Skilled and dedicated coaches are the most important asset of Arizona Interscholastic Cycling League mountain bike teams. An AICL coach puts the safety and overall well-being of their student-athletes as the first priority. NICA-licensed coaches are role models and teachers who are open to learning the best practices of youth mountain bike coaching and actively working to hone their leadership skills.
- No experience is necessary to become an AICL coach.
- We have many teams already established with which you could volunteer – a great way to get a first-hand look at what managing a team is like.
- We have the tools to help all coaches succeed.
- We offer comprehensive training at our annual Coaches Summit conference.
- Check out NICA’s educational resources and free webinar series.
How do I get started?
The path to becoming an AICL coach generally begins with volunteering with a local team or attending a Coaches Summit. All coaches are required to obtain a coaches license at one of three levels:
- Level 1
- Level 2
- Level 3
Start with Level 1 and take it one step at a time throughout the year as training opportunities arise to complete requirements. Level 1 certification is the minimum requirement to ride with and coach our student-athletes, as per NICA Abuse Prevention Program.
All Level 1 requirements are offered online. Trainings for Levels 2 and 3 are both online and offered locally through the AICL. Please screenshot the results of all your online trainings (e.g., NFHS Concussion, Risk Management, CEU credits, Level 3 exam) and upload to your profile in the Pit Zone. You will not receive email confirmation of results for many of the online courses.
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS |
|||
| Background Check | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Participation Agreement | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| License Fee | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| NFHS Concussion Training | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| NICA Risk Management | 1 | 1, 2 | 3 |
| NICA Risk Management Test | 1 | 1, 2 | 3 |
| NICA Student-Athlete Coaching Philosophy | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| NICA Student-Athlete Coaching Philosophy Test | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| NICA-Approved First Aid | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| CPR Certification | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Field Work Hours | – | 20 | 80 |
| On-the-Bike Skills Training | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Level 3 Exam | – | – | ✓ |
| Leaders’ Summit 1-Day | – | – | ✓ |
| Continuing Education Units (every 3 years) | – | 3 | 9 |
APPROVED ACTIVITIES |
|||
| Serve as team communicator, coordinator | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Help team with fundraiser activities, social events, etc. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ride with team in supporting role | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ride with team in leading role | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Teach mountain bike skills and plan team rides | – | – | ✓ |