IICL FAQs

About IICL

The Idaho Interscholastic Cycling League was founded in 2014 as a non-profit (501(c)3) Project League of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA). We facilitate the development of high school and middle school teams/clubs for grades 6-12 and provide the education, training, licensing and insurance for coaches and volunteers. We also produce high-quality mountain bike events and races that emphasize the value of participation, camaraderie, positive sporting behavior and well-being over competition.

Our Mission

Provide high quality, safe and fun mountain bike programs for Idaho’s youth, exposing students to the opportunity to build strong body, mind, and character through an equal and inclusive scholastic-based program.

Our Vision

To improve the lives of Idaho’s youth and communities through cycling.

About NICA

Click here to learn more about NICA.

Who

Administrators, teachers, parents, students and/or community members can start a NICA cycling club or team at their local high school or community. While it is not necessary that the person who initiates the club be a school “insider” (teacher or administrator), this can be very useful. A teacher, administrator or school volunteer within the school possesses certain advantages, such as knowledge of the school community, bureaucratic systems and channels, and how to access potential teen cyclists. Extensive cycling experience is not necessary. One should simply have the desire to introduce kids to the sport of mountain biking. Once you have decided to create a team, the League can help educate you and provide you with all the tools necessary to be an excellent coach.

What

Most mountain bike teams start small and grow quickly; it’s a tremendous challenge but highly rewarding!  An Idaho League mountain bike team can be any size, as long as correct coach-to-student-athlete ratios are abided by. Teams are broken into Division 1 and Division 2 categories based on their team size (and not their school size). Please see the rulebook (PDF) for more info on Division specifics.

Where

The Idaho League includes the entire state. Neighboring states may participate if a League does not currently exist in that region. Click here to see where the latest Idaho teams are located.

When

The Idaho Interscholastic Cycling League operates a Fall sport based race series schedule:

April – August: Registration for Idaho League teams happens in April. At this time anyone who intends to coach a team should register with the League so that they are covered under our insurance. League teams are limited to the number of weeks they can have pre-season practice. In addition, teams are not insured outside of these limits.

April 1 – June 30: Pre-season activities can commence limited activities on April 1st.   Allowable pre-season activities are bike checks, fun rides, mechanical workshops or skills clinics. Between April 1 – and June 30, teams are allowed to have up to 8 scheduled pre-season activities.  These activities must be approved by the League director and comply with NICA training limits.

July 1- October 31:  Regular season training practice (3-4 times a week) can commence on July 1. All team rides or other training activities must end within two weeks of the final League race. A more detailed description can be found in the rulebook (PDF).

How

Visit our Coaches Resource page and click on “New Coach/Team Starter” guides and education resources.  These guides and resources will give you a step by step approach to starting your new team. Additionally, contact information for advice and mentoring is contained within these guides.

The Idaho League is able to provide scholarships to registered League athletes who are in need of financial assistance. Please email info@idahomtb.org for information on how to apply for a scholarship.

Yes. Do not run a program without adequate insurance coverage! NICA provides comprehensive liability insurance to all teams and coaches who officially register with the Idaho League.

The Idaho League is able to provide scholarships to registered League athletes who are in need of financial assistance. Please email info@idahomtb.org for information on how to apply for a scholarship.

Idaho Interscholastic Cycling League is a volunteer-based organization and can always use more help.

We rely on a dedicated group of volunteers to make our races happen. We value all those who give of their time and energy to help our student-athletes succeed. If you want to be a part of this exciting opportunity, take a look at the positions and get involved! There are many opportunities to contribute to the success of the League through volunteering. Check our Volunteer Sign-up page frequently for opportunities.

Committees

The League has several important committees for those that want to contribute their time and professional skills. League events, community outreach, and media exposure are important aspects to the success of the League. We need your energetic spirit!

Race Day

Race day would not be possible without the incredible work of our volunteers! It takes a “village” to put on quality youth mountain bike races. Many parents and cycling enthusiasts find that getting involved with race production is a fun and rewarding experience. Saturday and Sunday positions are available.

We know some positions can look complex and possibly overwhelming for first-time volunteers. Rest assured ALL of our volunteer positions are fun and straightforward. With the help of our 

training videos and onsite review, you’ll feel confident and well-prepared volunteering for a race. So pick one (or two!) that sound interesting to you, and look forward to the fun! Thank you for helping us make this first year of races a success!