5th Annual Plymouth State Model United
Nations Conference
Rules Of Parliamentary
Procedure Handbook
April 13-14 2013
Rules Of Parliamentary Procedure
WELCOME TO PMUN CONFERENCE
Dear Delegate,
Welcome to the Model United Nations at Plymouth State University (PMUN)! Model United
Nations is a rapidly expanding program throughout the world with thousands of delegates
participating at conferences as close as Boston, MA, and as far as Beijing, China and Brasilia,
Brazil. PMUN is an invaluable experience and one that can shape your future by teaching you
vital interactive skills with other people. Of course, nothing can be gained or learned from
anything without a little bit of effort, and PMUN is no exception.
This guide will narrow down the broad terms of MUN into an understandable form so that you
can maximize your learning experience.
For many years now, students have benefited from and enjoyed this interactive learning
experience that not only involves young people in the study and discussion of global issues but
also encourages the development of skills useful throughout their lives; research, writing, public
speaking, problem solving, consensus building, conflict resolution, compromise and cooperation.
We, Plymouth State Model UN Student Organization members, sincerely hope you have an
exciting and educational experience with PMUN Conference.
Should you ever need any help with MUN in any way, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Good Luck!
Plymouth State University Model UN
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Rules Of Parliamentary Procedure
WHAT IS MUN?
The United Nations Association of the United States of America defines Model UN as the
following:
“Model United Nations is an authentic simulation of the UN General Assembly, UN Security
Council, or other multilateral bodies, which catapults students into the world of diplomacy and
negotiation. In Model UN, students step into the shoes of ambassadors of UN member states,
from Bangladesh to Chile to South Africa to debate current issues on the Organization’s vast
agenda. The students known as “delegates,” make speeches, plot strategy, negotiate with allies
and adversaries, prepare draft resolutions, resolve conflicts, while navigating the UN’s rules and
procedure –all in the interest of mobilizing “international cooperation” to resolve problems that
affect almost every country on Earth.”
Before playing out their ambassadorial roles in a Model UN simulation, students should research
the particular global problems that their assigned committee will address. Model UN participants
learn how the international community acts on its concerns about topics including peace and
security, the environment, human rights, poverty, economic development, health, globalization
and more.
Model UN delegates also look closely at the needs, aspirations, and foreign policy of the country
they will “represent” at the conference. The insights they gain from their exploration of history,
geography, politics, culture, economics and science contribute to the authenticity of the
simulation when the role playing gets under way.
Each year, more than 400,000 middle school, high school and college/university students
worldwide participate in Model UN. Many of today’s leaders in law, government, business, and
the arts participated in Model UN during their academic careers. You are the future leaders of the
tomorrow.
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CONFERENCE REQUIREMENTS
What to Bring
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Background notes
Delegate/Background Guide
Notebook paper/legal pads
Position papers
Pen or pencil
Dress Code
Male Delegate Dress: The best way to go by far is with a business suit, a tie, and dress shoes.
Instead of a suit, delegates may wear a jacket and dress pants (no jeans), with a dress shirt, dress
shoes, and a tie. Male delegates should at least have on a pair of slacks, a dress shirt, a tie, and
dress shoes.
Female Delegate Dress: You should wear an outfit that connotes professionalism such as a full
length dress or a nice power suit. Skirt length should not be any shorter than just above the
knees. A nice blouse or sweater with slacks or a pantsuit would work too. Please also wear dress
shoes.
Dress tips for all delegates: Use your best judgment in interpreting the dress code. No sneakers,
shorts, baseball caps, sweatshirts, and sweatpants. Nothing on you should glow. You need to
dress nicely, but again dressing expensively is not necessary.
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CONFERENCE OVERVIEW
Conference Procedure
General Debate
General Debate is the very first stage of debate that will occur at the conference. It is where all of
the general information about a topic and its history are presented to the committee. Only policy
may be stated, so do not try and introduce solutions yet. This is where facts and statistics are also
stated and verified, so use them in your speech. General Debate proceeds most often by means of
a list of speakers.
Substantive Debate
Substantive debate is where the real work gets done. It is when delegates may present solutions
and discuss resolutions on the topics. You use the ideas discussed in General Debate to form
ideas and solutions to the topics. Comments are most often allowed in this debate after a speaker
has spoken, and after a yield is made. Call for several caucuses and a formal caucus near the end
of debate to present resolutions and to give time for amendment writing.
