Welcome to the CNY Sharks!
Thank you for being interested and/or for volunteering to be a coach with the CNY Sharks! Our team is part of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) and follows all league policies and guidelines to ensure a safe, inclusive, and fun experience for our student-athletes.
This FAQ will help you understand your role as a coach, important policies, and best practices. As always, never hesitate to reach out with questions!
How do I become an official NICA coach? Email headcoaches@cnysharks.com.
To be “practice ready,” all coaches must
1. Register in Pit Zone (NICA’s online system).
2. Complete the required training and waivers, including:
o NICA Philosophy, Safety, and Risk Management Course
o Concussion Training
o Athlete Abuse Awareness Training
o Background Check
o Sign the NICA Code of Conduct
3. Obtain a NICA coach license (Level 1, 2, or 3).
Level 1 Coach — Assistant Coach
As a Level 1 Coach, you serve as an assistant to the Level 2 or 3 lead coach. Your primary role is to help provide a safe, supportive, and positive experience for student-athletes.
Your role:
Assist with student-athlete supervision and safety.
Help complete the pre-ride ABCDE bike check.
Ride with your assigned group at the pace and direction of the lead coach.
Encourage and support riders; do not provide skill instruction unless directed by the lead coach.
Model positive behavior and help create a fun, inclusive environment.
Follow NICA risk-management and emergency procedures.
Can I post photos or videos of riders on my personal social media?
No. Parent/guardian media releases apply to official team communications, not individual coaches' personal accounts.
Can I take photos or videos at practices and events?
Yes — when it is safe to do so! Photos and videos are great for sharing the Sharks experience and promoting the team.
Please:
🚫 Do not post photos or videos of student-athletes on personal accounts.
📤 Send photos/videos to Lisa Holt, our designated media manager, for use on official team channels.
📸 You can also upload them to the team's shared photo album
Why?
This helps us:
Follow NICA media and privacy policies
Respect athlete and family privacy
Maintain consistent, professional team communications
Share the great things happening within the Sharks community 🦈💙
Where do we meet for practice?
Location: Always check TeamSnap for the most up-to-date location information. At the start of the season, we most often ride at Green Lakes State Park and meet at the Disc Golf Course.
What is the practice schedule?
Tuesdays: 4:30 - 6:30 PM
Thursdays: 4:30 - 6:30 PM
Saturdays: 9:00 - 11:00 AM
When should I arrive?
Coaches should arrive 10-15 minutes prior to practice to be fully ready to ride at the set start time. This ensures we begin on time and set a positive example for student-athletes.
What Should I Do in Case of an Injury
As a Level 1 coach, you are always with a Level 2 or 3 coach who will take the lead and direct the response.
However, you should:
Stay calm and ensure the safety of the group.
Follow the lead coach’s instructions.
Assist as needed, whether by calling for help, notifying parents, or keeping other athletes safe.
Never move an injured athlete unless instructed by the lead coach.
Help document the incident if required by the lead coach.