NICA League Development Program
(Overview)
NICA League Development Program
The NICA League Development Program provides NICA Leagues with all of the services, programs and
resources, necessary to develop and maintain the highest quality interscholastic mountain bike racing programs. The services, programs, and resources have been honed through experience gained from years of collaboration with hundreds of dedicated coaches, thousands of riders their parents and families, corporate sponsors,
foundations and individual donors, as well as local League directors and their boards, local land managers, event organizers and advocacy organizations. The Program provides assistance with everything from forming strong leadership committees to creating a diverse following of school administrators, teachers, coaches, students and parents, to fundraising, grant writing, event production, website administration, registration services, graphic design, accounting and payroll in addition to providing a suite of critical marketing materials, race production products, and much more.
League Levels – There are three levels of supported NICA Leagues: Emerging Leagues, Project Leagues and Chapter Leagues. Benefits vary according to League status, generally; Emerging Leagues are provided with benefits that support initial league development, planning and fundraising in order to transition into Project Leagues development the next year. Project Leagues are provided with benefits that support the establishment of a full range of racing, camps, coaching programs and events through the first years of operation when the transition to Chapter League development begins. Chapter Leagues are provided a range of benefits that support the ongoing sustained operations of the league. NICA League requirements also vary according to League status, as outline in the requirements section of this document, and are intended to ensure the highest quality programming, consistent delivery of services and the coordinated growth of new NICA Leagues across the country.
Types of Leagues:
Emerging Leagues – have been selected by NICA for initial league development. These leagues operate independently, as unassociated organizations, outside of the 501.c3 non-profit NICA umbrella. They receive a limited set of NICA services to develop the needed public awareness, support, funding and momentum to become a Project League. These Leagues have access to specific NICA Resources and Services and are enrolled in line with the NICA strategy for forming new Leagues. Emerging Leagues are not eligible to host NICA Conferences, Camps or Races. Emerging Leagues may host outreach events (such as shop meetings or film screenings) or partner with existing events to raise public awareness.
Project Leagues – have been selected by NICA for full league development. These leagues operate under the 501.c3 non-profit NICA umbrella as a co-directorship. They receive a comprehensive range of NICA services to ensure successful league development. These Leagues have access to all of the
available NICA Resources, Staff and Services that are provided through the National Organization which includes organizational development, website and registration services, accounting payroll, etc. New Project Leagues are expected to launch a full season of programming the season following the bid
award ~1 year. In addition, Project Leagues are expected to transition into the Chapter League Development within ~12 to18 months after that.
Chapter Leagues – have been selected by NICA for Chapter League incorporation. These mature leagues have their own executive director and operate as a separate incorporated organization, in
compliance with NICA standards and policies. These Leagues recieve a comprehensive range of benefits and have access to all of the available NICA Resources, Staff and Services which includes
organizational development, website and registration services, accounting payroll, etc.
League Benefits – Becoming a NICA League means being a part of a national movement, that is supported widely throughout the cycling industry and beyond. This broad base of support combined with the specific benefits for each level of league development, provide critical, strategic resources every step of the way. NICA even provides the bottom line assurance of our Emergency Operating Assistance Program to ensure the
consistent delivery of high quality programming during transitional periods. NICA’s comprehensive range of benefits can be broken down into three main categories: Services, Resources and Programs. Access to specific services, resources and programs vary with league association level.
Types of Benefits:
Services – NICA Services are provided by NICA staff, advisors and consultants. NICA provides a comprehensive range of services to support league development and consistent, sustainable operation. These services range from League Management: Registration, Accounting, and Payroll to Graphic Design, Website Management and Public Relations. Generally services fall into three categories: “setup services” (building the registration system), “ongoing administration services” (annual registration processing), and “fee-for-service” on demand services (onsite registration training for new
staff/volunteers to take over registration services).
Resources – NICA Resources are a broad range of ready to use printed materials, online materials, interactive web assets and the human resources provided by many expert consultants (volunteer and paid). Example resources include a comprehensive curriculum (print and online materials) including; manuals, CMS websites, sample documents, sample proposals, etc., and essential marketing materials, product and service sponsorship, etc.
