(a) Before the arbitrators begin the arbitration, they shall be sworn by the referee to determine impartially the matters submitted to them according to law and the justice and equity of the case without favor or affection to either party.

(b) Each arbitrator selected under this article shall sign the following affidavit before the selection is effective and before acting as an arbitrator:

State of Georgia ________ County

I, ______________________, first being duly sworn, make this affidavit:

I, _______________________, agree to serve as arbitrator in the case of _______________________ v. _______________________ and will decide any issue put before me without favor or affection to any party and without prejudice for or against any party. I will follow and apply the law as given to me by the referee and will accept and abide by all decisions of the referee. I also agree not to discuss this case or any issue with any person except when all other arbitrators and the referee are present.

_______________, L.S.