New to Indiana: Interscholastic Mountain Biking Get “the dirt” on NICA, the Indiana league, teams, and coaching
What is NICA? The National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) A youth development organization ● Promotes mountain bike racing for grades 6-12 ● Formed in 2009 ● Now in 24 states ● 14,381 student-athletes in 2017 ● 777+ teams ● www.nationalmtb.org ● PRO TIP: Student-athlete participation in NICA grew by more than 33% in 2017.
Core values NICA is a character-building organization guided by it’s core tenets: Inclusivity ● Equality ● Strong Body ● Strong Mind ● Strong Character ● PRO TIP: one-third of NICA student-athletes reported an improvement in GPA as a result of league participation.
A different sport Interscholastic mountain bike racing is: A team sport that celebrates the ● individual An individual sport that fosters ● community There is no “bench;” everyone ● rides and everyone scores PRO TIP: Mountain biking gives kids who might not be interested in a “mainstream” sport the opportunity to participate in an activity that emphasizes personal growth and life lessons.
NICA builds communities… 73% 97% 67% of student-athletes of non-graduating growth in female reported that their student-athletes student-athlete participation inspired intend to participate participation in NICA family/friends to start again next season riding bikes 88% 85% 78% of NICA student- of student-athletes will Of student-athletes athletes report continue on to a 4- report that their improved physical year college or respect for the fitness as a result of university after high environment and other participation school trail users increased Source: NICA 2014 Annual Report; available at www.nationalmtb.org
The League About the Indiana Interscholastic Cycling League: A nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization ● Chartered in July 2018 ● Governed by NICA ● Provides program administration, ○ coach certification, insurance, rules and regulations, and league training. Not part of the IN High School Athletic ● Association (IHSAA) - Functions as a club sport
Our Mission To enable every Indiana teen to develop a strong mind, a strong body and strong character through lifelong participation in cycling. The Indiana Interscholastic Cycling League: ● Fills a niche for students whose needs may not be met by traditional interscholastic sports ● Gets kids outside ● Welcomes and supports diversity in ability, ethnicity, gender, and skill level ● Promotes trail-building efforts and environmental awareness ● Improves focus and academic performance in our student-athletes ● Promotes health & fitness in teens & their families
The Season A fall racing season 2019 Leader’s Summit May 4-5 at Griffin Bike Park ● April-June 30th: Registration for IN teams ● July 1st: Regular season practice begins ● 3-4 days/week August - October: Racing! ● 4 -5 races per season (Sundays) ● Volunteers are needed Friday through Sunday ● Learn more at www.indianamtb.org and www.facebook.com/IndianaMTB/ PRO TIP: Racing in the fall allows student-athletes to train and race in more favorable Indiana weather conditions.
But my kid… Has never raced a mountain bike before… ● <10% of NICA student-athletes have ever ● raced a mountain bike Has never ridden a mountain bike before… ● 26% of NICA student-athletes have ever ● ridden a mountain bike Doesn’t even have a mountain bike ● Scholarships will be available to student- ● athletes that need assistance Discounts on bikes and equipment are also ● available Other states have had great luck finding loaner ● bikes through local communities-- 26” hardtails are perfect! PRO TIP: NICA is available to every student-athlete that wants to participate.
More kids on bikes Our focus is on youth development ● There are no team tryouts or team ● cuts Student-athletes are encouraged -- ● but not required -- to race Every score counts in team results ● Non-racing team members may still ● participate in practices, team rides and other events PRO TIP: There are many roles that team members can play, such as mechanic, team manager, photographer, race-day support, etc.
Donate Today! - Help make this a reality and drop a check or make a promise to donate on the website. - You can write a check to the Indiana Interscholastic Cycling League, or donate on our website at www.indianamtb.org
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