Programs- NICA Programs are a combination coordinated Services and Resources that support both league development and ongoing League operations and activities. These programs include; Coaches Licensing Program, Race Production Program, Camps Production Program and Corporate Fundraising Program.
League Requirements – As a NICA League and a part of a national movement, there are specific requirements that must be met in order to qualify for league association and maintained association status. NICA League requirements are broken down into 4 main categories, Organizational Requirements, Naming and Branding Requirements, Program Requirements and Fee Requirements. These requirements generally ensure that the highest levels of professionalism and current best practices are consistent across all Leagues.
Types of Requirements:
Organizational Requirements – ensure that the missions and visions are aligned, clear leadership has been established and a successful, equitable partnership can be created.
Naming and Branding Requirements – ensures the coordination of a consistent national brand and level of professional standard for regional leagues.
Program Requirements – ensure that appropriate programs, training, documentation and operations across all leagues reflect current best practices and the highest level of professionalism.
Fee Requirements – ensure the sustained operation of the national organization and the ability of the national organization to consistently provide all of the resources and programs.
NICA Staff and Advisors
NICA Staff
Matt Fritzinger, Executive Director
Lauren Haughey, Operations Manager and Bookkeeper Chris Spencer, Program Manager
Mike Cruz, Web and Registration Manager Tyler Dibble, Communications
NICA Contractors
Rachel Lopes (Grant Writer)
Nat Lopes (Corporate Development)
Rick Spittler (Board and Organizational Development) Gary Boulanger (League Development and Communications) Lee McCormack (Online Pit Zone Manager)
NICA Advisors
David Curtis (Branding) Lee McCormack (Skills Guru) Dan McKay (Insurance)
Marvin Zauderer (Sport and Youth Psychology) Mark Kintz (Accounting)
Trevor Thorpe (Corp. Law)
Wilma Grey (Risk Management and Liability Law) Jon Van Hale (IP Law)
Dario Frederick (Advanced Youth Training) Mark Neagle (MD)
Austin McInerny (Mediation) Tom Zirbes (Finance)
NICA League Benefits
Access to specific League benefits vary according to League level as indicated by League Symbol: Emerging League Symbol EL, Project League Symbol PL, Chapter League Symbol CL.
NICA Services
Services – Access to the comprehensive range of services NICA provides varies according to League Level. There are three basic types of services; One-time “set up” services such as the creation of a League email system and “ongoing” services, such as book-keeping which are available on a fee-for-service basis and “on demand” fee based services such as Emergency Operating Assistance.
Executive Support
Direct Consultation with NICA Executive Director EL PL CL
Business Services Incorporation EL PL CL Trademark Registration EL PL CL Bank Accounts PL CL Contracts PL CL Payroll PL CL Bookkeeping Services PL CL Accounting Services PL CL Legal Services Risk Management EL PL CL Business Contracts EL PL CL Corporate Law EL PL CL Labor Law EL PL CL
Intellectual Property Law EL PL CL
Insurance Services
Event Insurance (Races, Camps, Special Events) EL PL CL Business Insurance EL PL CL
Policies EL PL CL
Club/Team Insurance Admin.* PL CL Coaches Insurance Admin.* PL CL Custom Waivers PL CL
Health Insurance PL CL
Directors and Officers Insurance PL CL
Sexual Abuse and Molestation Insurance (SafeKids Program) PL CL Hired and Non-hired Auto Insurance PL CL
Emergency Operating Assistance Services
Temporary League Directorship* PL CL Emergency Event Staffing* PL CL
Emergency Remote Support and Staffing* PL CL
Communication Services
Newsletter Services* EL PL CL Blast Email Services EL PL CL Postal Mailing Services* EL PL CL National Advertising EL PL CL
Public Relations Services (First 2 years are included) PR Strategy EL PL CL
