Ruling a Motion Out of Order

[Guest Diana]

If a motion is made that is clearly out of order can the Moderator refuse to accept/acknowledge it and state it is out of order because (giving the reason) or does a member of organization have to call a point of order?

[Chris Harrison]

If a motion is made that is clearly out of order can the Moderator refuse to accept/acknowledge it and state it is out of order because (giving the reason) or does a member of organization have to call a point of order?

The Moderator can rule the motion out of order stating the reason for doing so and that ruling is subject to Appeal.

[Guest Diana]

The Moderator can rule the motion out of order stating the reason for doing so and that ruling is subject to Appeal.

And how, and to whom, can they appeal?

[David A Foulkes]

And how, and to whom, can they appeal?

After the chair gives a ruling (either on his own such as in this case, or in response to a Point of Order by another member), any member can Appeal the decision of the chair. This is a method by which the unilateral ruling of the chair is placed into the hands of the assembly to decide if his ruling should stand. It requires a second, and under certain circumstance is not debatable, and is not amendable. A majority vote in the negative is required to overturn the chair's decision.

So, the Appeal is essentially to the Chair, and by doing so the matter is entrusted into the hands of the assembly to decide. It must be made at the time the Chair offers his ruling (on whatever the matter), so if any further debate or business occurs, it is too late to present an Appeal.

See section 24 (RONR 10th Ed.) for more details.

[Gary Novosielski]

And how, and to whom, can they appeal?

Any two members (mover, seconder) can Appeal From the Decision of the Chair. Members may each speak once on the issue, except the chair who may reserve the right to speak twice (typically first, and last). Majority required to overturn the decision.