A party may object to the appointment of any person as referee, on one or more of the following grounds:
- (a) A want of any of the qualifications prescribed by statute to render a person competent as a juror, except a requirement of residence within a particular county in the state.
- (b) Consanguinity or affinity, within the third degree, to either party, or to an officer of a corporation which is a party, or to any judge of the court in which the appointment shall be made.
- (c) Standing in the relation of guardian and ward, conservator and conservatee, master and servant, employer and clerk, or principal and agent, to either party; or being a member of the family of either party; or a partner in business with either party; or security on any bond or obligation for either party.
- (d) Having served as a juror or been a witness on any trial between the same parties.
- (e) Interest on the part of the person in the event of the action, or in the main question involved in the action.
- (f) Having formed or expressed an unqualified opinion or belief as to the merits of the action.
- (g) The existence of a state of mind in the potential referee evincing enmity against or bias toward either party.