Coach Training
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! All NICA coaches must pass an annual background check.
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
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
Online Leader Summit:
NICA National hosts free online 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. Attending a Leader Summit is a Level 3 coach licensing requirement.
NC NICA Coach Retreats
Every two years, the North Carolina League brings our incredible coaching community together for an unforgettable retreat! It’s the ultimate opportunity to elevate your coaching toolkit, swap strategies, build lasting connections, and—of course—get out on the dirt together.
Mark your calendars: The next NC League Coach Retreat lands in Fall 2027 and it’s going be one to remember! Stay tuned for location and registration details.
On-the-Bike Skills Courses:
NICA’s On-the-Bike (OTB) 101 course is required for all Level 2 and 3 coaches. OTB 101 introduces the essential mountain bike skills that student-athletes need, while also helping coaches learn how to effectively teach these skills in a youth development setting. Its primary function is not to teach coaches themselves to be better riders; the primary outcome is for coaches to gain a full understanding of how to deliver impactful, competent skills instruction.
Fall 2026 OTB 101 clinic schedule and registration links will be posted soon and sent via email to all level 1 coaches.
First Aid/WFA and CPR Requirements:
NICA first aid standards are specific to each coaching level. Level 1 coaches are not required to have first aid or CPR training.
There are many first aid/CPR and WFA options available across North Carolina, look online for your local options or contact your Team Director for assistance. Many teams coordinate with providers to host WFA classes locally to reduce cost. Providers include, but are not limited to:
- The Red Cross offers basic first aid and CPR
- Nantahala Outdoor Center offers monthly WFA course
- NOC offers custom courses locally for groups meeting class size minimums to reduce cost – inquire about their hybrid option.
- Many community colleges (such as McDowell Tech in Old Fort) offer WFA course at low cost as well.