Georgia High School Cycling League

Apalachee High School

The Georgia High School Cycling League is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization under NICA and is the governing body for high school (grades 9-12) cross-country mountain biking in Georgia. The League added a middle school program in 2014. The League provides not only races and events but also direct rider, coach, and team support including defined programs, education, licensing, and insurance. The League was founded in 2013 and is one of 16 NICA leagues in operation as of 2015.

Vital League Information

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Georgia League Vision

Vision: The Georgia High School Cycling League was organized in 2013 to provide a well defined race season for high school (grades 9-12) student-athletes and to promote the formation of teams at public and private high schools. In 2015 that grew to include a middle school program designed to introduce middle school aged riders (grades 6-8) to the sport of mountain biking focused heavily on skills, fun, and fitness with a taste of the competitive aspects of mountain biking..

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Georgia League Mission• The Georgia High School Cycling League works to

establish and maintain safe, quality high school mountain bike programs. The League is responsible for establishing a climate that will:– Provide students who have the desire to mountain bike with

the coaching and camaraderie that will help them achieve both competitive and non-competitive cross-country mountain biking goals in a safe and enjoyable manner;

– Develop an awareness of what it is to be an amateur athlete that is both gracious and respectful to their community;

– Create an environment in which they may discover new friendships and find role models;

– Guide students towards learning new skills and disciplines, and spread the foundations of mountain bike racing across the U.S.;

– Foster a responsible attitude toward the use of trails and wilderness;

– Promote the value of cycling to our community as a mode of transportation and as a life long sport.

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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.

Inclusivity: 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 Founder, 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 spreads to SoCal with the creation of the SoCal League.

2009 NICA 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.

2012Seven leagues (including new adds Texas, Utah, and Minnesota) were racing with over 2,000 Student-athletes.

2013With three new leagues (New York, Tennessee, and Arizona) touching both east and west coasts NICA brings the total to 9 leagues. Minnesota launches middle school program.

2014Two new leagues (Georgia and Wisconsin) for 11 leagues and over 3,000 student-athletes racing in 2014. SoCal launches middle school program.

2015Alabama and Virginia announced for 2015. Will there be more?

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

-NICA Founder, Matt Fritzinger

National Interscholastic Cycling Association(NICA)

501(c)3 Youth Development Non-Profit Organization

National Governing Body for grades 9-12 inter-scholastic mountain biking.

NICA finds and supports local leadership to create NICA chapter leagues within specific geographic regions across the US.

NICA provides start-up grants, comprehensive programs, resources and staff support for league start up and ongoing operations.

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NICA Defined

NICA creates and supports affiliated chapter leagues across the US.

Senior girls from Drake and San Marin High Schools (NorCal) refuel mid-race.

“The NorCal League is the best run League of any high school sport, I’ve ever seen.”

-Robert Ramierez, NorCal Parent

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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 a 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 its student-athletes.

NICA Teams and ClubsNICA 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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Georgia League RacesWhat you can expect from the League:

Pre-ride: Course open for riders and coaches Saturday afternoon (1-5 PM) and Sunday morning (8-9:30 AM).

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

Safety & Proven Risk Management including:• Well marked course• EMT’s on site• Fixed Course Marshals• Sweep Marshals

Individual podiums every raceTeam podiums every race

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 NICA 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 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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ScheduleYear Round

• Teams may form, recruit, and plan for the upcoming season but no TEAM on-bike activities outside of season (April 1st through November 15th)

Winter• League Leaders’ Summit• League Wilderness First Aid Training• Team Registration begins

Spring• Team pre-season activities April 1st-June

30th (skill and mechanical clinics and fun rides)• Limit of 6

Summer• Team regular season training begins Dec

1st

• League new rider camps and clinicsFall

• Race season runs from September 13th to November 1st

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.

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NICA Student-Athletes

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 StudyNICA student-athletes race on average 4 times per year in their league.

Sportsmanship is stressed throughout our programs.

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Racing Categories & Scoring

• Team Scoring• Division 1 Teams (≥ 12

riders) • Division 2 Teams (< 12

riders)

Combination of boys and girls results are used for team scoring.

Individual Scoring 9th-12thgrades• Freshman• Sophomore• Junior Varsity• Varsity

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Practice & Skills

Practice schedule is determined by coaches• Usually 2-3 times a week after school and once

on the weekend.• Usually 7-10 hours per week.

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?

Student-athletes• Bike and helmet (cost varies widely)• $50 to register a student/rider• $45 per raceLimited registration scholarships are available for students in need

Adults (Coach, Asst. Coach, Ride Leader, Volunteer)• $25 fee + required background check ($20)

Other Items• Team Registration Fee (D2 $125-$175 D1 $250-$325)• Apalachee 1st year Registration Fee=$125• Clothing• Other 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 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 NICA League. Dan McKay (president) has been insuring mountain bike events and organizations since 1995.

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)

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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 our 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 education• Duty of Care• Negligence (basic/simple, gross/reckless)• Breach of Care• Waivers/Releases• Inherent Risk• Assumption 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 Building• Accurate Marketing of the sport to new

participants• Honest information exchange• Background Checks for staff/adult

volunteers• Release & Assumption of Risk Forms• Proper Reporting• Medical 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 the correct number to call• Know your route and shortcuts

home• Educate Riders, Staff and Parents

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Support for CoachesCoaching ManualProvides detailed information on the many facets of coaching from forming a team to team management to periodized training to adolescent psychology.

Leader’s SummitEducates coaches & assistants in many aspects of running a team from skills/drills and training to recruiting.

Online Resourceswww.nationalmtb.org/nica-coaches-resources/Insurance Overview, Risk Management, Rule Book, sponsor discounts, 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 & 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!Dan Brooks

Executive Directordan@georgiamtb.org

(678) 662-1869www.georgiamtb.org

Brent MayoNICA Coach

bdmayo@uga.edu404-408-2883