Help! My Bylaws Conflict with Robert’s Rules

This is a common occurrence in many organizations. A meeting will be progressing according to the Bylaws, but then all of a sudden a member raises a Point of Order that something is in conflict with Robert’s Rules of Order. The meeting pauses and grinds to a halt (especially if you don’t have a Parliamentarian there to assist you!). How do you respond?

According to Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (11th edition), “When a society or an assembly has adopted a particular parliamentary manual–such as this book–as its authority, the rules contained in that manual are binding upon it in all cases where they are not inconsistent with the bylaws” (page 16).

In layman’s terms, this means your Bylaws override Robert’s Rules of Order.

So, if you are the presiding officer or chairman leading a meeting, politely explain to the member that his point is not well taken, and that under Robert’s Rules the rules in an organization’s Bylaws takes precedence.

Conclusion

Don’t allow this situation to trip you up! If you have any questions, leave a comment below or contact us. LastMinuteMeetings.net also offers consulting services for corporations, associations, and bodies of all sizes.