Become a Coach

Passionate, Caring, and Dedicated Coaches Are the Most Essential Component to Our Program

Have you ever ridden a bike before?

Would you like to help Florida youth learn to better their minds and bodies through cycling?

If so, the Florida Interscholastic Cycling League wants YOU! No prior youth coaching or mountain bike racing experience is necessary! Just a desire to be a role model for youth and help them be active and outdoors. 

FICL is actively seeking volunteer coaches to help our teams get #morekidsonbikes all across Florida. Our adult volunteers form the backbone of our organization and we cannot overstate the value of the opportunities they will provide for Florida youth regarding personal and physical development. As a coach with the FL League you will get training and resources to equip you to change lives through cycling. There is no minimum time investment and this can fit into anyone’s schedule, however we do ask that you commit to your role.  Becoming a coach is easy and we have a road map to show you the path to get there. Additionally, we offer training opportunities with our league and neighboring leagues, plus tons of resources from our national partners, Positive Coaching Alliance and True Sport Coaching.

A Florida League coach puts the safety and overall well-being of their student-athletes as the first priority.  NICA Licensed Coaches are role models 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 a Florida League coach.
  • We provide the training and resources needed to ensure you are comfortable and confident as a coach.

RESPONSIBILITIES

GOALS

  • Have fun!
  • Keep student-athletes positively engaged in mountain bike-related activities throughout season
  • Be an authority figure and role model to all coaches, staff, student-athletes, families, and the community
  • Set an example as a responsible mountain biker at practices and on the trail
  • Contribute to a fun, inclusive atmosphere
  • Have a great time with good people who love mountain biking

TASKS

  • Manage risk in all mountain bike activities to ensure a safe and fun experience for your student-athletes
  • Inform student-athletes of activities and schedule
  • Help student-athletes with simple mechanical repairs
  • Maintain order and a culture of mutual respect among all student-athletes
  • Help minimize physical injury by promoting “Ride with Respect” atmosphere riding rules
  • Lead group rides, skills clinics and other activities
  • Help chaperone student-athletes at team activities
  • Help set up activities and events and assist with team scheduling

ROLES

  • All coaches are required to obtain a NICA Certification License 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.

HEAD COACH

  • Should be a Level 3 Coach with appropriate First Aid training
  • Develops team practice plans
  • Coordinates with other coaches to insure team practices and rides are adequately staffed and planned
  • Has direct connection with student-athletes and their families

TEAM DIRECTOR

  • Responsible for team registration, finances, and paying team fees
  • Works with head coach to plan the season and team activities

Coach License Levels Requirements

Level 1 – Roles: General Volunteer, Ride Supporter 

This is where it all starts. It’s the minimum requirement for working with NICA student-athletes, and adults with this level of training support rather than lead at practices and rides. 

Requirements

  1. Annual Background Check
  2. Athlete Abuse Awareness Training (required every two years)
  3. Annual NFHS: Concussion in Sports
  4. NICA Philosophy, Safety, and Risk Management
  5. NICA Coach Licensing Level 1 Course (required every two years)

Level 2 – Roles: Assistant Coach, Ride Leader 

Level 2 coaches are able to help plan practice schedule and routes, supervise rider preparation, lead trail rides and teach On-the-Bike Skills. They also support Head Coach in communication with parents, etc. 

Requirements

  1. Annual Background Check
  2. Athlete Abuse Awareness Training (required every two years)
  3. Annual NFHS: Concussion in Sports
  4. NICA Philosophy, Safety, and Risk Management
  5. NICA Coach Licensing Level 2 Course (required every two years)
  6. Current CPR Certification (in-class training required)
  7. Current First Aid Certification
  8. NICA On-the-Bike Skills 101
  9. 20hrs Field Work (directly working with a NICA team)
  10. 3 CEU’s every 3 years

Level 3 – Roles: Assistant Coach, Head Coach 

Level 3 coaches (typically Head Coaches) schedule/structure practices, manage Assistant Coaches, aid student-athletes with goal-setting, and act as primary contact for parents, administrators, and League/NICA representatives. They are also responsible for emergency response and documentation. 

Requirements

  1. Annual Background Check
  2. Athlete Abuse Awareness Training (required every two years)
  3. Annual NFHS: Concussion in Sports
  4. NICA Philosophy, Safety, and Risk Management
  5. NICA Coach Licensing Level 3 Course (required every two years)
  6. Current CPR Certification (in-class training required)
  7. Current WFA or NICA-Approved First Aid (depending on typical riding areas)
  8. 80hrs Field Work (directly working with a NICA team)
  9. NICA On-the-Bike Skills 101
  10. NICA Leaders’ Summit 1-day
  11. 9 CEU’s every 3 years

All coaches are required to a sign the NICA participation waiver and pay the annual fee

To learn more about requirements for each license level click here.

GET STARTED

FIND A TEAM near you, or START A TEAM in your area

Once you’ve found your team – start your training to become a Licensed Coach!