Coach Licensing

We require all adults who ride with the team to be licensed NICA coaches. No adults are permitted to ride with our team unless they've met the most basic requirements of a Level 1 coach. All Maroons coach levels have access to our secure coaching resources.

There are 3 levels of licensure through the NICA program:

Level 1

Level 1 is the basic level and allows an adult to ride with the team as a sweep. Many parent-coaches join as a Level 1 to get a chance to ride with their new or rising athletes. Level 1 coaches are encouraged to level up as soon as possible. Level 2 coaches are much more versatile and helpful for the team.

Level 2

AHS preferred level. The Austin High Program asks that coaches in their second year of coaching attain their Level 2. Level 2 will allow a coach to lead a group (with another coach) and will train the coach in CPR and First Aid. The more Level 2 coaches we have, the better we can tailor the experience we offer to the athletes and the more kids we can get and keep on bikes.

Level 3

The highest level of certification. Beyond more extensive classroom training, Level 3 coaches have expanded First Aid training. Level 3 is required for all coaches in leadership roles and strongly recommended for coaches with 3+ years tenure with a NICA team.

Once you've been invited into Pitzone, coaches and coaches-in-training will click through their coach's profile in NICA's Pitzone to Courses, Resources, & Benefits for licensure requirements.

For those who haven't taken the leap as a coach in Pitzone, here is a brief overview of general requirements for the different licenses. The most common question is 'how long does it take?'

Level 1 = ~4 hours coursework
Level 2 = ~12 hours (~5 hours coursework + 4 hours for CPR and First Aid + 3 hours for OTB 101)
Level 3 = ~24 hours (~5 hours coursework + 8 hours for CPR and First Aid + 3 hours for OTB 101 + weekend for Leadership Summit)

Requirement list (circa 2025)

Note that Levels build on one another and many items from Level 1 will work for Level 2 and 3

Level 1

Participation Agreement and Code of Conduct
Coach License Fee (~$35)
Background Check
Concussion Training Course
NICA Philosophy Course
Athlete Abuse Awareness Course
NICA Coach License Level Courses (depends on if you are attaining Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3)

Level 2

Participation Agreement and Code of Conduct
Coach License Fee (~$35)
Background Check
Concussion Training Course
NICA Philosophy Course
Athlete Abuse Awareness Course
NICA Coach License Level Courses (depends on if you are attaining Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3)
OTB 101 online course (Behind Coach Resources once logged into Pitzone)
OTB 101 in-person course (pretty fun)
In-person CPR course (Austin area option)
20 hours working with NICA athletes
Online, Hybrid (online + in-person), or in-person First Aid Course (Austin area option)

Level 3

Participation Agreement and Code of Conduct
Coach License Fee (~$35)
Background Check
Concussion Training Course
NICA Philosophy Course
Athlete Abuse Awareness Course
NICA Coach License Level Courses (depends on if you are attaining Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3)
OTB 101 online course (Behind Coach Resources once logged into Pitzone)
OTB 101 in-person course (pretty fun)
In-person CPR course (Austin area option)
80 hours working with NICA athletes
NICA approved First Aid (more extensive than Level 2 first aid). See NICA Texas website or reach out to us for these offerings
NICA Leadership Summit (in-person or online)

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