Starting and Managing a High School Mountain Bike Team
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< Add School / Team Name Here > Proprietary and Confidential to Arizona High School Cycling League Contents About AHSCL and NICA Program Structure Coaching Education and Licensing Proprietary and Confidential to Arizona High School Cycling League About AHSCL and NICA Proprietary and Confidential to Arizona High School Cycling League How It All Started 1998 – A math teacher at Berkeley (Calif.) High School started a mountain biking club with just four student-athletes 2000 – Teams from four local high schools began competing in an organized race series, and the NorCal League was born 2008 – The movement spread from NorCal to SoCal with the creation of the SoCal League 2009 – NICA was formed to take high school mountain biking coast to coast by 2020 2011 – Four leagues (NorCal, SoCal, Colorado and Washington) were racing with over 1,000 studentathletes and 109 high school teams 2012 – Minnesota, Texas and Utah join the NICA family 2013 – With the addition of Arizona, New York and Tennessee, 10 NICA leagues will be racing with an estimated 3,000+ student-athletes competing Proprietary and Confidential to Arizona High School Cycling League “This isn’t just another racing program. This is in our schools. It’s a cultural shift, cycling in the mainstream.” - Matt Fritzinger, NICA Founder NICA Defined National Interscholastic Cycling Association 501(c)(3) youth development non‐profit organization National governing body for grades 9-12 interscholastic mountain biking Finds and supports local leadership to create and support NICA Chapter Leagues within specific geographic regions across the U.S. Provides start-up grants, comprehensive programs, resources and staff support for league start-up and ongoing operations NICA creates and supports affiliated leagues across the U.S. Proprietary and Confidential to Arizona High School Cycling League Five Core Principles NICA’s five core principles are fully integrated into the programs, resources and staff support for leagues, coaches and student-athletes Inclusive All student athletes are encouraged to participate; no one is “benched” 83% of NICA student-athletes surveyed reported that their coach did a “great job” creating a positive, safe and inclusive team environment Equal All student-athletes are treated equally. Team scores are a combination of male and female points Nearly 1/4 of NICA student athletes in 2011 were girls Strong Body Improving fitness and wellness are at the center of NICA training and education 95% of NICA student athletes reported that their health and physical fitness improved when they joined a NICA League Strong Mind NICA student‐athletes are students first; more than half of NICA’s studentathletes have a 3.5 GPA or higher and 85% will go to a 4‐year college or university One-third reported academic improvement when they joined the NICA League Strong Character NICA programs and leadership teaches student‐athletes to work hard, respect others and give back to their teams, communities and the environment 73% of student athletes reported an increased awareness and respect for the environment Proprietary and Confidential to Arizona High School Cycling League Mission and Vision Mission The Arizona High School Cycling League is bigger than bikes – AHSCL is a youth development organization, building strong minds, bodies and character, guided by the principals of inclusivity and equality. Vision Promote athlete skills development, excellence, teamwork, professionalism and respect for the community and the environment Promote the sport of mountain biking and the benefits of mountain biking as a healthy, low impact, outdoor recreational lifestyle Provide leadership and governance through comprehensive policies, rules and guidelines to establish fair rules of play and codes of conduct Provide comprehensive Coaches Training and Licensing program to establish and maintain standards and best practices Provide comprehensive risk management guidelines to establish and maintain standards and best practices Advocate for the environmental conservation of natural areas and parklands, mountain bike trail access, and the development of sustainable trail systems Teenagers today, tomorrow and deep into the future will lead richer lives as a result of the league, its coaches, student-athletes, parents and sponsors. 