Coaches (& parents),

I don’t know about you, but once I get through January, I can’t help start to plan for the upcoming season. As the Team Director this involves, setting team goals, coach and athlete recruitment, practice programming, licensing training, budget, presentations, organization of this website, getting sponsors, updating all forms, continuing education, and training for recertification, etc. etc.

Personally, one of my coaching goals, is to have ALL of my licensing requirements, complete by April 1, so I can focus my attention, on all those other tasks.

For Team Goals, my top priority is to increase the number of Level 2 coaches and female coaches. For our team to grow, we need more coaches, who are qualified and able to lead a ride group, teach bike skills, and that have a better understanding of the NICA Coach Philosophy. Even if this is your first year to coach, or even new to mountain biking, this is possible.

So with that said, if you are planning on coaching this fall, the time to prepare, BEFORE our preseason activities can start (as early as April 1), now.

Returning coaches can log in to see if any of your training has expired. Although many of the online NICA training may not be accessible, until you can register, there are other things you can do. The Oregon League, in their recent email newsletter, discussed a number of things you can do to plan for the upcoming season. Per NICA insurance guidelines, you must be fully licensed to participate in NICA sanctioned practices and events (which includes Team preseason rides). So please take this into consideration. You can participate in one ride with a waiver.

If you are interested in getting your Level 2 coaching credentials, let me know. I can try to get a On the Bike Skills Clinic, but we need at least 8 people to attend. We can schedule this even before, the trails open up…. I know first hand, I did my first OTB101 clinic inside a warehouse building, and then OTB201 at an asphalt parking lot.

If you are a parent and/or team supporter, and have thought about being involve with the team in this manner, let me know. You don’t have to be an experienced mountain biker, or athlete. You just need to want to enjoy riding and spending time with teens.

For all new and returning coaches, please go to the «Join/Get Involved » tab for the Coach application form. If you want more info about coaching for our team, go to the Team/Coach/NICA info tab.

Lillian