How do I start an interscholastic mountain bike team? Administrators, teachers, students, community members, anyone can potentially begin a cycling club at their local high school or middle school. Every district works a little differently, but most schools athletic programs depend on the support of community members. Visit your school and ask questions about their current sports programs and clubs. Whether considered a club, or an athletic program, it is important to find support from the school. Discuss your plans and ideas with your school administration, and your ready to get started. Next, you’ll need to meet a few NICA coaching requirements to get started.
How do I recruit kids for a team? Various teams have had success with many different recruiting techniques. Hosting a Bike Club table at Club Rush (or whatever your high school or middle school Club recruitment day is called) is a great way to garner initial interest. Meeting with the Athletic Director in order to educate he/she about your new club is another idea. Email the Florida League at info@floridamtb.org and ask if there are current teams or clubs that you can connect with in your area. Put an article in the school newspaper, get parents to talk to other parents, send an email to your school’s Boosters Club. There are lots of ways to get kids interested in cycling!
Do I have to have insurance for a club or team? Yes, but don’t worry we’ve got you covered! NICA provides comprehensive liability insurance to all teams and coaches who officially register with the Florida League.
Do you have to be an experienced rider/racer to be a coach? Definitely not! Many of our coaches only started riding because their kids were getting into the sport. You don’t need to be a racer, and you don’t need to be able to keep up with the kids at their fastest pace (very few among us can)! Practices are designed to keep everyone of all abilities involved, that includes kids and coaches.