Media Relations EL PL CL Press Releases EL PL CL Press Events EL PL CL
National Advertising EL PL CL High School Outreach EL PL CL
Registration Services
League Advocate Registration EL PL CL Rider Race Registration* PL CL
Coaches Registration* PL CL Team Registration* PL CL
Camp and Conference Registration PL CL Race Registration PL CL
Camp Registration PL CL Payment System* PL CL Rider Profiles (by 2011) PL CL Pledge Pages (by 2011) PL CL Race results* PL CL Photo services* PL CL Risk Management PL CL Scoring Services Scoring Training PL CL Scoring Staffing* PL CL Fundraising Services
Annual Campaign Strategy EL PL CL
Special Event Planning and ProductionEL PL CL Special Event Manual EL PL CL
Individual Donor Development EL PL CL Grant Development EL PL CL
Online Fundraising PL CL
Marketing Services
Annual Marketing Strategy EL PL CL
National and Local Advertisements EL PL CL Brochure Design and Printing EL PL CL Corporate Sponsor Delivery EL PL CL Celebrity Host Relations EL PL CL Online Surveys EL PL CL
Data Management Services
Registration Management EL PL CL
Contact Information List Management EL PL CL Email List Management EL PL CL
Newsletter List Management EL PL CL Donor Data Management EL PL CL
Sponsor Data Management Email List Management EL PL CL Coaches and Rider Leader Volunteer Licensing PL CL Team Data Management PL CL
Licensing Data Management PL CL
Web Services
Domain Name Acquisition and Administration EL PL CL Website Hosting EL PL CL
Basic Website Design EL Website Programming EL PL CL
Staff Email System Associated with .org EL PL CL Website Management* EL PL CL
Full Website Design PL CL
Website Management Training PL CL
Graphic Design and Branding Services
Branding Design and Management (includes logo design) EL PL CL Marketing Material Design EL PL CL
Sponsorship Document Design EL PL CL Web Design EL PL CL
Banner Design EL PL CL Poster Design EL PL CL
Direct Response Mail Design EL PL CL
Other Merchandise Design (key chains, hats, t-shirts, etc.) EL PL CL Brochure Design EL PL CL
EZ Up Tent Design PL CL Wind Blade Design PL CL Jersey Design PL CL
Start Finish Gantry Design PL CL Podium Design PL CL
The above graphic designs services includes working closely with vendors, ordering items at discount and generally procuring materials. Some of these materials are provided at no cost by NICA sponsors.
Merchandising Services
Basic Online Store Set-Up EL Basic Online Store Management EL
Basic Merchandising Management (ordering, pricing, sales) EL NICA Basic Promotional Merchandise Program EL PL CL
NICA Premium Cycling Apparel Program PL CL Full Online Store Set Up PL CL
Full Online Store Management PL CL
Full Merchandising Management (ordering, pricing, sales) PL CL
Advocacy Services
Local Advocacy Services EL PL CL
Local Advocacy Strategy EL PL CL Local Advocacy Workshops EL PL CL
Coordinating Community Outreach EL PL CL
Representing at Key Meetings and Presentations EL PL CL Representing at Regional Conferences EL PL CL
National Advocacy Services EL PL CL
National Conference Presentations EL PL CL National Summit Presentations EL PL CL National Lobbying EL PL CL
Representation at specific meetings, conferences, etc. requires advanced planning and could include additional travel costs.
Curriculum Development Services EL PL CL Print and Online Manuals EL PL CL
Print and Online Sample Documents EL PL CL Multimedia Content Development EL PL CL
Volunteer Training Videos (online by 2011) EL PL CL
Conference Planning Services
National Leaders Summit (For League Directors) EL PL CL
Race Officials Conference (starting 2011 or 2012) PL CL
Training Services
Special Event Production Training EL PL CL Race Production Training PL CL
Leaders Summit Training PL CL Rider Camps Training PL CL League Director Training EL PL CL Staff Training PL CL
Volunteer Training PL CL
Wilderness First Aid and CPR Training* PL CL
Much of NICA Training Services are based on a teaching while doing method, essentially running first (and possibly second year) events while training locals to take over.
