CDE Handbook - Florida FFA Association

Middle School Parliamentary Procedure CDE
242
3. Characteristics of effective discussion include a)
completeness of thought, b) logical reasoning, c) clear
statement of speaker’s position, d) conviction of delivery,
and e) concise and effective statement of debate. A
suggested grading scale is as follows: Excellent = 13-15
points, Good = 9-12 points, Average = 6-8 points and Poor
= 0-5 points
4. An excellent discussion would be characterized by a truly
stirring delivery and brilliant in terms of information
provided and/or suggestions for action offered. Poor debate
would be characterized by a lack of effective delivery, poor
grammar, reasoning and substance. An example of poor
debate might be: “I think this is a good idea.”
5. Most debate generally falls in the range of 6-15 points. An
example of debate might be: “I am in favor of this idea.
I think this is a very significant motion which should be
adopted for the following reasons (new, informative and
logically related). I encourage you to vote in favor of this
motion.” Each debate should have a logical conclusion.
Good debate would be characterized by effective delivery,
substance, creative and visionary thought delivered in a
convincing and compelling manner.
6. Each time a participant in the presentation properly
debates any motion, they may earn a score. However, an
individual may never earn more than 60 discussion points
in a given presentation. Furthermore, no more than 15
points may be earned during one recognition by the chair.
7. The top four debates per member will be tabulated in the
presentation score. No more than two debates per member
per motion will be tabulated.
Guidelines for Scoring the Chair
1. Ability to preside: state motions correctly, follow rules
of debate, keep members informed, put motions to a
vote, announce results of vote, use of gavel, awareness of
business on the floor. (80 points) A suggested grading
scale is as follows: Excellent = 71-80 points, Good = 61-70
points, Average = 51-60 points, Poor = 0-50 points
2. Leadership – stage presence, poise, self-confidence,
politeness and voice. (20 points) A suggested grading scale
is as follows: Excellent = 16–20 points, Good = 11–15
points, Average = 6–10 points, Poor = 0–5 points
Guidelines for Scoring Team Effect
1. Conclusions reached by the team – Main motion was well
analyzed which may include: Who, What, When, Where,
How. (40 points)
2. Team Use of Debate – degree to which debate was
Florida FFA Career Development Event Handbook
convincing, logical, realistic, orderly and efficient, germane
and free from repetition. (40 points)
3. Team Presence – voice, poise, expression, grammar,
gestures and professionalism. (40 points)
Permissable Motions
Required motions will be assigned from the following list of
motions:
Sub-district, District Levels
• Assigned Motions
• Adjourn
• Amend
• Appeal the Decision of the Chair
• Division of the House (Assembly)
• Lay on the Table
• Main Motion
• Point of Order
• Parliamentary Inquiry
• Postpone Definitely
• Refer to a Committee
Optional Motions (will not be assigned, but may be used)
• Fix the Time to Which to Adjourn
• Postpone Indefinitely
• Question of Privilege
• Recess
• Suspend the Rules
State Level (Any of these abilities may be assigned at this level)
• Adjourn
• Amend
• Appeal the Decision of the Chair
• Division of the House (Assembly)
• Fix the Time to Which to Adjourn
• Lay on the Table
• Main Motion
• Point of Order
• Parliamentary Inquiry
• Postpone Definitely
• Postpone Indefinitely
• Question of Privilege
• Recess
• Refer to a Committee
• Suspend the Rules
Note: Only those abilities listed under the event level will be
assigned by the CDE coordinator. One additional motion
per member will be scored. A team may choose any of the