SoCal High School Cycling League
<Your Team Name Here>
Vital League Information
The SoCal High School Cycling League is a 501(c)3 non-profit
organization under NICA and is the governing body for high school
(grades 9-12) cross-country mountain biking in the 10 counties of
Southern California. The League added a middle school program in 2014.
The League provides not only races and events but also direct rider,
coach, and team support including defined programs, education,
licensing, and insurance. The League was founded in 2008 and is one of
13 NICA leagues in operation as of 2014.
SoCal League Vision & Mission
Vision: The SoCal High School Cycling League was
organized in 2008 to provide a well defined race season
for high school (grades 9-12) student-athletes and to
promote the formation of teams at public and private high
schools. In 2014 that grew to include a middle school
program designed to introduce middle school aged riders
(grades 6-8) to the sport of mountain biking focused
heavily on skills, fun, fitness, and NICA’s “Spirit of Howdy”
with a taste of the competitive aspects of mountain biking.
Mission: Establish and maintain safe, quality
interscholastic mountain bike programs.
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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 studentathletes 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 Student-Athletes have a 3.5
GPA or higher, 85% will go to a 4-year college or university, and 1/3 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.
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How it all started...
1998
Matt Fritzinger, a math teacher at Berkeley High School at the time, started a mountain
biking club with just 4 student-athletes.
2000
Matt was organizing and producing a race series with teams from 4 local high schools
competing – The NorCal League was born.
2008
The movement spreads to SoCal with the creation of the SoCal League.
2009
NICA 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
Student-athletes and 109 High School Teams.
2012
Seven leagues (including new adds Texas, Utah, and Minnesota) were racing with over
2,000 Student-athletes.
2013
With three new leagues (New York, Tennessee, and Arizona) touching both east and west
coasts NICA brings the total to 9 leagues. Minnesota launches middle school program.
2014
Two new leagues (Georgia and Wisconsin) for 11 leagues and over 3,000 student-athletes
racing in 2014. SoCal launches middle school program.
2015
Alabama and Virginia announced for 2015. Will there be more?
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NICA Founder, Matt Fritzinger
“This isn’t just another racing program.
This is in our schools. It’s a cultural shift,
cycling in the mainstream.”
-NICA Founder, Matt Fritzinger
NICA Defined
National Interscholastic Cycling Association
(NICA)
501(c)3 Youth Development Non-Profit Organization
National Governing Body for grades 9-12 interscholastic mountain biking.
NICA finds and supports local leadership to create
and supports NICA chapter leagues within specific
geographic regions across the US.
NICA provides start-up grants, comprehensive
programs, resources and staff support for league
start up and ongoing operations.
Senior girls from Drake and San Marin High Schools (NorCal) refuel mid-race.
“The NorCal League is the best run League
of any high school sport, I’ve ever seen.”
-Robert Ramierez, NorCal Parent
NICA creates and supports affiliated chapter leagues across the US.
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The NICA Way
The NICA way is based on over a decade of proven leadership, governance and
programmatic support to promote the creation, development and sustained
operation of High School Mountain Biking Leagues.
National Interscholastic Cycling Association
NICA creates and supports affiliated chapter Leagues within specific geographic
regions across the US.
NICA Leagues
NICA Leagues, led by a League Director, produce races, camps, outreach and
special events to support the development of new coaches, teams, and studentathletes.
NICA Leagues
NICA Coaches
NICA Coaches create teams integrated within high schools and provide
mentoring, instruction, training schedule, and race support for it’s studentathletes.
NICA Coaches
NICA Teams and Clubs
NICA Teams recruit, train and support the development of student-athletes to
participate on the team and compete in the League.
NICA Teams and Clubs
NICA Student-Athletes
NICA Student-Athletes learn the skills and discipline of riding, training, teamwork
and giving back; strengthening body, mind and character in the process.
NICA Families
NICA Families are supportive of their child’s participation and become
passionate about riding as well with 61% of Dads and 37% of Moms reporting
that they had started riding again.
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NICA Student-Athletes
NICA Families
SoCal League Races
What you can expect from the League:
Pre-ride: Course open for riders and coaches Saturday afternoon (1-5 PM) and
Sunday morning (8-9:30 AM).
Sunday race day: Spectator friendly multiple lap courses. Bring your friends, family
and cowbells!
Safety & Proven Risk Management including:
• Well marked course
• EMT’s on site
• 12-18 Fixed Course Marshals
• Sweep Marshals
Individual podiums every race
Team podiums every race
NICA Real-time Timing System
WiFi hotspot allowing spectators to link in
ALL RIDERS ARE CHEERED!
