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.

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 – 9:00 -- Welcome and Introductions
9:00 – 9:30 -- 2015 Arizona League Review and 2016 Arizona Update
9:30 – 10:00 -- NICA 2.0 – National Perspective and Updates on NICA Changes
10:00 – 11:00 -- Working with the NICA Student-Athlete
11:00 – 12:00 -- MTB 101: Classroom Portion (A, B, C ‘s and Bike Fit)
12:00 – 12:15 -- Group Photo
12:15 – 1:30 -- Lunch (provided) – Primal and AES information
1:30 – 4:30 -- MTB 101: On-the-Bike Skills Clinic –or– MTB 201 Competency in Coaching: On-The-Bike Skills Clinic
4:30 – 5:00 -- Round Table Discussion & Wrap Up
5:00 -- Optional Group Ride

Sunday - Head & Assistant Coach

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 – 9:30 -- NICA Rulebook Overview and Pit Zone Overview
9:30 – 10:30 -- How to Start & Manage a MTB Team
10:30 – 11:30 -- How to Recruit, Coach and Work with Female Student-Athletes
11:30 – 12:30 -- Getting to Yes with School Administrators
12:30 – 1:30 -- Lunch (provided)
1:30 – 2:30 -- Creating a Strong Team-Parent Community / Managing Team Finances and Fundraising
2:30 – 3:30 -- Working with the NICA Middle School-Athlete
3:30 – 4:30 -- Race Day: Structure, Support & Success
4:30 – 5:00 -- Round Table Discussion & Wrap Up
5:00 -- Optional Group Ride

With a little guidance and positive goals, mountain biking can be a very successful high school athletic program. Make a difference. Get involved.