A motion that breaches the rules of the organization is said to be what?

• A. Out of Order
• B. In Order
• C. Tabled
• D. Withdrawn

Answer: (A)

Keeping meeting procedures orderly means recognizing when a motion doesn’t fit the rules. A motion that breaches the organization’s rules or the current procedural steps is declared out of order. The chair makes this ruling, and the motion isn’t debated or voted on until it’s brought back into proper form or clarified to fit the rules. This label fits a proposal that violates who can speak, when it can be raised, or the scope of what’s being considered at that moment.

If a motion is in order, it can be discussed. If it’s postponed for later consideration, it’s tabled. If the person who made the motion withdraws it, it’s withdrawn. So the term that describes a motion breaking the rules is out of order.