Debate Procedure: Step by Step

by Lisa Martin
Sep 03, 2013
http://www.onlinemodelunitednations.org/book-page/debate-procedure-step-step
An O-MUN debate procedurally models a THIMUN-style debate. THIMUN rules and
procedures will be followed as closely as the virtual environment allows.

Introductions: The O-MUN Director/Assistant Director overseeing the organization of the

debate will introduce the Chair, who in turn will introduce the moderators and their
positions/tasks and call the debate to order.

Roll Call: The roll call will also serve as the last audio check prior to debate. All mics will
be enabled. When a country is called, the delegate will turn on their mic and respond in an
appropriate fashion (Present; Present and voting; The delegate of China is present etc.) If a
delegate attempts to use the mic and is inaudible to the forum, the mic will be disabled and the
delegate will be messaged directly by the moderators to help troubleshoot the problem. Delegates
should test their speakers and mic prior to the beginning of debate.

Resolution: The resolution will be introduced and debate will commence. The main
submitter will be given the floor to read out the operative clauses only and introduce the
resolution. The resolution will be posted on the whiteboard via TitanPad. The Chat Moderator
will send out the link to the resolution via Chat, Twitter and Facebook to further assist delegates.
Delegates may save the resolution to their hard drive or print it prior to debate.

Debate: The Chair will open the floor to points of information. The Chair will also
announce the duration of the debate, and any particular procedures relating to amending the
resolution.

Amendments: Amendments can be submitted to the Amendments Moderator via the

chat box. These amendments will then be cut and pasted into the whiteboard. Please check
spelling and grammar prior to submission.

Voting: The Chair will instruct delegates when and how to vote on amendments and the
resolution as a whole. The Whiteboard Moderators function is to enable voting using the tools
found in Bb, and to assist the chair in organizational and procedural matters related to voting.
The results of various votes will be posted onto the whiteboard.

Closing: Once a resolution has been passed or defeated, the Chair will conclude with
closing remarks and adjourn the debate. Delegates are encouraged to participate in a debriefing
session that occurs immediately after the end of debate.

O-MUN is a high school/university program: Must be 13 or older to register.

Teachers/MUN Directors are requested to register as well.
Middle School students are directed to the jrO-MUN webpage for more information.