SDCL § 21-25B-13: Three-member panel selected for small claims--Selection process.

If the damages sought do not exceed ten thousand dollars, the arbitration panel shall consist of three members. Each party may select one member from the panel. If a party does not wish to select his member from the panel, he may petition the presiding judge of the circuit court in which the controversy occurred to appoint some other person of his choice, subject to the objection of the opposing party. Once these two members of the panel have been selected, these two members in turn shall select a third member which may or may not be from the panel. If they cannot agree within fifteen days, then the presiding judge of the circuit court shall, within fifteen days, appoint the third member.