The New York Arbitration Guidelines are a set of rules and regulations published by the New York State Bar Association, concerning the conduct of arbitration proceedings in New York State. The Guidelines are designed to ensure that the arbitration process is conducted in a fair and efficient manner and that both parties receive a fair hearing. The Guidelines provide for the appointment of an arbitrator or panel of arbitrators, the qualifications of the arbitrator(s), the procedures to be followed at the arbitration hearing, the fees to be paid to the arbitrator, and the rules of evidence applicable to the hearing. The New York Arbitration Guidelines come in two varieties: the New York Commercial Arbitration Guidelines and the New York Consumer Arbitration Guidelines. The Commercial Arbitration Guidelines are applicable to disputes involving business contracts, while the Consumer Arbitration Guidelines apply to disputes involving consumer transactions. The Guidelines are updated periodically to reflect changes in the law and to provide guidance for arbitrators in resolving disputes.