The advantages and disadvantages – for the arbitrators and for the parties – of permanent umpire relationships. The historical genesis of such relationships is discussed; umpireships and ad hoc arbitrations are compared; and some of the authors’ memorable umpireships are described.

The author sets forth the history of the permanent arbitration system at Ford, the operation of the system, and an evaluation of the effectiveness of the system. A brief discussion of permanent umpireships by Sylvester Garrett follows.