Coach Training

The Florida Interscholastic Cycling League recognizes coaches as the most essential component of successful mountain bike teams, and we offer many opportunities and resources that can help you grow more comfortable and confident in your role as a coach.

The NICA Coach License Program was introduced to ensure that all Florida League student-athletes have adult leaders familiar with the best coaching practices. All Licensed Coaches have been background checked and have received training in topics that include: Athlete Abuse Awareness, Risk Management, Coaching Philosophy, and have received Concussion Training.

Coach License Levels

To work with our student-athletes, all coaches must meet the NICA licensure requirements at one of three levels:

Level 1 Certification: Assists all coaches as directed by the Head Coach.

Level 2 Certification: Assists level 3 coaches with advanced tasks such as teaching skills and leading rides.

Level 3 Certification: Takes a leadership role within the team. Equivalent competencies as Head Coach.

Click here for more information about NICA Coach License requirements

The Florida League offers various opportunities for coaches to gain the confidence and skills needed to guide our student-athletes out on the trails. Much of the training offered is held in late Summer/early Fall ahead of the pre-season.

Leaders’ Summit:

Leader Summit Training is for head coaches or team directors starting a team or taking over a team. It is also appropriate for coaches seeking to advance their NICA license level or obtain CEUs to maintain their current license.

Not required for Level 1 coaches
Not required for level 2 coaches, but optional attendance can be used as 8 CEUs toward licensing requirements.
Required for coaches first obtaining a Level 3 license; optional attendance can be used as 8 CEUs toward maintaining current license.

Leader’s Summit has gone virtual:

NICA National hosts virtual trainings that provide coaches the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of what it means to be a NICA Coach while being able to interact with coaches from across the country! This training is a great introduction to coaching, and perfect for new coaches. Please contact jason@floridamtb.org for a description of the online option available form NICA.

On-the-Bike Skills:

Florida Coach Supporters are experienced and trained coaches who teach coaches HOW to teach mountain bike skills to our student-athletes. On-the-Bike Skills 101 (a Level 2 requirement) teaches coaches how to teach fundamental mountain bike skills while On-the-Bike Skills 201 is designed for those coaches who actively teach skills for their team the opportunity to learn how to teach more progressive and advances skills to their student-athletes.

First Aid:

Mountain biking is an inherently risky activity and it is crucial for our coaches to be properly trained to handle injuries out on the trail. As the Florida League is not a medical provider we are not able to provide our own training and must rely on opportunities available from outside licensed providers.

Level 2 Coach Requirement: Basic First Aid (4+ hours) for coaches practicing/riding within one hour of definitive care and Wilderness First Aid (16 hours) for any coaches practicing/riding further than 1 hour from definitive care.

Level 3 Coach Requirement: NICA Approved First Aid (8 hours) for coaches practicing/riding within one hour of definitive care and Wilderness First Aid (16 hours) for any coaches practicing/riding further than 1 hour from definitive care.

Time to definitive care means approximately how long it would take for Emergency Medical Services to reach, evacuate and deliver a critically injured patient to a hospital.

For more information regarding the first aid requirements for Level 2 and Level 3 Coaches, please see the NICA Coach License Program – First Aid Requirements