Who determines disputes regarding discovery, relevance, or scope during Southern Steer arbitration?

According to the 2025 Southern Steer Franchise Disclosure Document, any disputes regarding discovery, relevance, or scope during arbitration will be determined by the arbitrator. This determination made by the arbitrator is considered conclusive.

This means that if a disagreement arises between Southern Steer and the franchisee about what information should be shared during the arbitration process, or how relevant certain information is, the arbitrator will make the final decision. This is a standard practice in arbitration, as it ensures that the process moves forward efficiently and fairly.

It is important for prospective Southern Steer franchisees to understand that the arbitrator's decisions on these matters are binding. Franchisees should be prepared to present their case effectively to the arbitrator and to abide by the arbitrator's rulings on discovery and relevance. This clause helps to streamline the arbitration process and prevent drawn-out disputes over procedural matters.