4 Proprietary and Confidential to Arizona High School Cycling League More Than Just a Governing Body Racing 4-race schedule in 2013, held in the fall Every race features pit-zone for teams, neutral support and sponsor expo 350+ registered student-athletes and 250+ racers at each event expected in 2013; 625+ attendees per race anticipated Skills Clinics Certified coaches and assistants provide spot-on training for student-athletes of all skill levels For many, mountain biking is a new sport; even experienced riders can learn something new at NICA rider camps and clinics Emphasis on proper skill, technique and a healthy approach to riding and racing Coaching Education and Licensing Annual Leaders’ Summit, incl. both classroom and on-bike training Background checks Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification Free online courses and webinars Special Events CycleFest fundraising event, Awards Banquet and benefit rides Proprietary and Confidential to Arizona High School Cycling League 2013 Key Dates Mar 23-24 – Leaders Summit #1 – Tempe Apr 13-14 – Leaders Summit #2 – Prescott Apr 27 – CycleFest – Prescott – Juli Furtado guest speaker May 1 – Preseason Begins May 11-12 – Wilderness First Aid & CPR Training – Phoenix Jun-Jul-Aug – Skills Clinics – Two co-ed and one girls-only Jul 1 – Season Begins Sept 29 – Race #1 – Old Tucson Studios / Tucson Mountain Park – Tucson Oct 13 – Race #2 – McDowell Mountain Regional Park – Fountain Hills Oct 27 – Race #3 – White Spar Campground – Prescott Nov 10 – Race #4 – White Tank Regional Park – Goodyear Nov 24 – Season Ends – 2 weeks after final race Proprietary and Confidential to Arizona High School Cycling League Program Structure Proprietary and Confidential to Arizona High School Cycling League Types of Teams Three types of high school mountain biking teams School Teams All students are from the same school Can be “official” or “unofficial” Head Coach is required Composite Teams Riders from more than one high school in the same district or other geographic proximity Head Coach is required Note: A student who is enrolled in an online charter school or is home schooled and lives within the attendance zone of a member school or composite team, may compete on the member school or composite team. If neither option is available to the student then he/she may compete as an independent rider. Proprietary and Confidential to Arizona High School Cycling League Independent Riders Riders with no school team or composite team Practice and Skills Practice schedule is determined by coaches Typically twice during the week after school Longer ride on the weekend Skills development Riders of all levels are welcome and encouraged Focus on safe bike handling skills Fitness training Proprietary and Confidential to Arizona High School Cycling League Races High School Student-Athletes Only – grades 9–12 Saturday Pre-Ride – course marked and open for riders and coaches noon-4:00pm Sunday Race Day – spectator friendly multi-lap courses Safety and proven Risk Management – well marked course, EMS on site, 10-12 fixed course marshals, roving marshals and sweep Individual and Team Podiums at Every Race All Riders Are Cheered Bring your family and cowbells! Proprietary and Confidential to Arizona High School Cycling League Categories and Scoring Individual Scoring Freshman Boys / Girls Sophomore Boys / Girls Junior Varsity Boys / Girls Varsity Boys / Girls Team Scoring Division I Teams (≥ 12 riders) Division II Teams (< 12 riders) Teams are awarded points after every league race, which count toward the teams’ standings at that individual race and for the overall series. The team’s score is the highest score possible out of the following boy/girl combinations: Division I Team Scoring BBBBBBGG BBBBBGGG BBBBGGGG BBBGGGGG BBGGGGGG 20 Division II Team Scoring BBBG BBGG BGGG Note: Teams need not have boys and girls points to score for a race Proprietary and Confidential to Arizona High School Cycling League Risk Management The league promotes a systematic approach to proactively managing risk associated with our sport and programs Why? To do our absolute best to protect our student-athletes from harm To mitigate the potential for injury and loss To protect ourselves and our programs from litigation To ensure we are in alignment with the best practices in the field To run quality programs that attract and retain participants Legal Issues Covered by League Risk Management Education Duty of Care Negligence (basic/simple, gross/reckless) Breach of Care Waivers/Releases Inherent Risk Assumption of Risk Proprietary and Confidential to Arizona High School Cycling League Preparedness and Prevention The League’s Risk Management education puts strong emphasis on effective program planning and preparation Preparedness Education First aid training Emergency action plan Knowing what number to call in an emergency (often not 911) Knowing the route, including shortcuts home Educate riders, staff and parents Prevention with Riders and Staff Skills instruction & skills checks Rules and enforcement Terrain and ride selection Equipment (bikes and