Three parents of children who were on the same sports team disagreed with the administration and coaching of the team, which resulted in open, heated, parental discussions at events. Instead of pursuing restraining orders, all parties agreed to mediate issues of name calling, negative letters, rumors and threats of legal fees for going to court. Since there were some separate issues between the three parents, they thought it would be best to hold two different mediations with two parents at each so as to keep issues confidential.

The first mediation was held and the parties reached a written agreement. The agreement was to stop name calling, rumors, and reimburse some legal fees that had already incurred.  As a result of the mediation, the parties agreed that the focus should be their children and learning how to deal with each other in a more respectful way to be positive role models, on and off the field. After the mediation, one party was surprised that the mediation worked and went so well.  The next mediation was scheduled and it was also successful. Parties again reached a written agreement and were again surprised that they were able to talk to each other about their concerns and refocus on the children. 

In this instance, two different mediations were able to assist three parties into talking to each other in a positive manner.   Broken relationships were mended and there was a refocus on their children.  All parties agreed that the mediation gave them new ways to deal with conflicts, that the mediation process was fair and impartial, and that in the mediation they had the chance to say what they wanted to say. They all agreed that they would choose this process again and that they would recommend that others use the Mediation and Restorative Justice Center to resolve disputes.