PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE (collegiate)

Parliamentary Procedure challenges collegiate members to demonstrate their knowledge of the principles and rules used to conduct organized and effective meetings. Through an objective test, members apply parliamentary law, including motions, debate, voting procedures, and meeting structure. This competitive event consists of an objective test.

Event Overview

Division: Collegiate
Event Type: Individual
Event Category: Objective Test, 100-multiple choice questions
Objective Test Time: 50 minutes

Educational Alignments

Items Competitor Must Provide: Sharpened Pencil, Computer, Conference-provided nametag, Photo identification, Attire that meets the Florida FBLA Dress Code.

Items Competitor Must Provide: Test login information link & password.

Knowledge Areas

• Foundations and Governing Documents
• Parliamentary Terminology and Rules of Notice
• The Meeting Cycle and Official Records
• Handling Motions and Rules of Debate
• Voting, Elections, and Nominations
• Organization and Conduct of Meetings
• Voting, Nominations, and Elections
• Boards, Committees, and Organizational Structure
• Meeting Management and Ethics

The objective test for this event will be based on Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, 12th edition.

State

Eligibility

·         FBLA membership dues are paid by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on February 1st of the current program year.

·         Members must be registered for the SLC and pay the state conference registration fee in order to participate in competitive events.

·         Members must stay within the official FBLA housing block of the official FBLA hotel to be eligible to compete.

·         Each chapter may submit six students in this event.

·         On the state level, each member can compete in up to three different events in the following combinations: three objective tests OR two objective tests and one presentation OR two objective tests and one production or one objective test and two production OR one objective test, one presentation, and one production. Students may enter the Christopher Heider, Rob Kelleher, Who’s Who event, and one Chapter event (Community Service, State of the Chapter) in addition to their above chosen events.

·         Picture identification (physical or digital: driver’s license, passport, state-issued identification, or school-issued identification) matching the conference nametag is required when checking in for competitive events.

·         If competitors are late for an objective test, they may be either disqualified or permitted to begin late with no extension of the time as scheduled. It is at the discretion of the proctor.

·         Participants must adhere to the Florida FBLA dress code established by the Florida Board of Directors or they will not be permitted to participate in the competitive event.

Recognition

·         The number of competitors will determine the number of winners. The maximum number of winners for each competitive event is 4.

Event Administration

·         This event is an objective test administered prior to the SLC.

·         No reference or study materials may be brought to the testing site.

·         No calculators may be brought into the testing site; online calculators will be provided through the testing software.

Scoring

·         Ties are broken by comparing the correct number of answers to the last 10 questions on the test. If a tie remains, answers to the last 20 questions on the test will be reviewed to determine the winner. If a tie remains, the competitor who completed the test in a shorter amount of time will place higher.

·         Results announced at the State Leadership Conference are considered official and will not be changed after the conclusion of the State Leadership Conference.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

·         FBLA complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by providing reasonable accommodations for competitors. Accommodation requests must be submitted through the conference registration system by the official registration deadline. All requests will be reviewed, and additional documentation may be required to determine eligibility and appropriate support.

Penalty Points

·         Competitors may be disqualified if they violate the Competitive Event Guidelines or the Honor Code.

Electronic Devices

·        Unless approved as part of a documented accommodation, all cell phones, smartwatches, electronic devices, and headphones must be turned off and stored away before the competition begins. Visible devices during the event will be considered a violation of the FBLA Honor Code

National

If competing at the National level, be sure to see the National guidelines at https://www.fbla.org/collegiate/competitive-events/

Study Guide: Knowledge Areas and Objectives
This study guide outlines the skills and knowledge assessed for this event. Objectives followed by a two-letter, three-digit code in parentheses are aligned to the National Business Administration Standards from MBA Research and Curriculum Center. Some objectives reference MBA Research’s Learning Activity Packages (LAPs), which are instructional resources with readings, activities, and assessments available exclusively to teacher advisers. For more information, visit MBAResearch.org/FBLA. 

