Minnesota High School Cycling League1

What is the Minnesota High School Cycling League?

The Minnesota High School Cycling League was organized in 2010 to provide mountain biking programs for students in grades 9 to 12.

•The League is the governing body for high school (grades 9-12) cross-country mountain biking for the entire state of Minnesota.

•The League is a project league of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA).

•The League provides support and structure for high school cross-country mountain biking.

•The League is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

•The League is a self-governing, self-funded, and self supported program that partners with high schools.

2

Our Mission

3

NICA is built on youth development principles that are the foundation of a movement that’s fun, exciting, relevant and enriching to high school student-athletes. Specifically, NICA’s five core principles are:

• Inclusivity • Equality• Strong Mind • Strong Body • Strong Character

History

4

• NorCal High School Cycling League– 2001 NorCal League was founded– 2012 700+ racers and 60 clubs

• SoCal High School Cycling League– 2008 SoCal League was founded with grant from Easton Foundations– 2008 100+ racers and 14 clubs– 2012 350+ racers and 33 clubs

• National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA)– 2009 NICA was founded with grant from Easton Foundations

• Colorado High School Cycling League– 2010 Colorado League was founded– 2012 350+ racers and 30 clubs

• Washington High School Cycling League– 2010 Washington League was founded– 2011 80+ racers and 20 clubs

• MN League Debut Season 2012– 160 student athlete racers– 15 teams, including teams from Rochester and

Hutchinson– Completed a 4 race schedule– Results and photos at www.minnesotamtb.org

“I can’t tell you how happy we are with this league. We’ve tried so many things with our son that never fit. He loves this and now rides his bike every day. He can’t wait for the races. We bought mountain bikes, too!”

Mother of a Prior Lake racer

5

2012 MN League Update

MN League Annual ScheduleSpring • Students, with help of parents and teachers, form teams as a school “club”• Parents, teachers, coaches begin process of being licensed by NICA

– Leaders Summit April 20/21• Teams form and start recruiting riders in April and May• Preseason group rides and informal practices start May

Summer • Rider Camps (Beginning, Girls Camp, Open) held in June and July• Practice races held at 3 locations as part of the Minnesota Mountain Bike Series• Official Team Practices start in July

Fall 2013 – Second Season• Five race series – Sept. 8, Sept. 21, Sept. 29, Oct. 6, Oct. 20 (Season Championship)• Awards Banquet in November

6

Practices & Skills• Practice schedule is determined by coaches– Once or twice during the week after school– Longer ride on the weekend

• Skills development– Riders of all levels are welcome and encouraged– Focus on safe bike handling skills – Fitness training

7

Race DayWhat you can expect from the League:•Saturday pre-ride: Course open for riders and coaches•Sunday race day: A fun day for everyone. Bring your family and cowbell!•Safety including:

– Well marked course– EMTs on site– Fixed Course Marshals– Sweep Marshals

•Individual podiums every race•Team podiums every race•ALL RIDERS ARE CHEERED! Cowbells, cowbells, cowbells.

8

Racing Categories & Scoring

9

• Team Scoring- Division 1 Teams (≥ 12 riders) - Division 2 Teams (< 12 riders)

Combination of boys and girls results are used.

• Individual Scoring- Freshman- Sophomore- Junior Varsity- Varsity

How Much Does It Cost?

•Schools– No costs to schools to form teams– Teams are self-funded– Insurance for teams, riders, and coaches is provided by NICA

•Students– $50 to register a student/rider– $40 per race– Scholarships are available for all students in need

•Adults (Coach, Asst. Coach, Ride Leader, Volunteer)

– $25 + required background check

Any of these costs can be offset by sponsorship and fundraising by the team.

10

Coach License Program

NICA program for all adult volunteers•Must pass background check through TC Logiq•Education: Leaders’ Summits and NICA’s online webinars provide education

– Topics range from Risk Management to Tips for Coaching Girls to the Positive Coaching Alliance’s Double-Goal Coach.

•First Aid: CPR and first aid requirements–Basic First Aid or Wilderness First Aid are required, depending on license level

•Continuing Education: coaches must engage in ongoing education to ensure up-to-date best practices are employed

Contact Lauren Duensing (laurend@nationalmtb.org) or go to www.nationalmtb.org/coaches-license-program for more info

11

Insurance CoverageInsurance 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 LimitAccident Medical•$25,000 Each Person – Excess Accident Medical•Deductible: None•Accidental Death: $10,000•Volunteer Coverage: YesEvents•$1,000,000 Each Occurrence•$2,000,000 Aggregate per Event•No annual aggregate•Accident Medical:•$25,000 Each Person – Excess Accident Medical•Deductible: None•Accidental Death: $10,000

12

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 out 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

13

Risk Management (cont’d)PreventionThe League’s Risk Management education puts strong emphasis on effective program planning and preparation.•Risks associated with Cross-Country Mountain Biking

•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

14

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

Risk Management (cont’d)

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 what number to call in an

emergency (often not 911)• Know your route, including shortcuts

home• Educate Riders, Staff and Parents

15

ContactsFounding Chair Minnesota LeagueGary Sjoquistgary@minnesotamtb.org (612) 386-9630www.minnesotamtb.org

MN League Coaching CoordinatorBruce Martensbruce56082@yahoo.com

National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA)Lauren Duensing, Associate DirectorLaurend@nationalmtb.org(510) 200-0506www.nationalmtb.org

16