Utah High School Cycling League

1. Utah High School Cycling League Vital Utah League Information Team/Coaching Information League Impact

2. Vital League Information The Utah High School Cycling League is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization under NICA and is the governing body for Utah high school (grades 9-12) and junior (grades 7-8) cross-country mountain biking. The League provides not only races and events but also direct rider, coach, and team support including defined programs, education, licensing, and insurance.

3. Vital League Information Vision & Mission 5 Core Principles How it all Started The NICA Way League Races Additional League Events Coaching Teams

4. Utah League Vision & Mission Vision: Enable every Utah teen to strengthen their body, mind and character through mountain biking Mission: Establish an enduring, fun and relevant high school mountain bike program to improve Utah communities and the lives of Utah teens. Focus: Life-long health. JV Boys D1 Start at Soldier Hollow 2013 4

5. Five Core Principles NICA’s Five Core Principles are fully integrated into the programs, resources and staff support for leagues, coaches and student athletes. Inclusive: 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. 4

6. How it all started... 1998 Matt Fritzinger, a math teacher at Berkeley High School at the time, started a mountain biking club with just 4 student-athletes. 2000 Matt was organizing and producing a race series with teams from 4 local high schools competing – The NorCal League was born. 2008 The movement spread from NorCal to SoCal with the creation of the SoCal League. 2009 NICA was formed to take High School Mountain Biking coast to coast by 2020. 2011 Four leagues (NorCal, SoCal, Colorado and Washington) were racing with over 1,000 Student athletes and 109 High School Teams. Utah submits bid to NICA and is announced a Project League on September 13, 2011 2012 With the addition of Texas, Minnesota and Utah, Seven NICA leagues will be racing with 2,000 student-athletes competing. Utah makes history in becoming the largest first-year league with 328 registered student athletes and 230-240 racers. 2013 Arizona, Tennessee, and New York become Leagues. Minnesota pilots 7th & 8th grade program. Utah doubles in sizewith 42 teams and 635 student athletes. 2014 Georgia, Wisconsin, and Alabama become NICA leagues. Utah pilots 7th & 8th grade program. NICA Founder, Matt Fritzinger “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 4

7. The NICA Way NICA Leagues NICA Coaches NICA Teams and Clubs NICA Student-Athletes NICA Families More than just a governing body, NICA draws upon over a decade of proven leadership, governance and programmatic support to promote the creation, development and sustained operation of High School Mountain Biking Leagues across the country. National Interscholastic Cycling Association NICA creates and supports affiliated chapter Leagues within specific geographic regions across the US. NICA Leagues NICA Leagues, led by League Director, produce races, camps, outreach and special events to support the development of new coaches, teams, and student-athletes. NICA Coaches NICA Coaches create teams integrated within high schools and provide mentoring, instruction, training schedule, and race support for it’s student-athletes. NICA Teams NICA Teams recruit, train and support the development of student-athletes to participate on the team and compete in the League. NICA Student-Athletes NICA Student-Athletes learn the skills and discipline of riding, training, teamwork and giving back; strengthening body, mind and character in the process. NICA Families NICA 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. 16

8. Utah High School League Races High School Only 9th – 12th Grades • Pre-ride: Course open for riders and coaches 1 week prior to race • Saturday race day: Spectator friendly lap courses. Bring your family and cowbells! • Safety & Proven Risk Management including: • Well marked course • EMT’s on site • 10-12 Fixed Course Marshals • Sweep & Roving Marshals • Individual podiums every race • Team podiums every race • NICA Real-time Timing System • WiFi hotspot –spectators link in • ALL RIDERS ARE CHEERED! Ethan Durbano Freshman Boys D2 State Champs 2012 21

9. Additional League Events Leader’s Summit The 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 Camps & Skills Clinics For many student-athletes, mountain biking is a new sport. Even experienced riders can learn something new at a NICA rider camp or skills 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. There are specific skills clinics for 7th and 8th graders participating on Junior Development Teams. Fundraising Events Since 2004, the our 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, Girod’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. 4

10. Coaching NICA Leagues provide comprehensive resources, education, licensing programs and insurance for coaches, assistants and ride leaders • Background checks • Wilderness First Aid & CPR certification • Risk Management • Positive Coaching • Skills & Drills Training • Annual Leaders Summit Whitney Pogue – Head Coach Corner Canyon High School MTB Team 4

