What constitutes a "small board"?

[Gary Novosielski]

It's no more difficult than it was to decide to let them go.

 

Can the presiding officer, on his own initiative, begin to tighten the rules upon sensing that the level of controversy suggests a need to do so?

[jstackpo]

Since the default rule(s) in the book is(are) the "relaxed" set, I'd (still) say it would require an adoption of a Special Rule of Order, which, correcting my previous error, can be done at that same board meeting, if a majority of the entire membership (of the board) agrees.

 

And if they don't agree to "get strict", there isn't much point in trying to go there.

 

But if the president starts tightening things up and there are no objections, you are home free.

[Dan Honemann]

Can the presiding officer, on his own initiative, begin to tighten the rules upon sensing that the level of controversy suggests a need to do so?

 

Did the presiding officer, on his own initiative, make the decision to relax them?

[Gary Novosielski]

Did the presiding officer, on his own initiative, make the decision to relax them?

 

It's entirely possible.

[Dan Honemann]

It's entirely possible.

 

Then he can decide to unrelax them.

 

One thing is for sure -- he probably won't run into any problem if he decides to refrain from speaking in debate and voting on all questions.