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Additional League Events
Leader’s Summit
The Leaders’ Summits are in integral part of the NICA model for high school mountain bike programs. The
summits bring together head coaches, assistant coaches, ride leaders, and parent volunteers — both new
and experienced — to develop skills and knowledge, share strategies, and build community. The
conferences promote a holistic approach to coaching that creates an environment in which young people
can grow and thrive. They also provide opportunities for participants to learn all about the league structures
and processes, how to start a mountain bike team, how to work with their schools, issues related to liability,
skills and drills technique and instruction, and the unique intricacies of working with high school cyclists.
Attending a NICA Leaders’ Summit is a requirement for obtaining a NICA Coaches License at the level of
Head Coach or Assistant Coach.
Rider Camps
For many student-athletes, mountain biking is a new sport. Even experienced riders can learn something
new at a NICA rider camp or clinic, which emphasizes proper skill, technique and a healthy approach to
riding and racing. Licensed coaches and assistants provide spot-on training for students of all skill levels,
and in some cases a girl’s-only camp is held to encourage our future women to let their natural abilities
flow.
Fundraising Events
Since 2004, the our NICA leagues have organized a weekend of fellowship to celebrate a successful year,
bringing together cyclists in the community in the form of a sit-down banquet and group ride. Celebrities
have included road pro Freddie Rodriguez, Giro d’Italia winner Andy Hampsten, former road and MTB proturned author and television commentator Bob Roll, mountain bike evangelist Gary Fisher, pro roadie Levi
Leipheimer and Garmin-Transitions CEO Jonathan Vaughters. Funds are raised, the year is celebrated,
information and friendship is shared, and another season is planned out over drinks and hor d’oeuvres.
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Coaching
NICA Leagues provide comprehensive resources, education,
licensing programs and insurance for coaches, assistants and
ride leaders
Background checks
Wilderness First Aid & CPR
Risk Management
Positive Coaching
Skills & Drills Training
Annual Leaders Summit
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SoCal League 2015 Projections
Teams 55 +/Academy of the Canyons High School LA County Baptist
Christian High School Riverside County Big Bear Composite
San Bernardino County Calabasas High School LA County
Channel Islands High School Ventura County Clark Magnet High
School LA County Corona Composite Riverside County Corona
del Mar High School Orange County Crescenta Valley High
School LA County Damien High School LA County Diamond Bar
High School LA County Dos Pueblos High School Santa
Barbara County Eastlake High School San Diego County El
Camino High School San Diego County El Toro High School
Orange County Foothill High School Orange County Great Oak
High School Riverside County Hart High School LA County
Hemet High School Riverside County John Burroughs High
School LA County Julian Composite San Diego County La
Canada High School LA County La Serna High School LA
County Monrovia High School LA County Moore Middle School
San Bernardino County Murrieta Mesa High School Riverside
County Murrieta Valley High School Riverside County Newbury
Park High School Ventura County Ramona High School San
Diego County Redlands Adventist Academy San Bernardino
County Redlands Composite San Bernardino County Redlands
East Valley High School San Bernardino County Righetti High
School Santa Barbara County Rim of the World High School San
Bernardino County San Gabriel Valley Composite LA County
San Marino High School LA County Santa Ynez Valley High
School Santa Barbara County Serrano High School San
Bernardino County Simi Valley Ventura County South Orange
County Composite Orange County St. Francis High School LA
County Tehachapi High School Kern County Temecula
Composite Riverside County Temescal Canyon High School
Riverside County Trabuco Hills High School Orange County
Tustin High School Orange County Valencia High School LA
County Victor Valley Composite San Bernardino County West
Ranch High School LA County Woodcrest Christian High School
4 Riverside County Yucaipa High School San Bernardino County
Student-Athletes 750 +/Coaches 100 +/-
<Vital Team Information / Add
your team information here.>
Schedule
Fall
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League Leaders’ Summit
League Wilderness First Aid Training
Team Registration begins Oct 1st
Team pre-season activities Oct 15th-Nov 30th
(skill and mechanical clinics and fun rides)
• CycleFest League Fundraiser
Winter
• Team regular season training may begin Dec
1st
• League new rider camps and clinics
Spring
• Race season is end of February through midMay
• Team activity concludes end of May
Summer
• League summer camp
Year Round
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• Teams may form, recruit, and plan for the
upcoming season but no team on bike
activities outside of season (Oct 1st through
end of May)
SoCal LEAGUE: Student-Athletes
SoCal League Student-Athletes
Student-Athletes are at the core of all NICA programs. NICA provides
student-athletes with comprehensive programs and resources to foster
the development of young riders and transform them into lifetime cyclists.