11. Utah League: Teams League Teams The League provides comprehensive resources, programs and registration for the creation, management and operation of League teams. Types of Teams in the League Single School Teams Composite Teams Independent Riders* Development Teams for 7th & 8th graders NICA Teams Breakdown ~42 High School Teams in 2013 ~240 Hours of Team Activities Per Season, Per Team East High School MTB Club • Utah Team Activity Breakdown Per Student • Training: • 2-3 Hours Per Practice • 3 Practices Per Week, 20 Weeks Fall Practice • ~140 Hours Of Practice • Racing: • 5Races in 2014 • 1 Day Per Race • 40-60 Hours of Race Attendance • Spring Training & Camps: • 6+ Team Rides & Activities • 4-day Camps • 2-day Winter Training Camp • 1-day Summer Skills Clinics • Season: • ~240 Hours Of Team Activities Per Season Division 1 Champs at Corner Canyon Kick Off 2013 20

12. Utah League: Teams Utah 2013 High School Teams JV Girls Start at Round Valley Round Up • 2013: 263 Coaches • 42 Teams • 638 Registered Student Athletes • 485 Athletes Racing • 2014: ~300 Coaches • ~50 Teams • ~750 Registered Student Athletes 20

13. New Junior Development Teams The Junior Development program is designed to introduce 7th and 8th graders to the sport of mountain biking focused heavily on skills, fun, fitness, and NICA’s “Spirit of Howdy” with a small taste of the competitive aspects of mountain biking they will find when in high school. • Types of Teams • School-Based Teams: Comprised of full-time students from middle schools that feed into the same high-school, public or private. For example, “Brighton Junior Development Team” would have students from Albion and Butler Middle Schools. The head coach of an already existing high school team may chose to oversee the junior’s team as long as there are adequate numbers of volunteers to meet the needs of adding a juniors team (practice can occur together or separately). High school team head coaches are not obligated to form junior development teams. The head coach of the junior development team may work completely independent of the high school team or together. • Composite Teams: Comprised of full-time students from a region or area with close proximity. For example, “Davis County Composite”. Home-school students may also join Composite Teams. • Join an existing High School Team: There must be less than 5 junior development riders per existing team for this option (if more than 5, a junior’s team must be formed in the pit zone). High school teams accept 7th & 8th grade riders at their discretion – they are not required to accept middle school riders. • Independent Racer: no team in your area? That’s ok! Students may participate as independent racer with qualifying experience. • Races • Two races are being scheduled for the 2014 season and courses will be appropriately tailored. The first race is scheduled for September 5th, Friday evening, at Soldier Hollow. • For more information visit our website www.utahmtb.org/junior-development-teams/ or contact Lori Harward lori@utahmtb.org 20

14. Team Information Schedule Student Athletes Racing Categories & Scoring Practice & SkillsHow Much Does It Cost Insurance Overview Risk Management Support for Coaches

15. Schedule Throughout The Year - 2014 Clubs are formed throughout the year, depending upon school regulations Winter January 28- Wilderness First Aid March14 -Cyclefest Awards & Fundraiser Spring April 5-6 - Family Skills Camp April 26-27 Leaders Summit Registration of Coaches &Teams 6 Fun rides Additional 1-day Leaders Summits TBD Summer Rider Multi-day Camps – Utah & NICA leagues Rider 1-day Skills Clinics July 1 Fall practice begins Wilderness First Aid Fall – Back-To-School Races Sept 6, 20, Oct 4, 18, 25 Sophomore Boys D2 at Moab, 2013 4

16. Utah League: Student-Athletes • League Student-Athletes • Student-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. • 2012 • 300 Registered Student-Athletes • 235 Average Student Athletes at Races • 2013 • 641 Registered Student Athletes • 431- 486 Student Athletes at Races • 2014 • ~750 Registered Student Athletes • ~550 Student Athletes at Races • 240 Hours Of Team Activities/Student-Athlete Participation Per Season • ~180,000 Expected Hours Of Student-Athlete Participation in 2014 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 Study 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. 20

17. Racing Categories & Scoring • High School Categories & Scoring • Team • Division 1 Teams • Division 2 Teams • Division 3 Teams • Combination of boys and girls results are used. • Individual • Freshman • Sophomore • Junior Varsity • Varsity • Junior Development Categories and Scoring • Categories based on Skill level, not age • Experienced • Novice • Team scoring to be determined 21

18. Practice & Skills • Practice schedule is determined by coaches • Team Training Limitations as specified in NICA Rulebook apply • Typically 2-4 practices per week • Skills development • Riders of all levels are welcome and encouraged • Focus on safe bike handling skills • Fitness training 4

