As a general matter, the procedure to be followed in an arbitration proceeding is less formal than that in a court action, and where not prescribed by statute, the parties may agree as to the procedure to be followed if it is fair and each party has an opportunity to be heard.
Where the parties provide for the conduct of and procedure governing an arbitration hearing, they should specify the rules of evidence that are to govern the hearing, whether the parties or the arbitrators may incorporate other documents and rules into the hearings by reference, matters relating to the production of books and records, either by subpoena duces tecum or other methods, the production of witnesses, and, where desirable, set a time limit on the length of the hearings.
The hearing must be conducted according to any statutory requirements or procedures agreed to by the parties. Unless the arbitrator substantially complies with such procedures, the award may be declared invalid.
