1. Speaker Recognition and Timing
a. Each speaker shall be recognized by the Chair in the order determined by these procedures and when standing at a microphone with one coloured card.
b. A speaker holding a white card or blue card shall be allowed 90 seconds to speak. This debater may speak only once to any given motion.
c. A speaker holding a yellow card shall be allowed 30 seconds to speak. The speaker answering the question shall be allowed 90 seconds to speak.
d. A speaker holding a red card shall be allowed 90 seconds to speak. A red card (stoppage) may interrupt debate upon recognition of the speaker.
2. Order of Debate
a. The mover of the resolution shall be heard first and may also choose to close debate.
b. Speakers shall alternate between PRO, CON and YELLOW card.
c. Changing cards while in line to speak will change the order of speakers.
3. Conclusion of Debate
a. The debate shall be exhausted when there are no longer any speakers standing with cards at the microphones OR
b. If there are speakers at the microphones and at least four debaters, including the mover, have been heard, the Chair shall judge the debate to be exhausted whenever the remaining persons on the speakers’ list are all PRO or all CON.
4. Use of Cards
a. The WHITE card shall be used to
i. Move a resolution
ii. Speak in favour of a resolution (PRO).
b. The BLUE card shall be used to speak in opposition to a resolution (CON).
c. The YELLOW card shall be used for OTHER purposes which include
i. amendments to motions,
ii. asking a question of the Chair or of the mover,
iii. calling the question
iv. referral, postponement, tabling and other procedural motions.
d. The RED card shall be used for
i. questions of privilege
ii. points of order.
5. The Rules of Order in the OSSTF Handbook shall be the authority for all procedures not addressed by these procedures. Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised, 10th Edition, shall be the authority for all procedures not covered in these procedures or in the OSSTF Handbook.