National Governance Services
Maintaining Uniform Rules, Policies and Procedures EL PL CL Maintaining Best Management Practices EL PL CL
Quality Assurance EL PL CL
Managing NICA/League contracts EL PL CL
National Sponsorship Contracting and Fulfillment EL PL CL
Licensing Services
NICA Coaches Licensing Program Administration* PL CL NICA Officials Licensing Program (By 2012 or 2013) PL CL
NICA Programs
League Development Program EL PL CL
Team Development Program EL PL CL
Rider Development Program PL CL
Race Production Program PL CL
Coaches Licensing Program PL CL Registration
Training Testing
Background Check Licensing
National Sponsorship Extension Program EL PL CL Specialized Trek SRAM Easton Clif Bar Primal CamelBak Feedback Sports
National Partnership Extension Program EL PL CL IMBA
USAC
Positive Coaching Alliance
NICA Camps Program PL CL Rider Camps Coaches Camps Beginner Camps Girls Camps Invitational Camps Leadership Program
NICA Leaders Summit Discount Program EL PL CL
League Fundraising and Development Programs
Annual Corporate Sponsorship Strategy EL PL CL Corporate Sponsorship Decks EL PL CL
Sample Sponsorship Agreements EL PL CL
Major Donors Program EL PL CL Major Donor Strategy EL PL CL
Major Donor Marketing Decks EL PL CL Major Donor Sample Agreements EL PL CL
Grant Support Program EL PL CL Grant Listing Services EL PL CL Sample Grant Applications EL PL CL
Multi-Media Resources for Grants EL PL CL Grant Writing and Editing* EL PL CL
Fundraising Events Program EL PL CL Special Event Manuals
Special Event Training*
Merchandising Program
Merchandise Purchasing Strategy EL PL CL Online Store Program EL PL CL
NICA Promotional Merchandise Program EL PL CL NICA Premium Merchandise Program PL CL
Advocacy Programs
Local Advocacy Program EL PL CL National Advocacy Program EL PL CL NationalScholarship Program EL PL CL
NICA Resources
Manuals
Coaches Manual EL PL CL
Online Seminars (By 2011) EL PL CL CycleFest Manual (By 2011) EL PL CL Outreach Events Manual (By 2011) EL PL CL
Fundraising and Development Manual (By 2012) EL PL CL Trail Advocacy Manual (By 2012) EL PL CL
League Communications Manual EL PL CL (Guidelines and Newsletter Library) Technology Manuals EL PL CL
Riders Manual (Quick Start Guide) PL CL Parents Manual (Quick Start Guide) PL CL League Directors Manual (By 2012) EL PL CL Camp Directors Manual (By 2011) PL CL Coaches Conference Manual (By 2011) PL CL Race Directors Manual (By 2011) PL CL
Race Officials Manual (By 2012 or 2013) PL CL
Guides and Standards EL PL CL Style Guide and Standards Branding Standards Messaging Standards
Rulebook, Rules, Policies and Standards EL PL CL NICA Rulebook
Forms
Various Registration Forms EL PL CL Petition Forms EL PL CL Waivers PL CL Injury Reports PL CL Scholarship Forms PL CL Agreements EL PL CL Sponsorship Agreements/Contracts EL PL CL Sponsor Shop Agreements EL PL CL
Work Agreements/Contracts PL CL Job Descriptions PL CL
Partner Race Organizer Agreements PL CL
Budgets EL PL CL
NICA League Development Program Deliverables
League Development Program Packages
Emerging League Start-Up Package EL (Total Value $27,500 – $51,000) Emerging League deliverables are included with bid award and include a limited range of services, resources and programs.
Project League Set-Up Package PL (Total Value $101,000 – $111,000)
Project League deliverables are included with the league start up fee and bid award and include a comprehensive range of services, resources and programs.
Chapter League Annual Services Package CL (Total Value $44,500 – $91,000)
Chapter League have access to all of the services, resources and programs as project leagues with deliverables that are customized to meet the specific needs of each chapter organization.
League Development Program Package Elements
League Development Services Package ($10,000 – $20,000) PL The coordinated implementation of the above services.
