The way I understand it, "standing rules" are more intricate in detail but aren't as formal as your bylaws, meaning they aren't legally necessary to the running/organization of your group. For example, how you handle bounced checks, collections from deadbeats, how to handle sticky situations with committee chairs, spelling out what "being nice" means, that sort of thing. The way I see it, they add a bit of muscle to how things are defined and organized, but changing them doesn't affect what you have on file with the IRS.
I used to be against adhering to rules, but as the days wear on I'm seeing more and more how having them is a blessing, even if getting people to follow and enforce them is another story.
kmamom,
Can you give me an example of a standing rule? I'm not sure I understand what you're looking for. We rely on our bylaws for guidance. I'm of the belief that if something is important enough, then it should be in the bylaws. That way, there is less of a chance for misinterpretation or ignoring them. As for enforcement, I guess it would depend on the circumstance. Unruliness would warrant removal of an individual or adjournment as necessary.
Don't know if that helps, but like I said, I'm not sure of the circumstances.
kma- I'll give you a copy of ours. Do what you'd like to them, no one obeys them anyway! Our school seems to be a free for all. I tried hard this year to get them all to follow the rules, but they do what they want when they want. Hopefully next year will be better!
