For the past five years, I have had the privilege of serving on the Association-wide Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports. It sounded like an interesting committee to me. After all, I am always willing to serve.

And then came the overnight delivery -- boxes and boxes of materials and notebooks! Surely this material was meant for someone else. Injury surveillance survey reports, abstracts on knee injuries to females, concussion studies, creatine proposals, drug-testing information -- the list goes on. What in the world did I get myself into?

Perhaps I should change my name to Dr. Reighn. Then again, I might someday need the assistance of one of these committee members. Lugging volumes of materials and notebooks through airports may cause back problems, shoulder pain and perhaps cause a knee to weaken. Oh, well, I committed to serve so I anxiously awaited the first meeting.

As the lone Division III member, my initial thoughts were, "What could I possibly offer to this committee composed primarily of medical doctors, university researchers, lawyers and experts in the area of drugs and drug testing?" And more importantly, why would these individuals want to be involved on this committee, taking valuable time away from their important positions?

Halfway through my initial meeting with this group, my questions were answered. There were no Divisions I, II or III lines drawn or barriers to scale. I observed a group of true professionals working together as a team toward a common vision -- that of student-athlete welfare.

My responsibility was to share information from the Division III perspective and represent the membership. I appreciated the sensitivity the committee shared toward all divisions and the ability they had to understand the differences. Everyone's opinion was important and listened to carefully before decisions were made.

The volumes of materials to read did not hinder the spirit or mission of this group of men and women. It was evident materials were read and digested before the meeting and everyone was well-educated on the issues. Of course, a sense of humor helps break up the monotony, and we certainly enjoyed a few laughs from time to time.

To Bryan Smith, Gary Green, Etty Griffin, Brian Sharkey, Bill Arnet and Priscilla Clarkson, thank you for the opportunity to serve with you on this committee. Your passion and concern for student-athletes is tremendous and so evident with every conversation and decision you made.

To my fellow athletics directors and athletic trainers, it was a privilege to work with you. It always is a positive experience to share and compare thoughts and ideas. It makes our programs better.

And Nick Cassini, I know you thought you were being left out. But I purposely planned it this way! Anyone who has ever served on this committee with you will never forget you. Your wisdom, knowledge and wonderful sense of humor were welcome additions to the group.

The insight and knowledge I gained through this committee is invaluable. The respect I have for these individuals is unbelievable and the friendships I developed are priceless.

Was the time and effort worth it? You bet!

Would I serve again? Without a doubt!

Joy L. Reighn is director of athletics at Rowan University. Though she has rotated off the Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports, her NCAA committee service continues as chair of the Division III Management Council.