Equipment Rules

Equipment rules cover equipment requirements necessary to compete in a NICA race. These rules cover approved helmets, bike, bike equipment and race accessory requirements. Below are some highlighted rules as outlined in the NICA Rulebook:

RULE 4. WEARING HELMETS STRICTLY ENFORCED A. Student-athletes must wear an approved helmet at all times. See below for the list of approved helmet standards. Under no circumstances should a student be on their bicycle without a helmet fastened to their head, even when riding a very short distance. Students must also keep their helmet on when walking or running on the course with a mechanical (see Rule 2.1). In addition: • Helmet straps must be adjusted to the extent that two fingers can be pushed under the strap, whereas three fingers would be difficult. • Helmets should not have any cracks or dents from previous falls or mishandling. • Helmets should be the correct size with little to no side-to-side or front-to-back movement. • Full-face helmets are not allowed without written permission from the student-athletes league. • The helmet rules are not applicable to riders warming up on bikes that are securely mounted to stationary trainers.

RULE 4.5. HANDLEBAR END PLUGS AND STEM CAPS REQUIRED 
For safety reasons, handlebar end plugs and stem caps are required.

RULE 4.8. SWITCHING BIKES 
Student-athletes must complete the entire race on the same bicycle upon which the race was begun. A 10-minute penalty applies for switching bicycles in a race.

RULE 4.10. FOOTWEAR 
Student-athletes must wear appropriate footwear. Footwear must be fully enclosed and fastened with either straps, buckles, or laces.

RULE 4.12. NUMBER PLATES 
Student-athletes must affix an official League number plate to their bikes at League races. The number plate should be attached with at least three fasteners and must be on the bike at all times before and after competing, including the pre-ride, and should also remain on the bike at any time the student is riding at the event.