Board Meetings Under Roberts Rules of Order

The following excerpt from Roberts Rules of Order, Newly Revised, § 48(1981) explains the proper procedure that can be used in meetings of small boards.

"In a board meeting where there are not more than about a dozen members present, some of the formality that is necessary in a large assembly would hinder business.  The rules in governing such meetings are different from the rules that hold in other assemblies, in the following aspects:

• 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 (15, 16) 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's 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 other assemblies, except that a vote can be taken initially by a show of hands, which is often a better method in such meetings.
• The chairman need not rise while putting questions to vote.
• The chairman can speak in a discussion without rising or leaving the chair; and, subject to rule of custom within the particular board (which should be uniformly followed regardless of how many members are present), he usually can make motions and usually votes on all questions.

Association Member Meetings

Point of Order § 23