Originally from Alternatives to the High Cost of Litigation

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As a neutral, I stand between the combatants, constantly seeking perspectives that offer the best view of the action, while maintaining a fair and evenhanded venue by making periodic decisions that reflect the practical dynamics of the contest, rather than a strict application of the rules.

That description plainly captures the classic characteristics of an arbitrator. But it actually relates to my decades as a certified basketball official.

To be sure, there is a fundamental distinction between officiating and arbitrating. In a basketball game, the players should determine the outcome, and the official’s principal role is merely to ensure that neither side obtains an unfair advantage.