Formal Caucus
Formal caucus is called when all of the resolutions are finished and delegates can go up to the
front of the room and explain their resolution and convince others that it will work and why it
will work. Try to be one of the delegates that go up to talk about this resolution.
Voting Bloc
This is the final stage of debate on a topic, where the resolutions and amendments have been
presented. At this time, votes will be collected on amendments and resolutions to determine
which ones will pass and be put into effect by the United Nations.
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COMMITTEE RULES AND MOTIONS
The system of motions and rules of procedure are a way of keeping conferences from getting out
of hand and presenting them in a formalized fashion.
RULES OF PROCEDURE
RULE 1
DEBATE AND THE SPEAKERS’ LIST: After the agenda has been determined, one
continuously open speakers’ list will be established for the purpose of general debate of the
agenda item under consideration. The speakers’ list will be followed for all debate on the agenda
item, except when superseded by procedural motions or debate on amendments. Speakers may
speak generally on the agenda item being considered and may discuss any resolution or working
paper currently on the floor. Separate speakers’ lists will be established as needed for procedural
motions and debate on amendments. Any member state or non-member may add its name to the
speakers’ list by submitting a request in writing to the Director or, at the discretion of the
Director, by raising their placards when asked. Once the end of a speakers’ list has been reached,
debate is considered automatically closed.
RULE 2
UNMODERATED AND MODERATED CAUCUS: A motion to enter either unmoderated or
moderated caucus is in order at any time when the floor is open. The delegate proposing the
motion must briefly explain its purpose and specify a time limit for the caucus, not to exceed
fifteen minutes. A time limit for individual speeches must be mentioned for a moderated caucus.
A majority of members’ voting is required for passage. Once the time limit for the caucus has
elapsed, a further motion to enter caucus may be considered in order at the discretion of the
Director.
RULE 3
CLOSURE OF DEBATE: A delegate may propose a motion to close debate on the item
currently under discussion at any time when the floor is open and it is in order to do so. If closed,
debate ends and the committee moves immediately to a vote on the matter currently under
consideration. A second is required. Permission to speak may only be granted to two delegates
opposing the closure, after which the motion shall be put to a vote. Closure of debate shall
require a two-thirds majority of delegates present or present and voting.
RULE 4
SPEECHES: No delegate may address a session without having previously obtained the
permission of the Director. The Director may call a speaker to order if his or her remarks are not
relevant to the subject under discussion, exceeds the time assigned to him/her, do not follow
correct parliamentary convention, or otherwise discourteous.
RULE 5
YIELDS: A delegate granted the right to speak in general debate may yield in one of three ways:
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Rules Of Parliamentary Procedure
Yield to another delegate. His/her remaining time will be given to that delegate, who may not
make any further yields.
Yield to points of information: the Director, who has the right call to order any delegate whose
question is rhetorical and leading and/or not designed to elicit information, may select
questioners. Follow-up questions will be allowed only at the discretion of the Director. Only
answers to questions will be deducted from the speaker’s remaining time.
Yield to the Director. Such a yield should be made if the delegate does not wish to yield to
questions or another delegate.
RULE 6
RIGHT TO REPLY: A delegate whose national honor or integrity has been insulted by another
delegate may request a right to reply. A right of reply will not be granted solely in order to
correct a perceived inaccuracy in speech. A right of reply to a right of reply is out of order.
RULE 7
POINT OF PERSONAL PRIVELEGE: Whenever a delegate experiences personal
discomfort, which impairs his/her ability to participate, he or she may rise to a point of personal
privilege. While a point of personal privilege may interrupt a speaker, delegates should only do
so with the utmost discretion.
RULE 8
POINT OF ORDER: A delegate may rise to a point of order to indicate an instance of improper
parliamentary procedure. A delegate may not, in rising to a point of order, speak on the
substance of the matter under discussion. The Director will immediately rule upon the point of
order. Points of order may not interrupt the speech of a delegate or Director.
RULE 9
POINTS OF PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY: A delegate may rise to a point of parliamentary
inquiry to ask the Director for clarification regarding the rules. A point of parliamentary inquiry
shall not relate to a substantial issue under discussion, and may never interrupt a speaker.
RULE 10
WORKING PAPERS: delegates may propose working papers for considerations. Working
papers are intended to aid the committee in its discussion and need not be written in resolution
format. Working papers require the approval of the director to be copied and distributed.