helmets) Appropriate dress Hydration, food and medications Coaching ratios (6:1 or 8:2) Safe ride formation Proprietary and Confidential to Arizona High School Cycling League Insurance Overview Provided to all registered teams, licensed coaches and registered student-athletes Coaches and Clubs (Schools can be added as additionally insured) General Liability: $1,000,000 Each Occurrence $2,000,000 Aggregate/Club $500,000 Each Claim – Sexual Abuse and Molestation $500,000 Aggregate Limit Accident Medical: $25,000 Each Person – Excess Accident Medical Deductible: $100 Accidental Death: $10,000 Volunteer Coverage: Yes Events $1,000,000 Each Occurrence $2,000,000 Aggregate per Event No Annual Aggregate Accident Medical: $25,000 Each Person – Excess Accident Medical Deductible: $100 Accidental Death: $10,000 Proprietary and Confidential to Arizona High School Cycling League How Much Does It Cost? Team Registration Division I Teams (≥ 12 riders) With licensed Head Coach OR first year teams: $250 Without licensed Head Coach: $375 Division II (< 12 riders) With licensed Head Coach OR first year teams: $125 Without licensed Head Coach: $250 Adults (Head Coach, Asst. Coach, Ride Leader, Volunteer) Coach Registration : $25 Background Check: $22 Student-Athletes (scholarships are available for all in need) League Registration: $50 Race Registration: $35 per race Other Costs Team apparel (e.g., jerseys) Equipment (e.g., tents, etc.) at teams’ discretion These costs can be offset by sponsorship and fundraising by the team Proprietary and Confidential to Arizona High School Cycling League Coaching Education & Licensing Proprietary and Confidential to Arizona High School Cycling League Coaching Overview Skilled and dedicated coaches are the linchpin of successful high school mountain bike teams. They put the safety and overall well-being of their studentathletes as the first priority. They’re role models and teachers who are open to learning the best practices of youth mountain bike coaching and actively work to hone their leadership skills. NICA Proudly Partners with the Positive Coaching Alliance The NICA Coaches License Program strives to ensure that coaches are sufficiently knowledgeable so as to have a positive impact on studentathletes. The Professional Development requirements are intended to educate coaches, both new and experienced, in the industry best-practices for a wide range of topics. A number of formats are provided to allow the greatest opportunity for coach participation. Proprietary and Confidential to Arizona High School Cycling League Leaders’ Summit The path to becoming a coach generally begins with attending a Leaders’ Summit. The conference promotes a holistic approach to coaching that creates an environment in which young people can grow and thrive. Saturday: Leadership and Coaching Seminars Seminars cover the nuts and bolts of working with high school student-athletes in the context of a NICA mountain bike club and covers basic knowledge all NICA Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches and Ride Leaders should be aware of and incorporate into their duties. Sunday: MTB 101 with Lee McCormack: Skills for Coaches Learn from renowned skills guru Lee McCormack (Mastering Mountain Bike Skills). You will learn the progressive steps needed to teach anyone both basic and advanced mountain biking skills, as well as experiential teaching techniques, how to accommodate different learning styles, and how to create a positive learning environment for young riders. Attending a Leaders’ Summit is a requirement for obtaining a NICA Coaches License at the level of Head Coach or Assistant Coach Proprietary and Confidential to Arizona High School Cycling League Coach Manual The manual will be provided to all Leaders’ Summit participants and is available for sale online at http://store.nationalmtb.org/collections/c oaches Chapter 1 – An Overview Of High School Mountain Biking is available online at http://www.nationalmtb.org/blog/wpcontent/uploads/CoachManualCH1.pdf Provides detailed information on everything you need to know to start, manage and coach a high school mountain biking team. Proprietary and Confidential to Arizona High School Cycling League Online Courses and Webinars Starting and Managing a High School Mountain Bike Team A great starting place for new coaches or for individuals looking to start a new high school mountain bike team. Participants will learn about different club formats, coaching philosophies, a timeline for club formation and other guidelines for successful team management. This course counts toward Continuing Education Units, as well. Risk Management This one hour interactive online course covers the current best-practices for mitigating risk for high school mountain bike