question, and motions to close or limit debate generally should not be entertained.
- Informal discussion of a subject is permitted while no motion is pending.
- Sometimes, when a proposal is perfectly clear to all present, a vote can be taken without a motion having been introduced. Unless agreed to by general consent, however, all proposed actions of a board must be approved by vote under the same rules as in an assembly, except that a vote can be taken initially by a show of hands, which is often a better method in such meetings.
- The chairperson need not rise while putting questions to vote.
- The chairperson can speak in discussion without rising or leaving the chair; and, subject to rule or custom within the particular bo ard (which should be uniformly allowed regardless of how many members are present), the chair usually can make motions and usually votes on all questions.
Robert's 405-406
Robert, Sarah Corbin, Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised , Glenview, Illinois: Scott, Foresman and Company, 1970.