Coaches License Program

Looking to become a coach or renew your license?

NICA partners with Positive Coaching Alliance

NICA proudly partners with the Positive Coaching Alliance

The purpose of this program is to ensure that all head coaches, assistant coaches and ride leaders are sufficiently knowledgeable so as to be a positive influence on all NICA riders. NICA licenses also protect volunteers and coaches with comprehensive insurance, as well as protect our youth with background checks.

Coaching License Levels

General Volunteer License (GV) - 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.

Rider Leader License (RL) – Recommended training level for all adults riding with NICA high school teams in the ride support role.

Assistant Coach License (AC) - Recommended training level for all adults riding the NICA teams in a role beyond just ride support role. Minimum license level for first year NICA Indie Clubs.

Head Coach License (HC) – Required training level for the Head Coaches (or Team Director). All NICA teams and NICA Indie Clubs are required to have a licensed Head Coach (or Team Director). Grace periods apply to first year teams and Indie Clubs (grace periods may differ by region, contact NICA for details).

Click here for a summary of license requirements by level.

Program Requirements and Benefits

First Aid

Mountain biking is a sport of inherent risks and injuries can happen away from rapid emergency response. Our license program has high standards for first aid training to ensure NICA student athletes (and fellow coaches) receive well trained care and response when emergencies occur. Various amounts of first aid training are required for a RL, AC and HC licenses. Learn more

Education

Leaders’ Summits bring together coaches, assistant coaches, ride leaders, and parent volunteers—both new and experienced—to develop skills and knowledge, share strategies, and build community and to ensure NICA coaches are exposed to the best practices, especially in the areas of risk management, facilitating team rides, youth psychology, and youth-appropriate training. Other NICA approved educational opportunities are available. Various hours of NICA approved education are required for RL, AC, and HC licenses. Learn more

Background Check

All coaches and adult volunteers are required to successfully complete a background screening through the NICA background screen provider. The background check is a one-time requirement, though a new background check is required if a coach changes teams. Learn more

Field Work

Actual hours spent in contact with high school students while engaged in a high school mountain bike program. Various hours of NICA approved field work are required for RL, AC, and HC licenses. Learn more

Continuing Education

In order to maintain a current NICA Coaches License, an individual must keep her/his first aid certification current and engage in 9 units of professional development (Continuing Education Units) every three years. Learn more

Benefits

Obtaining a NICA coaching license includes benefits beyond the knowledge that comes with the training and the insurance program. Thanks to our generous NICA sponsors, licensed coaches enjoy a number of discounts and other perks. These benefits vary by license level and also by League. Learn more