Klamath Falls Composite Mtn Bike Team - Coaching Information
We inspire kids to be confident and independent as they make friends and learn to love riding trails.
Volunteers are NOT required to have experience coaching mountain biking. In fact, some of our assistant coaches are learning alongside our student riders. In a coach, we are looking for a role model who has a POSITIVE ATTITUDE, PATIENCE, & ENTHUSIASM.
For specifics regarding coaching training, NICA philosophy, Race Events, NICA Rules, go to the NICA/Oregon League Coaches resource page.
If you would like to ride with the team, first, before making the commitment, we allow volunteers to do this one time only with a waiver. After that, you will need an invite to the PitZone, and will need to be Registered and Licensed to participate as a ride volunteer/coach. All of the training required to be a Level 1 - coach is done on-line at your convenience.
To get started, you will need to fill out a Coach Application
How do I sign up?
To get started, you will need to fill out our online coach application form.
After we receive your application, I will set you up in PitZone, and will send you an invite, for you to fill out waivers, and start your certification/training, thru the PitZone Licensing Portal.
I'm registered in PitZone, am I good to go?
Registered - You've done a background check, paid the annual NICA/Oregon League fees, and have signed all forms to work with student-athletes for the season. Once registered, you appear in our Pit Zone registration system.
Licensed - You've done the training to work with student-athletes. All adults riding with student-athletes must be licensed in order to participate in sanctioned NICA practices and events. It is only when you complete the requirements for one of the license levels below that you are cleared to ride with student-athletes.
Coach License Levels
There are three levels of NICA Coach Licensing available, which are outlined here. Here's a general breakdown of what each level entails:
Level 1 – Roles: General Volunteer, Ride Supporter
This is where it all starts. It’s the minimum requirement for working with NICA student-athletes, and adults with this level of training support rather than lead at practices and rides.
Requirements
- Annual Background Check
- Annual NFHS: Concussion in Sports
- Annual Risk Management 1 (webinar & test)
- NICA Student-Athlete Coaching Philosophy
Level 2 – Roles: Assistant Coach, Ride Leader
Level 2 coaches are able to help plan practice schedule and routes, supervise rider preparation, lead trail rides and teach On-the-Bike Skills. They also support Head Coach in communication with parents, etc.
Requirements
- Level 1 requirements
- Current CPR Certification (in-class training required)
- Current First Aid Certification
- NICA On-the-Bike Skills 101
- 20hrs Field Work (directly working with a NICA team)
- 3 CEU’s every 3 years
Level 3 – Roles: Assistant Coach, Head Coach
Level 3 coaches (typically Head Coaches or coaches that take on a leadership role) schedule/structure practices, manage Level 2 coaches, aid student-athletes with goal-setting, and act as primary contact for parents, administrators, and League/NICA representatives. They are also responsible for emergency response and documentation.
Requirements
- Level 1 & 2 requirements
- Current WFA or NICA-Approved First Aid (depending on typical riding areas)
- 80hrs Field Work (directly working with a NICA team)
- NICA Leaders’ Summit 1-day
- 9 CEU’s every 3 years
Other FAQ
How much time and commitment is required?
We have had coaches volunteer as little as only a couple of team rides during the season to attending almost every practice. We have found that volunteering on average once a week and at least one or two weekends a month, you will find it easier to connect with the teens on the team.
How are coaches scheduled for team rides, do I just show up when I can?
We ask all coaches to "RSVP" for each team ride at LEAST one week in advance for the following week. NICA requires a 1:6 or 2:8 Coach to Rider ratio. In order to know the number of riders we can have at practice, we need to know how many coaches that can LEAD a ride group. Only Level 2 coaches can lead a ride group.
Ride groups sizes are best managed with similar skill and fitness levels, ranging from 6 to 8 riders per group. If we do not have enough coaches to lead separate ride groups based on attendance, we need to structure practice differently, i.e. short course in the park and skills and games. Knowing in advance the number of coaches will allow the Head Coaches to plan ahead, for a productive and organized team practice/ride.
We expect all coaches to be reliable and on-time. We can make arrangements in advance, if you need to show up later in the ride. Not having coaches show up, when they have committed, can cause delays in the practice planned, as groups and ride plan and groups need to be modified and communicated to coaches and the team.
What are my out of pocket costs for training and expenses at races?
We provide a team jersey for all Licensed coaches.
Background check and NICA coaching fees can very each year. NICA Coaching fees $25/year & Background check $38 (year 1) & $11 (years 2 - 6).
Fees cover all of your on-line training costs offered thru the PitZone coach training portal.
We will reimburse all coaches, who participated in at least one practice per week and one weekend practice a month, at the end of the season.
For coaches, who have experience with the team, and who want to lead ride groups, who are seeking Level 2 certification, we will reimburse you for your out of pocket costs for first aid/CPR and On the Bike clinic costs at the end of the season.
We structure our team fees to be able to reimburse our coaches, but cannot reimburse coaches who are not able to commit to regular practices.
Do you have any scholarships available for coaching fees and training?
Yes! We don't want finances, to be a barrier to volunteer for our team.
On a case by case basis, the team can assist you with this, if you are unable to wait until the season ends to be reimbursed for Level 2 or Level 3 training cost,
When and where do we ride?
For all questions about team riding schedule and information, go to our Team FAQ page.