WHY BE A COACH?

With more than 60 student riders on our team, our program thrives because of dedicated coaches and volunteers who help create a safe, positive, and fun environment. You don’t need years of experience or elite riding skills, just enthusiasm, patience, and a desire to make a difference.

If you’re the parent of a student rider, coaching is a meaningful way to be involved, spend quality time together, and share in your student’s growth and success. We promise, it’s a lot of fun!

WHAT DO COACHES DO?

Coaches lead and supervise ride groups and club events, promoting safety while challenging student riders to improve their fitness and skills.

STEPS TO BECOME A COACH

STEP 1: Contact the team director at redwoodmtb@gmail.com to let them know you want to become a coach. You will be sent an invitation to register as a coach in Pit Zone. This personalized invite is sent via email.

STEP 2: Become a Licensed Volunteer or Coach.

To ride with the Redwood team, you must be fully certified as a Level 1 NICA Volunteer Coach.

This ensures that every adult working with our student athletes is properly trained and vetted, keeping our kids safe and our program strong.

The NICA Coach License Program equips coaches with training that meets national standards and best practices while developing strong mind, body, and character in student-athletes.

Licensing also provides:

• Insurance coverage for coaches and riders

• Background checks to protect youth

• Exclusive perks and discounts from NICA sponsors (benefits vary by level and league)

TRY OUT BEING A COACH!

Not sure if you want to be a coach? Join us for one ride using a NICA waiver to see if you’d like to become a coach with Redwood MTB Team.

Steps to get started:

1. Fill out the NICA Coach/Volunteer Agreement and Medical Disclosure & Consent Agreement.

2. Email us a PDF copy of your completed forms—we’ll help arrange a good day for you to ride with the team.

3. Review the NICA Coaching Resource Guide

Our team is part of the NorCal League, which operates under the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA). NICA is a national non-profit organization with leagues across the country, and its mission is to build strong minds, bodies, character, and community through cycling. In short, we use mountain biking as a tool to help kids grow into well-rounded individuals.

FIRST-YEAR COACHES

All first-year coaches must complete Level 1 requirements in NICA’s PitZone system

1) Sign in to PitZone (email the Team Director at redwoodmtb@gmail.com for access)

2) Complete the Participation Agreement, Background Check, and Coach License Fee.

We also highly recommend first-year coaches take On-the-Bike Skills 101—a half-day outdoor course that helps you confidently coach young riders.

ADVANCING TO LEVEL 2

We encourage returning coaches to move toward Level 2 certification, which includes:

• On-the-Bike Skills 101 (one-time course, fall only—don’t miss it!)

• First Aid training (every 2 years)

• CPR certification (every 2 years)

Check the NorCal NICA Events Calendar for local classes.

ANNUAL RENEWAL

Each year in PitZone, coaches must update their:

• Personal information

• Participation Agreement

• Coaching Agreement

• Background check

• Plus, complete any expired coursework