Thinking about starting a team or helping your local team? Have you been helping out and want to formalize your status? Are you a seasoned coach and want to share with, and learn from, your peers?

The league’s annual Leaders' Summit 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. The conference also fulfills the Professional Development Units required for the various NICA coach licenses. The 2016 summit will be held on April 23-24 in Sedona.

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.

Saturday - Head & Assistant Coach, Ride Leader

8:00–8:30 – Check-In & Breakfast
8:30–9:00 – Welcome & Introductions
9:00–9:30 – 2015 Arizona League Review & 2016 Arizona Update
9:30–10:00 – NICA 2.0 – National Perspective & 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 & 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

8:00–8:30 – Check-In & Breakfast
8:30–9:30 – NICA Rulebook Overview & Pit Zone Overview
9:30–10:30 – How to Start & Manage a MTB Team
10:30–11:30 – How to Recruit, Coach & 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