Points of information (POI) are a dynamic and enjoyable part of parliamentary debate. A point of information is a brief rejoinder (seven seconds or less) to the point then being made by the person speaking. It may be a concise statement or a pointed question and there is no follow-up.

Points of information are an integral part of parliamentary debating A speaker who declines to accept any points may seem to fear the opponents arguments. On the other hand, a speaker who accepts too many points of information loses control of his or her speech. Usually, a constructive speaker will accept two points of information. Accepting them when offered shows that you are confident of your arguments and prepared to defend them.

To make a Point of Information; the member wishing to make the POI stands. The member speaking can either (1) Accept by acknowledging the member, (2) Defer by saying “wait a moment please”, (3) Reject the POI by saying “no thank you” or wave them down. If the member speaking accepts the POI they should answer immediately and continue with their speech.

Two points of information are permitted per regulation speech: neither during the first or last minute of a speech nor during a summation.

The Speaker will ensure questioning debaters remain in order while delivering accepted points of information. The adjudicator is expected to penalize teams who go over time or otherwise abuse points of information.

Adjudication scoring

When Points of Information are accepted for a debate, a debater will lose points for:

• Attempts to raise a POI outside of time limit;
• Too long of a question (longer than seven seconds);
• Attempt at a follow up question; and
• Not using/accepting POI.

However, they will gain points for:

• POI successfully distracting speaker; and
• Accepting POI within a reasonable window, and not allowing it to become a distraction.