written Chair Etiquette?

[LClark13]

I'm searching for some RONR verbiage about a question I have, and can't seem to find it...

Is there written etiquette as to how a Chair (or Co-Chair) should conduct a meeting?  For example; should a Chair sponsor a proposal?  Sign onto a proposal?  Share their opinion, or stay neutral?  etc.

Thank you for any assistance.

[Rob Elsman]

Yes.  RONR (12th ed.) is loaded with rules, tips, and examples of how the chair should perform his duties.  It is just loaded.

[Richard Brown]

1 hour ago, LClark13 said:

Is there written etiquette as to how a Chair (or Co-Chair) should conduct a meeting?  For example; should a Chair sponsor a proposal?  Sign onto a proposal?  Share their opinion, or stay neutral?  etc.

Yes, lots of it.  For openers,  you might read sections 47:14 - 47:20, "Suggestions for inexperienced presiding officers in RONR (12th ed).

There are separate provisions regarding protocol for presiding, such as the rules in §4:31 - 4:32 and 43:29. 

So, to directly answer your questions, except in small boards of no more than about a dozen members and in committees, the presiding officer does not make motions or participate in debate.   In ballot votes, the chair votes along with everyone else, but in voice votes, the chair does not vote except when his vote will affect the outcome, such as to create or break a tie (or a two thirds vote).  In those cases, he votes last, after everyone else has voted.   For more information on when the chair votes, you might also look at FAQ #1 on the main website:  https://robertsrules.com/frequently-asked-questions/#faqs

As Mr. Elsman said in the post he made while I was typing this comment, RONR is full of instructions and dos and don'ts for presiding officers.  If you are truly inexperienced, you might consider purchasing the "In Brief" version of RONR in addition to RONR:  https://robertsrules.com/books/newly-revised-3rd-in-brief-edition/

btw, you mentioned a "co-chair".  FWIW, RONR and almost all of the regular contributors to this forum recommend strongly against co-chairs.  See, for example, §13:17.

Edited April 22, 2021 at 07:40 PM by Richard Brown
Typographical correction in first sentence

[LClark13]

20 hours ago, Richard Brown said:

Yes, lots of it.  For openers,  you might read sections 47:14 - 47:20, "Suggestions for inexperienced presiding officers in RONR (12th ed).

There are separate provisions regarding protocol for presiding, such as the rules in §4:31 - 4:32 and 43:29. 

So, to directly answer your questions, except in small boards of no more than about a dozen members and in committees, the presiding officer does not make motions or participate in debate.   In ballot votes, the chair votes along with everyone else, but in voice votes, the chair does not vote except when his vote will affect the outcome, such as to create or break a tie (or a two thirds vote).  In those cases, he votes last, after everyone else has voted.   For more information on when the chair votes, you might also look at FAQ #1 on the main website:  https://robertsrules.com/frequently-asked-questions/#faqs

As Mr. Elsman said in the post he made while I was typing this comment, RONR is full of instructions and dos and don'ts for presiding officers.  If you are truly inexperienced, you might consider purchasing the "In Brief" version of RONR in addition to RONR:  https://robertsrules.com/books/newly-revised-3rd-in-brief-edition/

btw, you mentioned a "co-chair".  FWIW, RONR and almost all of the regular contributors to this forum recommend strongly against co-chairs.  See, for example, §13:17.

Thank you, Richard!  Very helpful.