(a) After the filing date, the administrator shall assign an arbitrator to hear and decide the case. Notice of assignment shall be mailed to the arbitrator and the parties along with a copy of these regulations and GBL section 198-a or GBL section 198-b, whichever is applicable.

(b) The arbitrator assigned shall not have any bias, any financial or personal interest in the outcome of the hearing, or any current connection to the sale or manufacture of motor vehicles.

(c) Upon a finding by the administrator, at any stage of the process, of grounds to disqualify the arbitrator, the administrator shall dismiss the arbitrator and assign another arbitrator to the case.

(d) If any arbitrator should resign, die, withdraw or be unable to perform the duties of his/her position, the administrator shall assign another arbitrator to the case and the period to render a decision shall be extended accordingly.

(e) Arbitrators shall undergo training established by the administrator and the Attorney General. This training shall include procedural techniques, the duties and responsibilities or arbitrators under the Programs, and the substantive provisions of GBL section 198-a for those arbitrators hearing GBL section 198-a claims, and the substantive provisions of GBL section 198-b for those arbitrators hearing GBL section 198-b claims.