Tennessee High School Cycling League

Your Team Name Here

The Tennessee High School Cycling League is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization under NICA and is the governing body for Tennessee high school (grades 9-12) cross-country mountain biking. The League provides not only races and events but also direct rider, coach, and team support including defined programs, education, licensing, and insurance.

Vital League Information

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Tennessee League Vision & Mission

Vision: Enable every Tennessee teen to strengthen their body, mind and character through mountain biking

Mission: Establish an enduring, fun and relevant high school mountain bike program to improve Tennessee communities and the lives of Tennessee teens.

Focus: Life-long activity.

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Five Core PrinciplesNICA’s Five Core Principles are fully integrated into the programs, resources and staff

support for leagues, coaches and student athletes.

Inclusive: All student athletes are encouraged to participate. No one is “benched.” 83% of NICA student-athletes surveyed reported that their coach did a “great job” creating a positive, safe and inclusive team environment.

Equal: All student-athletes are treated equally. Team scores are a combination of male and female points. Nearly 1/4 of NICA student athletes in 2011 were girls.

Strong Body: Improving fitness and wellness are at the center of NICA training and education. 95% of NICA student athletes reported that their health and physical fitness improved when they joined a NICA League.

Strong Mind: NICA student-athletes are students first. More than half of NICA’s Student-Athletes have a 3.5 GPA or higher, 85% will go to a 4-year college or university, and 1/3 reported academic improvement when they joined the NICA League.

Strong Character: NICA programs and leadership teaches student-athletes to work hard, respect others and give back to their teams, communities and the environment. 73% of student athletes reported an increased awareness and respect for the environment.

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How it all started...

NICA Executive Director, Matt Fritzinger

1998Matt Fritzinger, a math teacher at Berkeley High School at the time, started a mountain biking club with just 4 student-athletes.

2000Matt was organizing and producing a race series with teams from 4 local high schools competing – The NorCal League was born.

2008The movement spread from NorCal to SoCal with the creation of the SoCal League.

2009 NICA was formed to take High School Mountain Biking coast to coast by 2020.

2011Four leagues (NorCal, SoCal, Colorado and Washington) were racing with over 1,000 Student athletes and 109 High School Teams.

2012Texas, Minnesota and Utah were selected. To make seven NICA leagues racing with an estimated 2,000 student-athletes competing. Tennessee submits a bid to NICA and is announced to be Project League on September 13, 2012.

2013With the addition of Arizona, New York and Tennessee, nine NICA leagues will be racing with an estimated 4,000 student-athletes competing across the country.

“This isn’t just another racing program. This is in our schools. It’s a cultural shift, cycling in the mainstream.”

-NICA E.D., Matt Fritzinger

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The NICA WayThe NICA way is based on over a decade of proven leadership, governance and programmatic support to promote the creation, development and sustained operation of High School Mountain Biking Leagues.

National Interscholastic Cycling AssociationNICA creates and supports affiliated chapter Leagues within specific geographic regions across the US.

NICA LeaguesNICA Leagues, led by League Director, produce races, camps, outreach and special events to support the development of new coaches, teams, and student-athletes.

NICA CoachesNICA Coaches create teams integrated within high schools and provide mentoring, instruction, training schedule, and race support for it’s student-athletes.

NICA TeamsNICA Teams recruit, train and support the development of student-athletes to participate on the team and compete in the League.

NICA Student-AthletesNICA Student-Athletes learn the skills and discipline of riding, training, teamwork and giving back; strengthening body, mind and character in the process.

NICA FamiliesNICA Families are supportive of their child’s participation and become passionate about riding as well with 61% of Dads and 37% of Moms reporting that they had started riding again.

NICA Leagues

NICA Coaches

NICA Teams and Clubs

NICA Student-Athletes

NICA Families

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Tennessee League Races

What you can expect from the League:

Pre-ride: Course open for riders and coaches the day prior to racing

Sunday race day: Spectator friendly lap courses. Bring your family and cowbells!

Safety & Proven Risk Management including:• Well marked course• Trained EMTs on site• 8-10 Fixed Course Marshals• Sweep Marshals

Individual and Team podiums every race

NICA Real-time Timing System

ALL RIDERS ARE CHEERED!