19. How Much Does It Cost? • Junior Devo. Program Costs: • Students • $10 to register a student/rider • $25 per race • Scholarships are available for all students in need • Adults (Coach, Asst. Coach, Ride Leader, Volunteer) • $25 + required background check • Other Items • Team Registration Fee • Compliant $50 • Noncompliant $150 • 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. • High School Program Costs: • Students • $50 to register a student/rider • $40-45 per race • Scholarships are available for all students in need • Adults (Coach, Asst. Coach, Ride Leader, Volunteer) • $25 + required background check • Other Items • Team Registration Fee • Compliant D2 $125 D1 $250Noncompliant D2$250 D1 $375 • 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. 4

20. 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 Medical • Deductible: None • Accidental Death: $10,000 • Volunteer Coverage: Yes • Events • $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 • McKay Insurance provides this policy for the League. Dan McKay (president) has been working with IMBA since 1995 to • protect mountain bike clubs from liability concerns. Since that time, he has become an expert on all matters of bicycle • liability and is recognized as a supporter of trail advocacy efforts nationwide. • 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) “Sweep Marshal” follows freshman Amber Ellis 4

21. 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 4

22. Risk Management Continued Prevention The 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 4

23. Support for Coaches Coaching Manual Provides detailed information. Chapter 1 –An Overview of High School Mountain Biking available online Leader’s Summit March 2013 Educate coaches & assistants in all aspects of running a team from skills/drills and training to recruiting. Online Resources www.nationalmtb.org/nica-coaches-resources/ First chapter of coaches manual, Insurance Overview, Risk Management, Rule Book, 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 Benefits Coaches 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. 4

24. LEAGUE IMPACT

25. Utah League: Impact With our life-long focus, we have many success stories to share: Hayden Bills, Wasatch High Mountain Bike Team “Haydn had suffered depression for several years and had given up on school, friends, etc. The medications improved his outlook on life but made him gain over 100 lbs. He now weighs almost 280 lbs. He has been Mt. biking for many years with the family and is a good technical rider but with his weight he does not ride fast. His goal in each race is to be the best he can be and overcome the desire to quit when he hurts or to stop riding when all other racers have completed the race. He knows he will come in last but he continues to ride. He has finished at least 30 to 40 minutes behind the next to last racer in every race but he does not quit! He has overcome depression and now is on his weigh to overcome his weight as well. The NICA has been a great boost to his self esteem and the friendship from his teammates. “ Hayden crossing the finish line with the support and encouragement of his team Sidney Tupai, Bingham High School Mountain Bike Team Sidney has lost 30 pounds since joining her team and is training through the winter and is excited to race again in 2013! “Following a bad leg break a few years ago, and having severe asthma, Sidney hadn't participated in any organized sports until this year. When she joined our team she had difficulty riding for longer than a few minutes before needing to stop and catch her breath. Even though Sidney is the only girl on our team, and finished dead last at the first race, she never missed a practice or quit a race. She has been an inspiration and example of persistence to her coaches and teammates alike.” 20

26. Getting Kids & Families Outside • Exercise – 1/3 youth are overweight according to US Center for Disease Control. • Education: • Teaching youth about environmental sustainability and to be responsible stewards of public lands • Teaching trail etiquette, safety, skills, good sportsmanship and camaraderie Giving Back: Trail Building & Maintenance Families: NICA statistics show that 61% of dads & 37% of moms start riding with their students. The addition of League 7&8th grade program will increase the number of younger kids riding. Corner Canyon Team working on Corner Canyon trails 2013 32

27. Scholarship Fund In accordance with our Core Principle of Inclusivity, the Utah League created a Scholarship Fund to provide every Utah teen who wants to participate the opportunity. These funds are used to purchase needed equipment and pay fees for student athletes, and teams in need. 2012 Scholarship Funds from a Larry H. Miller Grant and individual donations were used by the League to purchase 7 bikes, and provide scholarships for 32 student athletes, 4 teams, and enabled several coaches to pay fees and attend Leader’s Summit. Scholarships are based on need. With an additional 20 bikes donated from Bikes 4 Kids, 10 bikes donated to the Ogden area from Autoliv, 1 bike donated from Specialized and 1 bike from Cannondale, there was a total of 39 riders on “League” bikes. Every donation makes a difference! And enables us to have programs in schools like Ben Lomond which has 79% of it’s students receiving free or reduced lunch. East High’s Thappasarn Senacharoen races with a League bike and scholarship 32

28. NICA & Utah League Sponsors 4

29. Thank You! Lori Harward Executive Directorlori@utahmtb.org(801) 502-8516 www.utahmtb.org All photos courtesy of Christopher See and Steve C. Wilson