Student-Athlete Program
NICA Student-Athlete Registration
Riders Manual
Student–Athlete Breakdown
~ 750 Expected League Registered Student-Athletes in 2015
280 Hours Of Team Activities/Student-Athlete Participation Per Season
210,000+ Expected Hours Of Student-Athlete Participation in 2015
Sportsmanship is stressed throughout our programs.
99.5% of student athletes reported that they
expect to ride the rest of their lives.
97% Of non graduating student athletes will
race again next year.
Nearly ¼ of student athletes are female.
Source: NICA 2011 League Participation Study
NICA student-athletes race on average 4 times per year in their league.
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Racing Categories & Scoring
• Team Scoring
• Division 1 Teams (≥ 12 riders)
• Division 2 Teams (< 12 riders)
Combination of boys and girls results
are used for team scoring.
Individual Scoring 9th-12thgrades
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Freshman
Sophomore
Junior Varsity
Varsity
Practice & Skills
Practice schedule is determined by coaches
• Usually 2-3 times a week after school and once on the
weekend.
• Usually 7-10 hours per week.
Skills development
• Riders of all levels are welcome and encouraged
• Focus on safe bike handling skills
• Fitness training
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How Much Does It Cost?
Student-athletes
• Bike and helmet (cost varies widely)
• $50 to register a student/rider
• $45 per race
Limited registration scholarships are available for students in need
Adults (Coach, Asst. Coach, Ride Leader, Volunteer)
• $25 + required background check
Other Items
• Team Registration Fee (D2 $125-$175 D1 $250-$325)
• Clothing
• Other support costs depending on desire of team including team equipment, tents,
etc.
Any of these costs can be offset by sponsorship and fundraising by the team.
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Insurance Overview
Insurance provided to all registered teams, licensed coaches and registered student athletes
General Liability for Clubs (Schools can be added as additionally insured)
$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: None
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: None
Accidental Death: $10,000
McKay Insurance provides this policy for the NICA League. Dan McKay (president) has been insuring mountain bike events
and organizations since 1995.
Underwriters for the policy are Lexington Insurance Company and National Union Fire Insurance Company – Member
Chartis Companies. Lexington is an A+(Superior) rated carrier by A. M. Best Company, National Union Fire Insurance
Company is also rated A+(Superior)
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Risk Management
The League promotes a systematic approach to proactively
managing risk associated with our sport and programs
Why?
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To do our absolute best to protect out 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
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Duty of Care
Negligence (basic/simple, gross/reckless)
Breach of Care
Waivers/Releases
Inherent Risk
Assumption of Risk
Risk Management Continued
Prevention
The League’s Risk Management education puts strong emphasis on effective
program planning and preparation.
•Risks associated with Cross-Country Mountain Biking
Minor and/or major injuries
and illness
Inclement weather.
Becoming lost on bike
rides
Mechanical malfunction
Risks associated with
speed
Collision or interference
between other trail users
Improper nutrition and
hydration
Riding on challenging
terrain and in traffic
Planning and Preparation includes:
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Relationship Building
Accurate Marketing of the sport to new
participants
Honest information exchange
Background Checks for staff/adult volunteers
Release & Assumption of Risk Forms
Proper Reporting
Medical Conditions Knowledge
Risk Management Continued
Prevention with Riders and Staff
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Adequate Conditioning
Skills instruction & Skills Checks
Rules & Enforcement
Terrain & Ride Selection
Equipment (Bikes & Helmets)
Appropriate Dress
Hydration, Food and Medications
Coaching Ratios (6:1 or 8:2)
Safe Ride Formation
Preparedness Education
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First Aid Training
Emergency Action Plan
Knowing the correct number to call
Know your route and shortcuts home
Educate Riders, Staff and Parents
Support for Coaches
Coaching Manual
Provides detailed information on the many facets of coaching from forming a
team to team management to periodized training to adolescent psychology.
Leader’s Summit
Educates coaches & assistants in many aspects of running a team from
skills/drills and training to recruiting.
Online Resources
www.nationalmtb.org/nica-coaches-resources/
Insurance Overview, Risk Management, Rule Book, sponsor discounts, and
much more information and documents to help coaches
www.nationalmtb.org/team-starter-kit/
Step by step process of starting a team including information, documents,
presentations, videos, etc.
Webinars
Coaching/Team Sponsor Benefits
Coaches and Teams receive support from NICA & League in a variety of ways including
access to Team Clif Bar Program, GU Energy Program, Primal Wear team apparel Program,
discounted First Aid Supplies, discount on NICA CamelBak, and more.
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Thank You!
Matt Gunnell
Executive Director
matt@socaldirt.org
(818) 415-1133
www.socaldirt.org
<Your Name>
Team Director
<email>
<phone>
<Team URL >