Here you can find resources that can help you organize your team.
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Road Map for New Coaches and Teams
To maximize SAFETY and FUN the following ratios must be adhered to:
When riding trails a Level 2 or 3 Coach MUST be leading the ride (all student-athletes behind the lead coach).
- A solo Level 2 or Level 3 coach can have up to 6 student-athletes with them (1:6)
- With an additional coach (Level 1, 2, or 3) sweeping the group, two coaches may ride with 8 student-athletes (2:8 = groups size of 10)
- When practicing in an open field where student-athletes can be seen at all times by the lead Level 3 coach (skills practice, games, short course in grass) the ratios can relax
| COACH REQUIREMENTS Licensure Requirements are completed in the PitZone/LITMOS For full requirements – please see the national website | Background Check Policy Licensure Requirements First Aid Requirements 2023 Handbook (Appendix C: Code of Conduct) Participation Agreement NICA Athlete Abuse Prevention (Program Overview) |
| PRESEASON | Preseason Activity Approval Form Info/Interest Meeting Presentation (2023) School Admin Presentation (2023) Activity Ideas Team Tasks/Roles NICA Bike Check, Maintenance and Repair Standards Bike Safety Check Checklist A,B,C Quick Check |
| WAIVERS | ONE TIME Student-Athlete: Electronic ONE TIME Coach: Electronic |
| PRACTICE DESIGN | Practice and Season Planning What to Carry in Your Pack A,B,C Quick Check Stretching/Yoga Bodyweight Exercises Bike Games Short Course Relays and Mock Short Course Races Off-Bike/Indoor Games How to Hold a Multi-Team Practice EXPLORE NC EAP (Emergency Action Plan) Team Practice Weather Guide NICA Bike Check, Maintenance and Repair Standards Bike Safety Check Checklist |
| WORKING WITH STUDENT-ATHLETES | Establishing a NICA-Centered Team Culture Working with NICA Student-Athletes Goal Setting Creating a Team Code of Conduct Skills Assessment Student-Athlete Practice Checklist (Gear) NICA Suspected Abuse Reporting Guidance – NICA Form to Document Suspected Student-Athlete Abuse/Neglect Petition for Exception |
| SAFETY REPORTING | NICA Universal Safety Reporting Incident Form – please only use this form if the weekly email is not accessible. NICA Safety Reporting Field Notes – for note taking in the field only. Use the online form to submit via REDCap. |
| LOANER BIKE PROGRAM | Application |
| SCHOLARSHIPS | Application |
| TEAM | Team Graphics Standards – NCICL Logo – NICA Logo Team Bank Account Fundraising Insurance Overview and FAQ Team Sponsor Proposal (Sample) Shop Agreement (Sample) Team Tasks/Roles Team Budget: Small Team – Large Team Coach Pack List |
| EMERGENCY ACTION PLANS REVIEW each EAP PRIOR to visiting with student-athletes and reach out to local coaches for more detailed information and for recommended rides routes. | A central purpose of an EAP is to ensure trails are appropriate for our student-athletes and to help teams document which portions of a practice area require Wilderness First Aid (16 hr) training and to either pursue WFA (16 hour) or avoid those areas while leading NICA activities. EAP (Blank Form) Submit an EAP ___________ Map with EAPs |
| PODCAST AND COACHES CALL If you miss a call, or just want to revisit the information that was shared, you can check out CALL AGENDAS HERE | Our Podcast is published the first Monday of each month followed by a Coaches Call on the third Monday during the season (starting in September). Each month our Podcast will cover topics helpful to teams and coaches as we move throughout the season. We will share info, discuss coaching topics, answer common questions, etc. Coaches Calls are an opportunity for coaches to ask questions about information shared on the podcast as well as share successes with their peers. Any coach interested in attending is welcome, but we ask that a Team Director or Head Coach attend from each team so that all teams are part of the conversation and are up to date on league happenings. Coaches Calls are held the THIRD MONDAY of each month Calls are at 7:30pm and you can join by phone or computer. Join Zoom Meeting – CLICK HERE Meeting ID: 488 457 1139 Passcode: 1w4W8L One tap mobile +16465588656,,4884571139# US (New York) Dial in: +1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 488 457 1139 |
| CEU Opportunities | https://nationalmtb.org/continuing-education/ |
| BENEFITS | https://nationalmtb.org/athlete-coach-benefits/ |
The NICA Coach Licensing Program was introduced to ensure that all student-athletes have adult leaders familiar with the best coaching practices. Licensed coaches have been trained in topics that include risk management, team management, ride management, and youth sports psychology.
All Licensed Coaches are covered by comprehensive liability insurance provided by the League for the duration of the season. In order to work with student-athletes and ride with the team, all adults must be licensed coaches (for the safety of our student-athletes and to be covered by insurance).
Click here for more information about the NICA Coach License Program.
COACHING LICENSE LEVELS
Level 1 Certification: Assists all coaches as directed by the Head Coach.
Level 2 Certification: Assists level 3 coaches with advanced tasks such as teaching skills and leading rides.
Level 3 Certification: Takes a leadership role within the team. Equivalent competencies as Head Coach.