The most common occasions for the motion to appeal are when the chair misassigns the
floor or incorrectly
recognizes a member; when the chair rules on a motion as not within the scope of the organization's purposes; when the chair rules on germaneness of an
amendment; when they rule on
points of order and
questions of privilege; when they rule on the interpretation of words, phrases, provisions, etc.; and when the chair misapplies the rules of a motion (especially in reference to the rankings of motions). According to
''Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (RONR), members have no right to criticize a ruling of the chair unless they appeal from their decision.
Demeter's Manual of Parliamentary Law and Procedure'' states that an appeal "protects the assembly against the arbitrary control of the meeting by its presiding officer." RONR states that in some cases, the chair may welcome an appeal because it takes the onus off of them. An appeal must be made at the time of the chair's ruling. After any
debate or other business, it is too late to make an appeal. According to
The Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure, if the reasons given for the appeal are convincing, the presiding officer may change their ruling accordingly, in which case the appeal is automatically dropped. == Improper uses ==