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Additional League Events

Leader’s SummitThe Leaders’ Summits are in integral part of the NICA model for high school mountain bike programs. The summits bring together head coaches, assistant coaches, ride leaders, and parent volunteers — both new and experienced — to develop skills and knowledge, share strategies, and build community. The conferences promote a holistic approach to coaching that creates an environment in which young people can grow and thrive. They also provide opportunities for participants to learn all about the league structures and processes, how to start a mountain bike team, how to work with their schools, issues related to liability, skills and drills technique and instruction, and the unique intricacies of working with high school cyclists.

Attending a NICA Leaders’ Summit is a requirement for obtaining a NICA Coaches License at the level of Head Coach or Assistant Coach.

Rider CampsFor many student-athletes, mountain biking is a new sport. Even experienced riders can learn something new at a NICA rider camp or clinic, which emphasizes proper skill, technique and a healthy approach to riding and racing. Licensed coaches and assistants provide spot-on training for students of all skill levels, and in some cases a girl’s-only camp is held to encourage our future women to let their natural abilities flow.

Fundraising EventsSince 2004, the our Leagues have organized a weekend of fellowship to celebrate a successful year, bringing together cyclists in the community in the form of a sit-down banquet and group ride. Celebrities have included road pro Freddie Rodriguez, Giro d’Italia winner Andy Hampsten, former road and MTB pro-turned author and television commentator Bob Roll, mountain bike evangelist Gary Fisher, pro roadie Levi Leipheimer and Garmin-Transitions CEO Jonathan Vaughters. Funds are raised, the year is celebrated, information and friendship is shared, and another season is planned out over drinks and hor d’oeuvres.

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Coaching

Background checks Wilderness First Aid & CPR

certification Risk Management Positive Coaching Skills & Drills Training Annual Leaders Summit

 

NICA Leagues provide comprehensive resources, education, licensing programs and insurance for coaches, assistants and ride leaders

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Tennessee League 2013 ProjectionsHigh Schools +/- 10

St. Andrews Sewanee School University School of Nashville Sumner County Composite Franklin County Composite Marshal County High School Madison County High School Independent Riders – TN League Fayetteville High School Brentwood Composite Marion County High School Ensworth School

Student Athletes +/- 100Coaches +/- 15

More expected as the season continues and next year!

Vital Team Information

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Schedule

Throughout The YearClubs are formed throughout the year, depending upon school regulations

SpringLeaders SummitRegistration of TeamsFun rides

SummerCyclefest FundraiserRider CampsWilderness First Aid training for coaches

Fall – Back-To-SchoolPractice begins after the “dead period” in July each year. Races on September 22, October 6, 26, November 17, 2013.

League Student-AthletesStudent-Athletes are at the core of all NICA programs. NICA provides student-athletes with comprehensive programs and resources to foster the development of young riders and transform them into lifetime cyclists.

Student-Athlete ProgramNICA Student-Athlete RegistrationRiders Manual

Student–Athlete Breakdown~ 120 Expected League Registered Student-Athletes in 2013190 Hours Of Team Activities/Student-Athlete Participation Per Season~1900 Expected Hours Of Student-Athlete Participation in 2013

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Tennessee League: Student-Athletes

NICA student-athlete representing in the SoCal League Leader’s Jersey.

99.5% of student athletes reported that they expect to ride the rest of their lives.

97% Of non graduating student athletes will race again next year.

Nearly ¼ of student athletes are female.

Source: NICA 2011 League Participation Study

More than half of NICA’s Student-Athletes have a 3.5 GPA or higher, 85% will go to a 4-year college or university, and 1/3 reported academic improvement when they joined the NICA League.

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Racing Categories & Scoring

• Team ScoringDivision 1 Teams (≥ 12 riders) Division 2 Teams (< 12 riders)

Combination of boys and girls results are used. All Tennessee teams will be division 2 the first year.

Individual Scoring 9th-12thgrades

FreshmanSophomoreJunior VarsityVarsity

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Practice & Skills

Practice schedule is determined by coaches• Twice during the week after school• Longer ride on the weekend

Skills development• Riders of all levels are welcome and

encouraged• Focus on safe bike handling skills • Fitness training

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How Much Does It Cost?

Students$50 to register a student/rider$35 per raceScholarships are available for students in need!!

