Thinking about starting a team or helping your local team? The Arizona High School Cycling League’s annual Leaders' Summit provides the training and education you need to safely and successfully work with teenagers.

The conference brings together head coaches, assistant coaches, ride leaders and parent volunteers—both new and experienced—to develop skills and knowledge, share strategies, and build community. This summit will promote a holistic approach to coaching that creates an environment in which young people can grow and thrive. It also provides the opportunity for participants to learn all about the league structure and processes, how to start a mountain bike team, how to work with their schools, issues related to liability, and the unique intricacies of working with high school cyclists.

Those interested in obtaining a Head Coach or Assistant Coach License should register for the two-day Saturday and Sunday conference. Those interested in a NICA Ride Leader License can participate in the one-day Saturday program. Financial aid is available.

Saturday - Head & Assistant Coach, Ride Leader

Risk Management and Insurance Discussion, MTB 101 with Lee McCormack: Skills for Coaches
In this clinic, coaches will learn the progressive steps needed to teach anyone (even yourself) both basic and advanced mountain biking skills. You will also learn about experiential teaching techniques, how to accommodate different learning styles and how to create a positive learning environment for young riders. Much of this session is experiential and on the bike, so please bring your bike and appropriate riding gear.

8:00-8:30 - Check-in & Breakfast
8:30-8:45 - Welcome & Introductions
8:45-10:15 - Risk Management, Recent Incident Summary & Insurance Overview
10:15-12:15 - MTB 101- In Classroom Skills Clinic
12:15-1:00 - Lunch (provided)
1:00-4:30 - MTB 101 - On-the-Bike Skills
4:30 - Group Photo
4:45 – Trail Ride – Optional

Sunday - Head & Assistant Coach

Leadership and Coaching Seminars
Classes cover the nuts and bolts of working with high school student athletes in the context of a NICA mountain bike club and provide the basic knowledge all NICA coaches should be aware of and incorporate into their program. Classes include topics like recruiting, training and fundraising.

8:00-8:30 - Check-in & Breakfast
8:30-8:45 - Welcome & Introduction
8:45-10:00 - How to Start & Manage a MTB Team / Engaging & Motivating Adolescents & Recruiting & Retaining Girls or Managing Team Finances & Fundraising
10:05-11:00 - NICA Rulebook Overview (Registering, Class Placement, etc.) & Pit Zone Overview
11:05-12:00 - Getting to Yes with School Administrators
12:00-12:45 - Lunch (provided) – Overview of Coach Licensing and Benefits
1:00-2:00 - Creating a Strong Team-Parent Community
2:00-3:15 - Creating a Holistic Training Program & Working with Riders at the Top
3:20-4:20 - Race Day: Structure, Support & Success
4:45 - Trail Ride – Optional