Coach with NICA - Change Lives!
NICA coaches build strong minds, bodies, character, and communities by getting more kids on bikes across the country.
Join thousands of skilled and dedicated NICA coaches who are the leaders inspiring kids to become lifelong cyclists.
NICA’s comprehensive coach education program provides new and existing coaches with the high-quality training and resources they need to be confident, competent, and empowered leaders on their youth mountain bike teams. NICA coaches not only create amazing experiences for student-athletes, they create a foundation for building healthy mountain bike communities. NICA coaches change lives!
Get Started as a NICA Coach
Coach Education & Training
Resources for Coaches
A great NICA coach is more than just a mountain biker - great coaches are people who…
- Prioritize the safety and well-being of student-athletes
- Pursue their best selves and are great role models
- Have a passion for riding and passing it on to kids
- Enjoy working with student-athletes in positive, motivational ways
- Communicate and collaborate positively and productively
- Live out the NICA values of fun, inclusivity, equity, respect, and community
Get Started
Take the next steps to join over 8,500 amazing NICA youth mountain bike coaches across the country:
1.
Contact your local NICA team...
2.
Get an invite to register in Pit Zone...
3.
Complete NICA’s coach training...
4.
Ride bikes & change lives!
Coach Education & Training
NICA’s required coach training exists to ensure our volunteers are empowered and confident in their coaching role. Effective coaches create amazing youth mountain bike programs!
Here’s what you’ll learn as a NICA coach:
- NICA Philosophy
- Safety & Risk Management
- Athlete Abuse Awareness
- Concussion Training
- NICA Coach Courses
- …and more!
Here’s what else you’ll need to complete:
In addition to your coach education, all NICA coaches will complete the following:
- Participation Agreement
- Coach Licensing Membership
- Background Check
Resources for Coaches
Access NICA’s tools for coaches: from the NICA handbook to sample season schedules and practice plans - we’re here to support you!
Licensed coaches can find a large library of tools, templates, and resources by logging into the Coach Education Center. To access, log into your Pit Zone account and click the "Courses, Resources, & Benefits" button.
Coaches can access the Coaches' Help Desk for additional support with any coaching-related questions!
Coach Benefits
We recognize that coaches make a huge difference in the lives of student-athletes. We’re lucky to have many sponsors and industry partners who realize this, too! Licensed NICA coaches can receive a variety of discounts and benefits from many cycling and outdoor brands as a thank you for their work to get #morekidsonbikes
For an overview, check out our NICA benefits page. To view specific benefit details and use your coach benefits, visit the NICA Coach Education Center by logging into Pit Zone and clicking the white “Courses, Resources, & Benefits” button.
Please remember that, although many of our partners offer exclusive discounts to the NICA community, they do so voluntarily. Local shops determine their own NICA benefits (if they elect to participate). Always be courteous to both our national partners and local retailers as they work to meet your purchase needs.