League Branding and Marketing Package and Maintenance ($5,000 – $10,000)
League URL (Domain Name) Registration EL PL CL League Logo and Brand EL PL CL
League Blast Email System EL PL CL
League Facebook and Twitter Guidelines EL PL CL League Neighborhood Map Guidelines EL PL CL League Staff Email System EL PL CL
League Style and Branding Standards Guide EL PL CL League Promotional Merchandise Program EL PL CL League Premium Merchandise Program PL CL League Website CMS Template PL CL
Board Development and Executive Search Package ($5,000-$10,000)
Board Development Database EL PL CL Board Vetting Process PL CL
Board Incorporation Consulting PL CL
League Promotions Package ($10,000 – 20,000)
Inclusion in NICA National Press Event at Interbike EL PL CL Inclusion in NICA National Press Release at Interbike EL PL CL Inclusion in NICA National Media Announcements EL PL CL Inclusion in NICA National Ad Campaign EL PL CL
Inclusion in NICA Newsletter Announcements EL PL CL
League Branded Promotional Product Package ($2,000–$5,000)
League Business Cards (Staff and key Committee Members) EL PL CL League Letterhead EL PL CL
League Tri-Fold Brochure (2500) EL PL CL League 11x17 Poster (500–1000) EL PL CL League Post Card (1000–2000) EL PL CL League Sponsorship Decks EL PL CL
League NICA Co-Branded EZ-Up Tent EL PL CL League NICA Co-Branded Banner EL PL CL
NICA Branded Promotional Products Package ($500–1,000)
NICA Banner (2) EL PL CL
NICA Coaches Manual (25-50) EL PL CL
NICA DVD “Children Of The Dirt”(50-100) EL PL CL
NICA 2010 Sponsorship Extension Package ($12,000–$25,000)
(1) Specialized Bicycle valued at $1,500-$2,500* PL CL (1) Trek Bicycle valued at $1,500-$2,500* PL CL (1) SRAM Parts Package valued at $1,500-$2,500 PL CL Clif Bar products for all race events ($1000–$2500) PL CL GU product for all race events ($500–$1250) PL CL
Free trial subscription to Dirt Rag for all league riders and coaches PL CL
(50–200x) NICA Primal Wear League Jerseys (Leader, Merch) $2500–$10,000 PL CL (1) Feedback Sports Neutral Support Zone Package $2500 PL CL
(10) NICA CamelBak co-branded MULE hydration packs** PL CL *must be sold through auction at benefit event with min. 50 people **must be sold at coach conferences only
NICA Provided Race Products Package ($5,000–$10,000) PL CL Number Plates PL CL
Race Signage PL CL
Course Marking Ribbon* PL CL Snow Fencing* PL CL
Wind Blades* PL CL
NICA Pit Zone EZ-Up Tent (1)* PL CL NICA Speed Zone EZ-Up Tent (1)* PL CL *Provided by NICA National Sponsors
League Fundraising Package ($5,000–$10,000)
NICA Grants Program EL PL CL
NICA Donor Campaign Program EL PL CL NICA Film Screening Program EL PL CL NICA Pledge Rides Program EL PL CL
NICA Requirements
Organizational Requirements
NICA Mission and Vision Adoption EL PL CL NICA Approved Bylaws PL CL
NICA Compliant Organizational Structure PL CL NICA Contract with Founding Chair EL
NICA Contract with Executive Director PL Naming and Branding Standards and Requirements
NICA Naming and Branding Standards EL PL CL
League Name “[state] High School Cycling League” EL PL CL League Domain Name “[state]mtb.org” or “mtb[state].org” EL PL CL NICA Messaging Standards EL PL CL
NICA Style Guide Standards EL PL CL
Press Releases, Blast emails and Advertisement must be approved EL PL NICA Website CMS Template PL CL
NICA Apparel Program, Jerseys PL CL Program Requirements
NICA Insurance Program EL PL CL
NICA Risk Management and Safety Program EL PL CL NICA Coaches Registration and Licensing Program PL CL NICA Accounting Program* PL CL
NICA Scoring Program PL CL
NICA Race Production Program PL CL NICA Fee Requirements
NICA Bid Submission Fee ($50) EL PL CL
NICA Annual Association Fee Emerging League ($150) EL NICA Annual Association Fee Project League ($250) PL NICA Annual Association Fee Chapter League ($350) CL NICA Start-Up Fee Emerging League ($300) EL
NICA Set-Up Fee Project League ($25,000) PL
NICA Incorporation/Transition Fee Chapter League ($3,500) CL
All other expenses are pay-for-service, by allocation or flat fee. Allocation essentially means that Leagues pay for League labor charged by the hour. Allocation of office expenses depends on overall arrangement with League. Most of the ongoing work can be managed locally by