teams. The course uses various scenarios to demonstrate important points, followed by group discussion. This webinar also counts toward Continuing Education Units. Registration and the NICA Rule Book 101 This session will walk you through the registration process, from registering a team to the last step of getting riders “race ready.” The webinar will also orient those who have never attended a high school mountain bike race and give them a sense of what to expect on race day in regards to the race day registration process and scoring for individuals and team. Fundraising This webinar covers the many varying aspects of fundraising for a mountain bike team including sponsorship, working with bike shops, fundraisers and fundraising events. Proprietary and Confidential to Arizona High School Cycling League Contact Angel Gabarino (angel@nationalmtb.org) or NICA's website for the schedule of upcoming webinars Team Starter Kit Starting and managing a high school mountain bike team is no small task – but incredibly rewarding work. Don’t let the list below overwhelm you, take it one step at a time using the following advice and documents to help ensure your effort is a success! Resources Under the Following Headings Are You Ready? Define Your Vision Getting Permission Getting Support Get The Word Out And Recruit Riders Have A Meeting For Riders Have A Meeting For Parents Raise Money Attend a NICA Leaders’ Summit Webinars The First Team Ride! More Information and Resources Proprietary and Confidential to Arizona High School Cycling League http://www.nationalmtb.org/team-starter-kit/ NICA Coaches Resources NICA recognizes that the coaches are the ones that make high school mountain bike teams possible. In light of that, NICA wants to provide any support it can to coaches. On its website you will find resources and downloadable documents ranging from the Safe Kids policy and Insurance Q&As to sample budgets and club charters, posters, videos, etc. Resources Under the Following Headings Coaches Manual Coaching & Training Managing & Raising Team Funds Team/Club Management Team/Club Rules & Guidelines Team/Club Sponsors Skills Instruction Safety & Risk Management NICA Sponsors Insurance NICA Rules & Forms Other Links Proprietary and Confidential to Arizona High School Cycling League http://www.nationalmtb.org/nica-coaches-resources/ License Levels and Requirements Head Coach License – Required training level for Head Coaches (or Team Director). All NICA teams are required to have a licensed Head Coach (or Team Director). Assistant Coach License - Recommended training level for all adults riding the NICA teams in a role beyond just ride support role. Rider Leader License – Recommended training level for all adults riding with NICA high school teams in the ride support role. General Volunteer License - Minimum requirement for all adults riding with NICA high school teams. This license protects volunteers with comprehensive insurance, and protects our youth with background checks. Type of License Background Check First Aid Requirements Professional Development Units Field Work Coaches Exams Head Coach ✓ WFA, CPR 9 units, incl. MTB 101 and Risk Management 80 Hours Head Coach Exam Assistant Coach ✓ WFA, CPR 6 units, Incl. MTB 101 and Risk Management 40 Hours Assistant Coach Exam Ride Leader ✓ First Aid, CPR 3 units, Risk Management 20 Hours - General Volunteer ✓ - - - - Coaches on new teams need only obtain a NICA General Volunteer License, but the Team Director does need to take the steps toward obtaining a NICA Head Coach License Proprietary and Confidential to Arizona High School Cycling League League and National Sponsors Platinum Gold Silver Bronze Proprietary and Confidential to Arizona High School Cycling League Local Bike Shop Partners Gold Silver Bronze Bicycle Haus – Scottsdale Bicycles of Phoenix – Scottsdale Bike Barn – Phoenix DNA Cycles – Mesa, Scottsdale Exhale Bikes – Phoenix Global Bikes – Chandler (2), Gilbert, Phoenix Arizona Bicycle Experts – Tucson Absolute Bikes – Flagstaff Fair Wheel Bikes– Tucson High Gear Bicycle Shop – Prescott Landis Cyclery – Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe (2) Swiss American – Glendale Trek Bicycle Store of West Phoenix – Avondale Two-Wheel Jones – Mesa Flat Tire Bike Shop– Cave Creek Oro Valley Bicycle – Tucson (3) We encourage all coaches, parents and student-athletes to support these participating local shops Proprietary and Confidential to Arizona High School Cycling League Thank You! Mike Perry | Executive Director Arizona High School Cycling League 480.636.0698 mike@arizonamtb.org www.ArizonaMTB.org ArizonaHighSchoolCyclingLeague @ArizonaMTB “I wish they had this when we were in school!” Proprietary and Confidential to Arizona High School Cycling League
