Off season training

It's the off-season and you want to continue training. NICA regulations (5.6.D.3) prohibit any NICA team-based or NICA coaching during the off season. These rules are in place to prevent over-training of young athletes. 

Any activities that take place with NICA certified coaches (that are not parents or guardians) and are intended to benefit an athlete's performance at NICA events must take place under a different organization/team or under the auspices of a coaching business. These entities are generally delineated by having proper insurance, team incorporation, and a DBA or LLC.  

Some things to check on regarding your off-season training coaching, team, or organization:

• If a coach:

  • they must be coaching under a different name and organization than NICA. 

  • Check for USAC, UESCA, UCI, or NICA Level 3 certification. 

  • Verify the coach has a SafeSport certification

  • All communication should be transparent - coach AND guardian on all communication

• If an organization/team:

  • Verify that the organization is incorporated as a team through an athletic body, USAC, USA Triathlon, etc.

  • Verify that the organization has insurance

  • You should receive and acknowledge the organization's Covenants/Handbook

  • You should receive and acknowledge the organization's Release of Liability

Reach out to your coaches and they can provide you with advice on opportunities for coaching outside of NICA.