Before initiating a lawsuit regarding an All Team franchise, what initial step must be taken?
All_Team Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- Arbitration. In the event that the federal court described above does not have subject matter jurisdiction over the dispute, the parties, subject to all other provisions above, will submit the dispute to binding arbitration conducted in Tampa, FL (unless the parties mutually agree otherwise). The arbitration proceeding will be conducted in accordance with the then current commercial arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association ("AAA Rules"), except to the extent the AAA Rules differ from the terms of this Agreement, in which event the terms of this Agreement will apply. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the arbitration does not have to be conducted under the AAA. The arbitrator must be mutually selected by the parties and must have at least 5 years of substantial experience in franchise law. Each party will be limited to 25 document requests, 15 interrogatories and 1 deposition unless otherwise agreed to between the parties. For purposes of this Section, if any dispute that names, involves or includes ATFC, it respective affiliates, officers, directors, agents, brokers or employees, such persons or entities shall also be included in and made party to the arbitration proceeding to the extent such parties consent to proceeding forward in arbitration.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 34–161)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to All Team's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a federal court lacks jurisdiction over a dispute, the parties must initially submit to binding arbitration in Tampa, FL, unless both parties agree to an alternative location. This arbitration will follow the American Arbitration Association (AAA) rules, although the specific arbitration process doesn't necessarily have to be conducted under the AAA.
The arbitrator must be mutually selected and possess at least five years of experience in franchise law. To manage the scope of discovery, each party is limited to 25 document requests, 15 interrogatories, and one deposition, unless both parties agree to modify these limits.
Furthermore, if the dispute involves All Team Franchise Corporation (ATFC), its affiliates, officers, directors, agents, brokers, or employees, these individuals or entities will also be included in the arbitration proceeding, provided they consent to participate. This ensures that all related parties are part of the resolution process, streamlining the handling of complex disputes related to the All Team franchise.