RULE 11
DRAFT RESOLUTIONS: A draft resolution may be introduced when it receives the approval
of the Director and is sponsored by twenty percent of member states present and voting.
Sponsoring a resolution need not indicate support of the resolution and the sponsor has no further
obligations or ownership of the resolution.
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Once a resolution has been approved, it has been copied and distributed, and the agenda has been
set, a delegate may propose a motion to introduce a draft resolution. An immediate vote is taken,
with a simple majority required for introduction.
RULE 12
AMENDMENTS: An amendment is a proposal that adds to, deletes from or revises part of a
draft resolution. Delegates may amend any draft resolution that has been introduced.
Amendments shall normally be submitted in writing and are subject to the approval of the
Director. Amendments to amendments are out of order; however, an amended part of a
resolution may be further amended.
A delegate may motion to introduce an amendment when the floor is open. A vote will be
immediately taken. Upon successful introduction of an amendment, the general speakers’ list
will be temporarily suspended and a new speakers’ list established for or against the amendment.
Once debate is closed on the amendment, the committee will move to an immediate vote. A
passed amendment shall be treated as an integral part of the draft resolution under debate.
RULE 13
VOTING: Each vote may be a ‘yes’, ‘no’ or ‘abstain.’ Decisions of the Committee shall be
made by a majority of the members present or present and voting. A simple majority requires a
greater number of ‘yes’ votes than ‘no’ votes. A tie will fail. Voting shall normally be by a show
of placards.
RULE 14
ORDER OF PRECEDENCE
1.Parliamentary points
a. Points that may interrupt a speaker
i. Points of personal privilege
b. Points that are in order only when the floor is open
i. Point of order
ii. Points of parliamentary inquiry
2. Procedural motions that are not debatable
a. Adjournment of meeting
b. Suspension of the meeting
c. Unmoderated caucusing
d. Moderated caucusing
e. Motion to appeal decision of the Chair
3. Procedural motions that are applicable to an agenda item, a resolution or amendment
a. Adjournment of debate
b. Closure of debate
c. Postponement of debate
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POINTS OF PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE
Point of Inquiry:
Used to ask a question.
Point of Order:
Used to clarify procedure or a ruling of the chair.
Point of Information:
Used to inform the chair or to request information from the
chair.
Point of Personal Privilege:
Used for the personal comfort of the delegates or the
committee.
Right of Reply:
Used to respond to any slander or offensive remark to the
national or personal integrity of a delegate.
MOTIONS
Motion to Open Debate:
Used to open debate on the said topic.
Motion to Open Speakers’ List:
Used to open the speakers list on a certain topic.
Motion to Close Speakers’ List:
Used to prohibit the addition of any more speakers to the
speakers’ list.
Motion to Table Speakers’ List:
Used to delete the current speakers’ list
Motion to be Added to Speakers’ Used to add the delegate’s country to the end of the
List:
speakers’ list
Motion to be Removed from
Speakers’ List:
Used to remove the delegate’s country from the speakers’
list.
Motion to Change Speaking Time: Used to Alter the time allowed for comments or speeches
Motion for a Caucus:
Used to suspend formal debate for a said amount of time in
order to discuss policy in an informal manner.
Motion for a Moderated Caucus: Used to suspend formal debate for a said amount of time in
order to have a chair-regulated speaking session as a set
amount of time for each comment.
Motion for a Formal Caucus:
Used to suspend debate in order for the sponsors of a
resolution to present the proposal to the committee. Cannot
be used for amendments.
Motion to Suspend Debate:
Used to stall the meeting for the purpose of a break or for
lunch.
Motion to Submit a Substantive
Used to submit any kind of resolution, amendment, or
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Proposal:
formal written request.
Motion to Move into Voting Bloc: Used once all amendments and resolutions have been
submitted so that the committee may vote on the above
proposals.
Motion to Divide Substantive
Proposal
Used to divide out a clause from an amendment or
resolution to have it voted upon separately.
Motion to Re-Consider
Substantive Proposal:
Used to re-vote on a failed proposal. Cannot be used by the
original sponsors of a proposal.
Motion to End Debate:
Used to end debate on a particular topic.
Motion to Adjourn Meeting:
Used at the end of the meeting to adjourn the session until
the following year.
Sometimes during committee you want to say something to the chairs or speak with other
delegates but don’t quite know which motion to use since it isn’t a part of your every day
language. Below is a list of some things you might want to do during committee but get
confused as to how to say it.
