Life is about to become a bit easier for individuals at NCAA member institutions and conferences who have compliance responsibilities as part of their daily routine.

On August 1, the Legislative Services Database for the Internet (LSDBi) will be unveiled to the membership and general pulic. The database will be Web-based, meaning that the three division Manuals and interpretations will be available through a Web browser and at a faster access speed than before.

The retooling of LSDBi has been in progress for more than two years, said David W. Schnase, NCAA director of membership services.

"We needed to change to a Web-based system because the current VAX/Telnet system was quickly becoming out-of-date and was slow to function on many campuses," Schnase said.

The change also was necessary because the 2000-01 Manuals have eliminated the legislative numerical "gaps," meaning different bylaw cites for the same rule now will be found in the Divisions I, II and III Manuals.

The online Manuals will be updated after each legislative cycle. The LSDBi will contain more than 9,000 interpretations of NCAA rules. The general public will have access only to the NCAA Manuals through this database.

A mailing will be sent to the membership in late July explaining how to log on to the new system. The mailing also will give detailed information about user names and passwords. Those who will receive the mailing include director of athletics, senior woman administrator, faculty athletics representative and compliance coordinator at every NCAA member institution. Commissioners and compliance coordinators at member conferences also will receive the mailing .