Before a case proceeds to trial on Arbitration, the parties (or their counsel) shall complete and sign a form provided by the Workers' Compensation Commission called Request for Hearing. However, in the event a party (or counsel) fails or refuses to complete and sign the document, the Arbitrator, in his or her discretion, may allow the case to be heard and may impose upon that party whatever sanctions permitted by law the circumstances may warrant. The completed Request for Hearing form, signed by the parties (or counsel), shall be filed with the Arbitrator as the stipulation of the parties and a settlement of the questions in dispute in the case.
Ill. Admin. Code tit. 50, § 9030.40