Rule 1301 - Scope [Cases For Submission]A. Compulsory arbitration of matters, as authorized by Section 7361 of the Judicial Code, 42 Pa. C.S. § 7361, shall apply to all civil cases wherein the amount in controversy, exclusive of interest and costs, shall be thirty-five thousand dollars ($35,000.00) or less, including appeals from a civil judgment of a Magisterial District Judge, except those involving title to real estate, actions in equity, or actions for declaratory relief. Such actions shall be submitted to and heard by a Board of Arbitration consisting of three attorneys.B. The amount in controversy generally will be determined by the pleadings or by an agreement of the attorneys, however, the Court, on its own motion or on the motion of any party, may, based upon affidavits, depositions, stipulations of counsel or after hearing, determine that the amount actually in controversy does not exceed thirty-five thousand dollars ($35,000.00) and enter an order certifying the case to a board of arbitration. In the event that a case within the arbitration limits is consolidated with a case involving more than the arbitration limits after the former has been referred to a Board of Arbitrators, the order of consolidation will remove the same from the jurisdiction of the Board of Arbitrators.C. An action will be referred to arbitration when either party or its counsel files a praecipe with the Prothonotary certifying that the pleadings are closed and the matter is ready for arbitration and shall include the estimated amount of time needed for the arbitration and list all counsel of record. A copy of the arbitration praecipe shall immediately be delivered to Court Administration and all other counsel.D. Cases subject to compulsory arbitration will not be scheduled for a pre-trial conference.