1. Sportsmanship – You represent our High school, our team, and cycling in general. Display sportsmanship during all events. Treat teammates, coaches, spectators, and officials with fair play and respect. Being considerate of others will assure a unified team. Student‐athletes on the trail, can be imposing to other users. Say “hi” and slow down to pass oncoming trail users. Bullying and cliques are not our standard.
2. Helmets – Helmets are required. Under no circumstances will a rider (parent or student) be on their bike without a fastened helmet. Team members will set the example for following this rule always. (see NICA Rules & Guidelines)
3. Safety – High School Mountain Biking is not an extreme sport. Practices and racing are fun and fast, but must be within the limits of the athlete. Coaches will focus on teaching safety and skills. Taking risks beyond your ability will not be tolerated. Safe speeds are relative to terrain and experience level. You must be able to stop safely within the distance that you can see ahead. Approach switchbacks and turns in anticipation that someone is coming the other way. All new riders are REQUIRED to attend at least 1 of 2 skills training in the pre-season (April - May). Failure to attend may result in removal from team.
4. Respect ‐ Team members and fellow trail users deserve our respect and kindness. Positive and encouraging attitudes and actions is our default. Negative or degrading attitudes, language, or actions are not acceptable. Ride only on authorized trails. Never ride on muddy trails. Pass with care and let others know of your presence well in advance. Pedestrians with pets on leashes have the right of way. If a horse is on the trail, stop and let it pass. Sometimes it may necessary to dismount and get off the trail to allow others to pass. Headphones are not allowed during team rides or races.
5. Attendance & Participation – Each member is expected to fully participate in practices, training, and at least one trail or service projects. Riders will be allowed no more than 3 unexcused absences. Failure to meet these expectations may result in removal from the team. Excused absences should be approved in advance and will be approved by the coaches on a case‐by‐case basis. Absences after August 15th should be limited to primarily educational or other school based conflicts. All absences will require a make‐up ride signed off by a parent or verified through electronic ride trackers. Team members are expected to arrive on time for practice and are responsible for marking their own attendance.
6. Service & Volunteering – Each member is required to participate in a 3 hour trail service project and to enroll family and friends as volunteers for the team needs and for one race day. Our teams are dependent on volunteers.
7. Practice Groups – Coaches will structure practice into several groups to accommodate and help riders of all levels to develop. We welcome feedback from students and ride leaders about grouping assignments. However, ride groups are assigned by the coaches and it is critical to ride in your assigned group and give a best effort within your assigned ride group at each practice. Failure to stay in your assigned group will be considered an unexcused absence. If a rider voluntarily quits
a practice ride without notice, mechanical problem, or specific illness more than once, the rider will need to bring a parent or other volunteer to ride with them to be allowed to participate in the next practice.
8. Bicycles & Maintenance – Team members will be expected to come to practice and races with a functioning and properly maintained bicycle. Bike problems on the trail such as flats are a normal part of riding and coaches will be teaching basic bike maintenance skills throughout the season. Riders will be expected to learn and perform basic on‐trail repairs. Riders are responsible for the condition and safety of their own bicycles.
9. Injuries – Any injuries or medical conditions that would affect your ability to safely ride a bicycle must be reported to your coach. It will be the coaches’ decision to clear riders again after an injury and may require medical release as determined by the coach. Any reported possible concussions will require medical release before returning to practice.
10. Medical – Any student‐athlete with a medical condition will carry with them at practices and races any needed medications and supplies. Coaches will be notified of such conditions at the beginning of the season.
11. NICA Rules – Read and follow all NICA Rules as outlined in the 2017 NICA League Rules & Guidelines.
12. PARENT VOLUNTEERS: Our team is dependent on volunteers. Family members are expected to volunteer for the team needs and for at least 1 race day. The Utah League REQUIRES each family to have at least one volunteer for the league at one of the five races.
