VALPARAISO | Athletes, coaches, attorneys, media and the public now can access more than 20 years of cases, arbitration decisions and current rules governing various sports through the Valparaiso University Sports Law Clinic's database. Recently completed, the sports law case library is available at www.valpo.edu/law/sportsclinic.

The database encompasses more than 500 cases and arbitration decisions going back to 1986. Besides searchable versions of these proceedings, the database also contains searchable versions of national and international rules governing numerous sports.

MORE: Access the Valparaiso University Sports Law Clinic's case library.

Clinic director Michael Straubel, associate professor of law at VU's School of Law, and numerous third-year law students compiled the material.

"We believe this database will serve as a valuable resource for many," Straubel said. "It was one of the original goals of the Sports Law Clinic and, along with all we've accomplished in casework, we're pleased to reach this goal. I've heard from many athletes, lawyers and others who will utilize this service."

The database is the only clearinghouse for such information in an online, searchable format available to professionals and the public. People interested in submitting information on cases, decisions, sports law and other relevant matters for the database are strongly encouraged to e-mail the Sports Law Clinic at sportslawclinic@valpolaw.net.

The Sports Law Clinic was founded in 2005 and provides need-based pro bono legal help to amateur athletes and coaches. The clinic has handled several national, state and local cases and operated on-site at the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Turin, Italy.

-- For The Times