The Coach Licensing Program prepares volunteer coaches to support youth mountain bikers in a safe, structured, and developmentally appropriate environment. Our three-tier system provides progressive training in youth development, risk management, and mountain bike skills instruction.

Licensing runs annually and opens on March 1. Most coaches begin and remain at Level 1. Teams are required to have Level 2 coaches, who are essential to running safe and effective practices. Level 3 represents commitment to advanced topics and ongoing growth within the ACA coaching community. No prior coaching experience is needed.

Level 1 Coach

Level 1 prepares individuals to assist at ACA practices and events. Level 1 is also required to pre-ride ACA race courses on event weekends.

Requirements:

  • Registration (profile, waivers, and annual license fee)
  • Background Check through Sterling Volunteers
  • Youth Development Through Cycling course (includes Concussion in Sports and Protecting Students from Abuse training)

Level 1 establishes core safety standards, duty of care expectations, and coaching philosophy required to be involved in ACA programs.

Delivery Method: Fully online

Renewal: Annual

Level 2 prepares coaches to lead practice groups, teach essential mountain bike skills, and manage riders safely on the trail. Teams must have Level 2 coaches.

Requirements (in addition to all Level 1):

Level 2 incorporates in-person training with emphasis on group management, skills instruction, gameplay, and injury response. MTB 201: Intermediate Skills and MTB 301: Advanced Skills are optional clinics that build on the skills taught in MTB 101 and earn CEU credits.

Delivery Method: Blended (online + in-person)

Renewal: Annual (clinics and CEUs every 3 years; CPR/First Aid per provider)

Level 3 prepares coaches to design and lead practices, develop season plans, and expand leadership capacity within their team and the ACA community. We strongly urge all Team Directors or Head Coaches to obtain a Level 3 license by their team’s second season, and third-year and beyond teams are required to have at least one Level 3 coach.

Requirements (in addition to all Level 2):

  • Leadership Summit attendance (one time; attending subsequent Summits earn CEU credits)
  • Three (3) additional Continuing Education Units (6 total; renewal every 3 years)

Level 3 supports advanced growth in leadership, athlete development, communication, and long-term program planning. It represents a mastery-level commitment within the ACA coaching community.

Delivery Method: Blended (online + in-person)

Renewal: Annual (CEUs every 3 years)

Frequently Asked Questions

No. No prior coaching experience is required. All foundational safety and youth development training is provided online through your Level 1 training. Some experience riding mountain bikes is strongly recommended.

Not necessarily. Level 1 is appropriate for many volunteer coaches who simply want to assist at ACA practices and events.

However, teams are required to have Level 2 coaches. If you plan to lead practice groups or teach skills, Level 2 is required.

Level 1 can be completed online at your own pace.

Level 2 requires completion of the online components plus attendance at an in-person clinic (approximately 4 hours).

Level 3 includes a one-time Leadership Summit attendance (full-day commitment).

ACA online courses and in-person clinics cannot be substituted. These components are specific to ACA standards for youth development, risk management, and mountain bike instruction.

Some third-party certifications may be eligible for Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credit only. CEU eligibility is determined by ACA and must align with approved subject areas.

If you have questions about CEU eligibility, please contact coachlicensing@arizonacycling.org prior to submitting documentation.

Yes. Level 2 and Level 3 coaches must maintain valid Adult/Child CPR and First Aid certification. Wilderness First Aid is not required.

Licensing is renewed annually (opens March 1).

Some requirements renew on a longer cycle:

  • In-person skills clinics – every 3 years
  • Continuing Education Units – every 3 years
  • CPR/First Aid – per provider guidelines (typically every 2 years)

All costs are covered in the Participation Fees section of the website. Financial Assistance is available for coaches.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re interested in coaching with the ACA, begin by reaching out to a local team. Once connected, you can complete coach registration and begin licensing (registration opens March 1).