Important Notice Regarding Test Preparation 

MBA Research materials are not required to study for or prepare for FBLA competitive event tests. MBA Research provides curriculum and instructional resources directly to teachers and does not administer or manage individual student testing or competition participation. 

Note for members and parents: All questions related to tests, study materials, scores, or competition guidelines should be directed to the local FBLA adviser. Only teacher advisers should contact MBA Research directly. 
Foundations and Governing Documents (15 test items)  

  1. Explain the nature and purpose of parliamentary procedure  

  2. Discuss the fundamental principles of parliamentary law (e.g., rights of the majority and minority)  

  3. Identify the basic rights of an individual member  

  4. Describe the hierarchy of governing documents (e.g., Corporate Charter, Bylaws, Rules of Order)  

  5. Explain the legal implications of parliamentary law for various types of assemblies  

  6. Discuss the general principles of interpretation for bylaws  

  7. Explain the process for drafting, adopting, and amending special rules of order and standing rules  

Parliamentary Terminology and Rules of Notice (15 test items)  

  1. Explain common parliamentary terms (e.g., floor, chair, quorum, pending)  

  2. Describe the different types of meetings (e.g., regular, special)  

  3. Identify the differences between a plurality and a majority vote  

  4. Define the roles of “pro tem” and “ex officio” positions  

  5. Differentiate between “previous notice” and “notice of a motion”  

  6. Describe “executive session” and the requirements for maintaining its confidentiality  

  7. Explain the concept of immediately pending motions in complex sequences

    The Meeting Cycle and Official Records (15 test items)  

    1. Describe the components of a standard order of business  

      2. Explain the purpose and basic contents of meeting minutes  

      3. Explain the primary duties of the presiding officer  

      4. Explain the formal process for approving and correcting minutes  

      5. Discuss the handling and reception of officer and board reports  

      6. Describe the procedures for receiving and filing a treasurer’s report  

      

    Handling Motions and Rules of Debate (20 test items)  

    1. Discuss the basic rules and time limits for debate  

      2. Describe the standards of decorum required for members during debate  

      3. Describe the motions used to manage, limit, or close debate  

      4. Explain rules governing the frequency of debate for a single motion  

      5. Apply the order of precedence for all 13 ranking motions  

      6. Identify specific characteristics for each ranking motion (e.g., amendability, vote required)  

      7. Explain motions that bring a question again before the assembly (e.g., Reconsider, Rescind)  

    2. Discuss complex Incidental motions (e.g., Appeal, Suspend the Rules, Division of a Question)  

      

    Voting, Elections, and Nominations (15 test items)  

    1. Explain the use and purpose of a ballot vote  

      2. Define the requirements for a two-thirds vote  

      3. Describe the process for basic nominations from the floor  

      4. Describe the process and requirements for a Division of the Assembly  

      5. Explain the formal procedures for conducting an election for officers  

      6. Discuss the procedure for closing and reopening nominations  

      7. Explain the chair’s responsibility and rights in the voting process   

      

    Boards, Committees, and Organizational Structure (10 test items)  

    1. Distinguish between the roles of standing committees and special (ad hoc) committees  

      2. Explain the process of referring a main motion to a committee  

      3. Describe the procedures for presenting committee reports and recommendations  

      4. Explain the relationship between a board of directors and the general assembly  

      5. Discuss the management of an executive board session vs. a general membership meeting  

      

    Meeting Management and Ethics (10 test items)  

    1. Describe the organization and legal requirements for conducting a mass meeting  

    2. Explain the parliamentary rules and requirements governing a convention of delegates  

    3. Explain the process for drafting, adopting, and amending special rules of order and standing rules  

    4. Describe the formal procedures and due process requirements for disciplinary action  

    5. Explain the rules and procedures for handling an adjourned meeting  

    6. Explain the role and responsibilities of a parliamentarian in managing complex meetings