Adults (Coach, Asst. Coach, Ride Leader, Volunteer) $25 + required background check

Other ItemsTeam Registration Fee (D2 $175)ClothingOther support costs depending on desire of team including team equipment, tents, etc.

Any of these costs can be offset by sponsorship and fundraising by the team!

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Insurance Overview

Insurance is provided to all registered teams, licensed coaches and registered student athletes. General Liability for Clubs (Schools can be added as additionally insured)

$1,000,000 Each Occurrence$2,000,000 Aggregate/Club$500,000 Each Claim – Sexual Abuse and Molestation$500,000 Aggregate Limit

Accident Medical$25,000 Each Person – Excess Accident MedicalDeductible: NoneAccidental Death: $10,000Volunteer Coverage: Yes

Events$1,000,000 Each Occurrence$2,000,000 Aggregate per EventNo annual aggregateAccident Medical:$25,000 Each Person – Excess Accident MedicalDeductible: NoneAccidental Death: $10,000

McKay Insurance provides this policy for the League. Dan McKay (president) has been working with IMBA since 1995 to protect mountain bike clubs from liability concerns. Since that time, he has become an expert on all matters of bicycle liability and is recognized as a supporter of trail advocacy efforts nationwide.

Underwriters for the policy are Lexington Insurance Company and National Union Fire Insurance Company – Member Chartis Companies. Lexington is an A+(Superior) rated carrier by A. M. Best Company, National Union Fire Insurance Company is also rated A+(Superior)

Caden Maves takes the handoff at the Feed Zone

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Risk Management

The League promotes a systematic approach to proactively managing risk associated with our sport and programs

WHY?To do our absolute best to protect out student-athletes from harm;To mitigate the potential for injury and loss;To protect ourselves and our programs from litigation;To ensure we are in alignment with the best practices in the field;To run quality programs that attract and retain participants

Legal Issues covered by League risk management educationDuty of CareNegligence (basic/simple, gross/reckless)Breach of CareWaivers/ReleasesInherent RiskAssumption of Risk

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Risk Management Continued

PreventionThe League’s Risk Management education puts strong emphasis on effective program planning and preparation.

•Risks associated with Cross-Country Mountain Biking

Minor and/or major injuries and illness

Inclement weather. Becoming lost on bike rides

Mechanical malfunction

Risks associated with speed

Collision or interference between other trail users

Improper nutrition and hydration

Riding on challenging terrain and in traffic

•Planning and Preparation includes:Relationship BuildingAccurate Marketing of the sport to new participantsHonest information exchangeBackground Checks for staff/adult volunteersRelease & Assumption of Risk FormsProper ReportingMedical Conditions Knowledge

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Risk Management Continued

Prevention with Riders and Staff

• Adequate Conditioning• Skills instruction & Skills Checks• Rules & Enforcement• Terrain & Ride Selection• Equipment (Bikes & Helmets)• Appropriate Dress• Hydration, Food and Medications• Coaching Ratios (6:1 or 8:2)• Safe Ride Formation

Preparedness Education• First Aid Training• Emergency Action Plan• Knowing what number to call in an

emergency (often not 911)• Know your route, including shortcuts

home• Educate Riders, Staff and Parents

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Support for CoachesCoaching ManualProvides detailed information. Chapter 1 – Starting, Managing, and Coaching a High School Mountain Bike Team available online

Leader’s SummitEducate coaches & assistants in all aspects of running a team from skills/drills and training to recruiting. In Tennessee the April of each year.

Online Resourceswww.tennesseemtb.orgTeam information on forming and creating a team

www.nationalmtb.org/nica-coaches-resources/First chapter of coaches manual, Insurance Overview, Risk Management, Rule Book, and much more information and documents to help coaches

www.nationalmtb.org/team-starter-kit/Step by step process of starting a team including information, documents, presentations, videos, etc.

Webinars

Coaching/Team Sponsor BenefitsCoaches and Teams receive support from NICA & the League in a variety of ways including access to Team Clif Bar Program, GU Energy Program, Primal Wear team apparel Program, discounted First Aid Supplies, discount on NICA CamelBak, and more.

Thank You!Katherine Williams

League Directorkat@tennesseemtb.org

(615) 567-6671www.tennesseemtb.org

Your Name

Team Directoremailphone

www.tennesseemtb.org