Skilled and dedicated coaches are the most important aspect of Oregon Interscholastic Cycling League mountain bike teams.  An Oregon League 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.

Coaches quickly learn that volunteer coaching a NICA team can be a lot of work yet perhaps one of the most rewarding experiences of their lifetime. Many coaches report improved personal well-being and fitness after just one season. Many coaches echo the sentiment:

“I thought I was doing this all for the kids, but it turned out I benefited perhaps more than the kids, with regular practices and leadership opportunities.”

Is NICA Coaching right for me?

How do I become a NICA Coach?

NO PRIOR COACHING EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY!

The Oregon Interscholastic Cycling League will provide all the NICA risk management and best practice training you’ll need to jump right in and start coaching a team.  Seminars called Leaders’ Summits and Ride Leader Training are held throughout the year, including online webinars and annual retreats.

How do I get started?

All NICA coaches start with NICA License Level 1 and take it one step at a time throughout the year as opportunities arise to complete additional requirements. Minimum requirement to ride with/coach students is NICA License Level 1 as per NICA “Safe Kids Policy”.

STEP 1: 

Check out NICA’s Coach Licensing Program for NEW and RETURNING coaches HERE

STEP 2:

Contact Oregon League Director, Heather Wolfgang: Heather@oregonmtb.org

STEP 3:

Start talking with other people you think would be good coaches and build your relationships!