RULES OF PROCEDURE ‘TRANSLATION’
Can I go to the bathroom?
Point of Personal Privilege
I have a question.
Point of Inquiry
He said something mean to me!
Right of Reply
Can we go to lunch?
Motion to Suspend Debate
I have a resolution.
Motion to Submit a proposal
Can we vote on that resolution again?
Motion to Re-Consider Proposal
I think the chair is wrong on this.
Point of Order
Can I be put on the speakers’ list?
Motion to be added to the Speakers’ List
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PREMAMBULATORY CLAUSES
Affirming
Alarmed by
Aware of
Bearing in mind
Believing
Confident
Contemplating
Convinced
Decides to
Declaring
Deeply concerned
Deeply conscious
Deeply convinced
Deeply disturbed
Deeply regretting
Desiring
Emphasizing
Expressing its appreciation
Expressing its satisfaction
Fulfilling
Fully alarmed
Fully aware
Fully deploring
Fully recalling
Guided by
Having adopted
Having considered
Having considered further
Having devoted attention
Having examined
Having heard
Having received
Having studied
Expecting
Noting with regret
Noting with satisfaction
Noting further
Noting with approval
Observing
Reaffirming
Realizing
Recalling
Recognizing
Referring
Seeking
Taking into account
Taking into consideration
Viewing with appreciation
Noting with deep concern
Keeping in mind
Welcoming
OPERATIVE CLAUSES
Accepts
Affirms
Approves
Authorizes
Calls
Call Upon
Condemns
Confirms
Congratulates
Considers
Declares accordingly
Deplores
Designates
Draws the attention
Endorses
Expressing its appreciation
Expressing its hope
Further invites
Further proclaims
Further reminds
Further recommends
Further requests
Further resolves
Has resolved
Notes
Proclaims
Reaffirms
Recommends
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Resolves to
Requests
Solemnly condemns
Solemnly affirms
Supports
Takes note of
Transmits
Trusts
Urges
Reminds
Encourages
Regrets
Emphasizes
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Caucusing
Caucusing is one of the most crucial aspects at a MUN conference. It is where the real work gets
done. It is also the perfect time to form allies and obtaining all kinds of information and
signatures. Try to find out who has a laptop or BE the person who has the laptop.
Introduce yourself to the chairs and as many delegates as possible, and meet delegates in your
bloc early so that you can form alliances within your bloc. You need to be open and friendly,
even to your country’s enemies. Be flexible, but do not break away from your country’s policies.
Always work out a compromise. It is a greater challenge to work out a compromise, than to
simply say no or yes, which is why compromising is the best way of any solution.
STAY WITHIN POLICY! Do not embrace your enemies, and try not to cosign a resolution with
them. If the resolution is in your policy however, do not vote it down just because the writers
were your enemies. Try to avoid shouting matches, and always be willing to listen to ideas and
use appropriate body language. Try not to intimidate people or they may leave and join up with
someone who is more open and diplomatic. It looks much better if you control caucus and allow
other delegates to speak than to simply be dominating over everyone and not allowing anyone to
speak.
Formal Caucus
When it is time to go up and speak about the resolution, try to be one of those who go up and
explain it and answer questions. This will enable you to push the resolution forward as well as
gain points for speaking and participating. You need to be able to convince people that your
solution is the way to go if you want the problem solved.
Blocs
When people go to a conference, they have a tendency to join up with delegates from their
school or their friends. Make new friends and form alliances with your country’s allies. Try to
form believable blocks; otherwise you will lose credibility in the eyes of the chairs as well as
other delegates.
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POSITION PAPERS ____________________________
FORMAT FOR POSITION PAPERS
A Position Paper is a policy statement submitted by each representative of every delegation that
will be present at PMUN. Each delegate should submit about one single-spaced, typewritten
page for the assigned topic. The position paper is not an exercise in elaborate writing styles or a
demonstration of breadth of knowledge on a topic; rather, it is an opportunity to clarify the
issues, state a position, and suggest solutions from a certain national perspective for the benefit
of fellow delegates and the conference staff.
SAMPLE POSITION PAPER: The example below is just one example of a position
paper format; while we do not require all papers to be in this format, it has served as a good
guideline for position papers in the past. Please ensure to write 1. Committee Name, 2. Topic
Area, 3. Country, 4. School at the top. Otherwise, our staff will be unable to identify it properly.
