Minnesota High School Cycling League 1

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 – racers and 60 clubs SoCal High School Cycling League – 2008 SoCal League was founded with grant from Easton Foundations – racers and 14 clubs – 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 – racers and 30 clubs Washington High School Cycling League – 2010 Washington League was founded – racers and 20 clubs

Annual Schedule Spring 2012 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 21/22 Teams form and start recruiting riders in April and May Preseason group rides and informal practices start May 1st Summer 2012 Rider Camps (Beginning, Girls Camp, Open) held in June and July Practice races held at 4 locations as part of the Minnesota Mountain Bike Series Official Team Practices start in August Fall 2012 Four race series – Sept. 9, Sept. 23, Oct. 7, Oct. 28 (Season Championship) Awards Banquet in November 5

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 6

Race Day What 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. 7

Racing Categories & Scoring 8 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. 9

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 Tyler Dibble or go to license-program for more license-program 10

Insurance Coverage 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 11

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 12

Risk Management (cont’d) 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 13 Minor and/or major injuries and illness Inclement weather.Becoming lost on bike ridesMechanical malfunction Risks associated with speedCollision 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 14

Contacts Founding Chair Minnesota League Gary Sjoquist (612) MN League Coaching Coordinator Bruce Martens National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) Tyler Dibble, Associate Director (510)