Coaching

 

Coaching with Crimson Cliffs MTB is a very rewarding experience. Coaches are an integral part of the team and are required even to begin practicing. It’s impossible for one coach to take 100 kids on a trail ride; can you imagine the chaos?! We break the team into practice groups of skilled riders, and coaches are assigned to practice groups. We want 4-5 coaches per group so that if a coach cannot make a practice, there are others to fill the gaps. Do you need to be a skilled rider? No! We need parents who want to help build a program and watch their kids, along with others, do hard things and succeed! The league requires a 1:6 ratio for coaches and students to sanction our team, so we need 15-16 coaches at every practice!

Expectation

  • Complete NICA-required coaching certification as outlined below. We strongly encourage all coaches to strive for Level 2 even if you don’t intend to lead a group.

  • Participate in 2 practices a week, Tuesday and Thursday. During the summer, this is from 6:30 am to 8 am. During School, practice occurs 1.5 hours before sunset.

  • Attend races to help get your riders warmed up, number plates on, and to the starting gate on time.

  • Have a good attitude, and be positive and encouraging.

Coaching Coordinator

Please reach out with any questions/concerns:

Thad Feltner
thad.feltner@gmail.com

Getting Started

Please email the coaching coordinator above for a Pitzone invitation if you don’t already have one. Once you have the invitation, you can click the button below to log in to Pitzone and start your certifications

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No. Of course, the more, the merrier, but once the groups are established, you can coordinate with other coaches in your group or the team to ensure your kids are covered in your absence. Coaches understand that mountain biking isn’t the only thing you have going on, and we work as a team to help fill the gaps.

  • You need to have at least level 1 certification completed to attend practice.

  • Coaching is about more than bike skills. Your attitude, attentiveness, and words of encouragement are needed just as much as bike skills. We have riders and coaches at all skill levels; come ride with us. We need you! This is one of the only sports that allows parents to be actively/encouraged to participate.

  • We need help all season at way more than practice. We will take any help you can offer.

Required Certification

From NICA: “Coaches do not have to be experienced mountain bikers, they just need a desire to mentor youth, and we're here to help. NICA's Coach Licensing program provides the training and education coaches need to provide a safe and positive environment while having fun; and ensures that all adults working with our students have met the Safe Kids Policy criteria, and are insured.”

There are 3 levels of certification:

 
 

Level 1

Required to ride with the team but not lead a group or practice.

  • Must be 18+

  • Annual Participation Agreement

  • Annual Coach License Membership Fee - $25

  • Annual Background Check - $38

  • Athlete Abuse training every 2 years

  • Annual NFHS Concussion in Sports Course

  • Annual NICA Coach License Level 1 Course

  • Annual NICA Philosophy & Risk Management Course

 
 

Level 2

Can lead a specific group within a team. Has the ability to plan practices under the Head Coach's Supervision

  • Must be 21+

  • Annual Participation Agreement

  • Annual Coach License Membership Fee - $25

  • Annual Background Check - $38

  • Athlete Abuse training every 2 years

  • Annual NFHS Concussion in Sports Course

  • Annual NICA Coach License Level 1 Course

  • Annual NICA Philosophy & Risk Management Course

  • Basic First Aid/CPR Certification

  • 20 hours of fieldwork

  • On the Bike Skills course (one time only)

  • 3 Units of Continuing Education Credit every 3 years

 
 

Level 3

Can plan practices and lead groups. Plans ride schedules and training plans as directed by the Head Coach. This level can also be a Head Coach or Team Director

  • Must be 21+

  • Annual Participation Agreement

  • Annual Coach License Membership Fee - $25

  • Annual Background Check - $38

  • Athlete Abuse training every 2 years

  • Annual NFHS Concussion in Sports Course

  • Annual NICA Coach License Level 1 Course

  • Annual NICA Philosophy & Risk Management Course

  • Basic First Aid/CPR Certification

  • 80 hours of fieldwork

  • On the Bike Skills course (one time only)

  • 6 Units of Continuing Education Credit every 3 years

  • NICA Approved First Aid Course

  • 1 Day Leaders Summit

  • Level 3 Exam