Committee: Disarmament and International Security
Topic: Nuclear Test Ban
Country: The Republic of Sierra Leone
School: University of the United States
I. General Position Statement
The Republic of Sierra Leone believes disarmament to be crucial for the maintenance of worldwide
security and considers a nuclear test ban to be an important step in the process of reaching that goal.
Sierra Leone is not a nuclear power nor does it aid other countries in producing nuclear weapons.
A comprehensive test ban treaty (CTBT), has been long overdue. Nuclear weapon testing allows the
arms race to continue and even escalate. The implementation of a test ban would slow down the
development of new nuclear weapons and thereby slow down the arms race. Furthermore, a CTBT
would not, as some states have claimed, threaten the stability of the policy of nuclear deterrence, on
which both superpowers rely. In fact, a CTBT would maintain stability by preventing innovations
and developments which could potentially give one nuclear state a unilateral advantage. Moreover,
the increasing use of supercomputers has essentially eliminated the need for actual testing. Thus, the
Republic of Sierra Leone supports the following proposals for a nuclear test ban treaty.
The treaty must be a comprehensive and permanent one. States should rely not only on all national
means of verification which are consistent with international law, but also an international
verification system. Current seismic monitoring systems, such as the Norwegian Seismic Array
(NORSAR), are sufficiently advanced to determine whether states are complying with a CTBT. As
per the Ad Hoc Group’s report, Sierra Leone is in favor of an international network of seismic
monitoring stations which would send their data to International Data Centers (IDC’s) for analysis.
These IDC’s would automatically give out type I data (basic information) with type II data (data
subjected to more advanced analysis) available upon request.
Regarding compliance, a test ban treaty is of such paramount importance that violators should be
punished. Yet the fact remains that embargoes would most likely have little if any effect on most
nuclear states. Perhaps compliance measures will eventually rely on first convincing the
superpowers, and any other nuclear states, to enter into a CTBT and then getting the superpowers
themselves to ensure that their allies abide by the treaty.
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II. Responses to Questions a Resolution Must Answer
The Republic of Sierra Leone believes strongly that the CTBT is the only proper solution to the
problems facing this committee. Because of the international impact of any nuclear testing, it is our
belief that any regional agreements would be useless without the foundation of a world-wide test ban.
Therefore, Sierra Leone cannot support any agreement that relies solely upon the establishment of
regional agreements.
Funding for a solution for the proposed additional research into seismic monitoring techniques
should be drawn from all member states of the UN; however, it is the belief of the Republic of Sierra
Leone that the primary source of funding should be the currently recognized nuclear powers, since
these powers are responsible for a great deal of nuclear testing to date.
The greatest threat to the CTBT is the potential for violations. Therefore, the Republic of Sierra
Leone, as indicated above, believes that inspections of monitoring facilities must be permitted, if
only to assuage the fears of the nuclear powers. Information gained from these monitoring stations
must be globally disseminated to ensure that the international community is aware of any potential
violations.
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CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Saturday, April 13th
8:00 – 9:00 am: Registration
9:00 – 10:30 am: Opening Ceremonies
Keynote Speaker: Doris Voorbraak
Ms. Voorbraak is currently working as World Bank consultant on fragile and post-conflict
states. Ms. Voorbraak has most recently served as deputy chief of mission at the Embassy of the
Kingdom of the Netherlands in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Previously she served as senior governance
advisor at the World Bank and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, negotiating, among others,
sexual and reproductive health and rights during the Dutch EU Presidency. She was posted as a
first secretary (gender) in Pakistan. Before that she worked as a program officer in UNDP, New
York (poverty alleviation) and worked in field offices of the United High Commissioner for
Refugees (UNHCR) in Cameroon, Pakistan and South Africa. She started her career at the EU
Commission (Development). She holds a master’s degree in international relations and
international law from the University of Amsterdam.
10:45 – 12:00 pm: Training Sessions
12:00 – 1:30 pm: Lunch
1:30 – 3:30 pm: Committee Session 2
3:45 – 5:30 pm: Committee Session 3
5:30 – 7:30 pm: Hotel Check-in
7:30 – 10:30 pm: Social Event
Sunday, April 14th
9:00 – 10:30 am: Committee Session 4
10:45 – 12:20 pm: Committee Session 5
12:30 – 1:30 pm: Lunch/ Closing Ceremonies
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