The Arbitrator

(1) A single arbitrator will conduct each hearing. The choice of the arbitrator is not subject to the approval of either party. (2) The arbitrator shall not have a personal interest inthe outcome ofanyhearing, nor be acquainted with any of the participants, nor hold any prejudice or bias toward any party or class of parties which might be involved in the proceedings. The arbitrator must disclose such fact to the parties prior to the hearing. (3) If either party has a reasonable basis to believe that an arbitrator has violated 201 CMR 11.09(2), the party may request that the arbitrator be disqualified by submitting the request in writing to the OCABR and the arbitration firm and before the hearing if based on information known at that time. (4) The arbitrator shall be guided by the standards of ethical conduct established in “The Code of Ethics for Arbitrators in Commercial Disputes” prepared by a Joint Committee consisting of a Special Committee of the American Arbitration Association and a Special Committee of the American Bar Association.