Rule 1301 - Scope, Stipulations Amending Amount In Controversy(a) In accordance with 7361 of the Judicial Code (42 Pa. C.S.A.), as amended, all cases, to include assessments of damages, where the amount in controversy, exclusive of interest, delay damages and costs, does not exceed Fifty Thousand ($50,000.00) Dollars, shall first be tried before a board of arbitrators. This rule does not apply to cases involving title to real estate nor to other cases prohibited from reference to a board of arbitrators under existing law.(b) The amount in controversy originally pleaded cannot be reduced to a sum not in excess of Fifty Thousand ($50,000.00) Dollars except by stipulation of the parties or by order of court. If the case has already been assigned to a judge, the stipulation must be approved by that judge. All such stipulations, whether requiring court approval or not, shall be filed with the Office of Judicial Support and the Court Administrator.