ABC-ADR Rules of Procedure

1. Submission:

Players can submit, free of charge, a completed claim form via online platform or via email address provided on the site. This marks the start of the ADR process. The players are responsible for the completeness of their claim and to provide ABC-ADR with all substantiating documentation for a clear and in depth understanding of their claim.

Once the player has submitted a claim, the claim will be    assessed for admissibility.

2. Acknowledgement:
   – ABC ADR will always acknowledge a receipt to the player of his/her submission of a dispute

The Player will also be informed of their right to withdraw and to representation (See Below)

Admissibility

A dispute may be inadmissible from the onset or become inadmissible during the ADR proceedings.

Once all documents are received, ABC ADR will proceed to verify that the dispute is admissible. If the event of inadmissibility, the player will be immediately informed with reasons thereof. If the dispute becomes inadmissible during the proceedings, both parties shall be notified of the dispute’s inadmissibility with reasons thereof,.

It at the onset the dispute is deemed to be admissible , ABC- ADR  will proceed with an independent, fair and impartial assessment of  the dispute based on the information provided by the Parties.

Competent claims will be assigned a unique reference number and to an assigned adjudicator/s , who will inform the Player and the Operator within 3 business days.

The Player may be requested to timely  submit additional substantiating documentation  or clarifications which may be required.

Operators are required to submit all related documents within 14 days of request.

3. Communication:
   – All correspondence is written and may be shared with both parties. Information classified as confidential, including information relating to third parties and/or confidential internal measures adopted by the Operator will be kept confidential by ABC ADR.

Otherwise ABC-ADR operates upon the principle of transparency and any request by either party for evidence, facts put forward by the other Party and expert reports shall be communicated with a deemed express consent of both Parties.

Once a completed claim has been submitted by the Player, communications shall be done via ABC ADR and the Parties shall refrain from contacting each other during the pendency of the dispute proceedings.

All correspondence shall always be in the English language. Subject to the above, ABC-ADR may also offer a multi language communication (French, Italian, German and Spanish)

It is the sole responsibility of the parties to provide and maintain ABC ADR  with an up-to-date correspondent email address for all or any notifications under these procedures. ABC-ADR cannot be held liable for any delays due to such default.

4. Investigation:
   – ABC ADR clarifies information provided by the Parties but do not investigate independently.
   – Decisions are based on evidence submitted, contractual terms, and applicable laws.

Completeness of submission of documents by the Parties is of utmost importance. ABC ADR is not obliged to accept further documentation from either Party following their respective deadlines on document submission.

If ABC ADR is of the opinion that substantial documentation is missing in order to provide a fair decision, it may, at its sole discretion, request either or both parties to submit further documentation within timelines provided.  Saving such a request, no additional documentation submitted  by either Party outside the provision of this clause will be considered.

Notwithstanding the above, the ABC ADR may request clarifications  from either Party on their documents submitted.

If either Party does not provide the requested information within the timelines provided by ABC ADR at any stage of the proceedings, ABC ADR may proceed to determine the dispute with the information it has present at hand. In no circumstance shall ABC ADR be held liable by either party for failure to comply with the instructions of ABC ADR.

In certain disputes,  upon request of both parties and upon the acceptance of ABC ADR on the principle of efficiency, ABC ABR may additionally conduct non-binding mediation sittings between the Parties. These shall take place online in a secure forum and shall be recorded by ABC ADR. Minutes of the sittings shall be taken and retained by ABC ADR. 

5. Decision Timeline:
   – ABC ADR is committed to completing the process within 90 days from receipt of all documents by the parties. However, delays and complex issues may be grounds an extension.
   Where a Dispute exceeds 90 days , the Parties will continue receive updates every 30 days.

The player will also have the option to withdraw from ABC ADR proceedings at any time, provided written notice is given to ABC ADR who will notify the operator within 48 hours of the player’s withdrawal. Once withdrawn, the player may not reinstitute ADR proceedings based on the same dispute.

6. Outcome:
   – The ultimate goal of ABC ADR is to reach a timely and smooth amicable settlement between the operated and the player. The decision of ABC ADR will include a summary of the dispute, legal basis for the decision, and actions to be taken.
   – Outcomes are binding on the Operator   but they do not waive the player’s’right to seek further recourse to court.

The decision will be based on ABC ADR’s principles of fairness, impartiality and independence from the Parties.   In order to render its decision ABC ADR will, non-exhaustively, make reference to the documents submitted by the Parties, relevant legislation applicable in the licensee’s jurisdiction,  the Operator’s terms and conditions and any applicable license conditions.

ABC-ADR aspires that every decision be taken by a team of 3 independent expert adjudicators. Each expert shall be required to confirm their independence upon receipt of a competent claim by the Player.

The decision shall be communicated to both Parties and shall not be made public.

4. Representation

Legal representation is not mandatory. Players may be represented by a third party (lawyer, parent/guardian) provided that sufficient proof of representation is submitted.

Minors under 18 years of age and/or incapacitated players are obliged to be represented.