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SPARQ Championship at Nike's The Opening

The SPARQ Rating National Championship was held at Nike world headquarters Tuesday night. Landon Collins of Dutchtown (Geismar, La.) earned top honors.Tags: ESPNHS, High School football, Nike The Opening, football, football recruiting

SPARQ Championship at Nike's The Opening

Nike Football SPARQ Combines FAQs

Here are the most frequently asked questions from the Nike Football SPARQ Combine tour.

The 2012 Nike Football SPARQ Combine tour will run from January to June. The schedule and online registration for the 2012 tour can be found here.

Do you have questions about the 2012 tour? We have answers.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions concerning the Nike Football SPARQ Combines.

Q: Who can attend a Nike Football SPARQ Combine? Can seniors (class of 2012) attend a Nike Football SPARQ Combine?

A:The Nike Football SPARQ Combines are for athletes in the graduating classes of 2013, 2014, and 2015 who are probable varsity athletes for the 2012 fall season. Seniors and 8th graders are not allowed at a Nike Football SPARQ Combine. Players at a post-graduate program also will not be able to attend.

Q: What's the cost of a Nike Football SPARQ Combine?

A: All Nike Football SPARQ Combines are FREE.

Q: Can a bad performance at a Nike Football SPARQ Combine hurt my stock?

A: No, because of the"scratch rule." ESPN HS and Nike Football care about the athletes first. If an athlete does not like a particular mark, the time or mark may be scratched from the results. Even so, college coaches put more emphasis on how players perform in pads. A disappointing time in the 40 will not lead to colleges dropping a player. At past Nike Football events,running backs and wide receivers have run 4.8's and linebackers run 5.2's and still sign with major D-I programs. Current New Orleans Saints standout linebacker Jonathan Vilma clocked a 5.0 40-yard dash at a Nike Football Camp when he was in high school, and obviously the seventh-year All-Pro and Super Bowl champ has not let that slow him down. Use your times, marks and SPARQ Rating to honestly evaluate yourself as a player and see where you can work to improve your athleticism through Nike SPARQ Training.

Q: Can I attend more than one Nike Football SPARQ Combine?

A: Yes. An athlete may attend as many Nike Football SPARQ Combines as they would like.

Q: I forgot my password. How can I get that information?

A: You will have to use the Forgot Password link and enter your email address, answer the security question and login information will be sent to your email address. If you do not remember the answer to your security question, then you'll need to contact Nike Customer Service at1-800-344-6453 (7am-4pm PST, M-F) to get assistance with your account. ESPNHS will not be able to assist with any login or password information.

Q: Why does the Nike Football SPARQ Combine that I'm trying to register for say "Notify Me" instead of "Register"?

A: Registration for the Nike Football SPARQ Combines will become available approximately six weeks prior to the event date. All you need to do is leave your email address and you'll receive an email when registration for your event becomes available.

Q: My school is not listed. What should I do?

A: If you do not see your school in the list, simply scroll to the bottom of the list and select "Other". This will bring up a blank field for you to type in your school. Please be sure to list the full name of your high school.

Q: I registered; will I now get a confirmation email?

A: Yes. You will get an email confirming your registration and another event reminder email the Monday before the event. If you have not received your confirmation within a day of signing up, please check your spam/junk folders.

Q:I registered for a Nike Football SPARQ Combine and could not print my Event Pass. What do I do?

A: You can reprint your Event Pass before the event. All you have to do is log into the registration page. The events that you have registered for will have a Print Pass button. Click on this button to reprint your EventPass. There will also be a station to reprint your Event Pass onsite for those that are unable to print their Event Pass prior to their event date. Concerns or questions regarding online registration or the Event Pass, please contact Bob Masajo at robert.masajo@espn.com. All other inquiries please direct to Tyler McClaughry at tyler.mcclaughry@espn.com.

Q: Am I guaranteed to recieve a testing shirt if I'm on the waiting list?

A: Supplies for the Nike Football SPARQ Combines are limited so if your EVENT PASS says you're on the waiting list, you're NOT guaranteed a testing shirt BUT will still be able to test and get a certified SPARQ Rating.

Q: I am a coach or parent that is bringing several athletes that have different check-in times. How can I get them all checked-in and tested together

A: In order to keep the check-in lines down we ask that athletes show up and check-in at their designated times. We understand that sometimes athletes traveling together sometimes end up with different check-in times. Simply show up at the time the majority of the group has posted on their Event Pass and they can all go through together

Q: Can I go to a Nike Football SPARQ Combine to watch?

A: Depends on the venue -- at an outdoor combine all parents and spectators will be allowed to watch the event from the stands only, not from the track or sideline. At indoor facilities space is very limited so we do not allow spectators inside the venue and with our first priority being to keep the athletes safe, we must keep the testing area clear and safe for all participants.

Q: Online registration is closed but will I be able to register on-site at the combine?

A:There are no guarantees that players will be able to walk up and register at the combine. Keep checking in on the online registration prior to the event as some spots may open up if athletes choose to opt out.

DO NOT GET THERE FIRST THING IN THE MORNING AS UNREGISTERED ATHLETES WILL NOT BE HELPED UNTIL ALL REGISTERED ATHLETES GET THROUGH CHECK IN AND THEN IT DEPENDS ON WHETHER TIME PERMITS.

Q: I won't be able to attend the event; can I give my Event Pass to my teammate or relative?

A: No. The Event Pass is non-transferable and is tied to your personal information. Your teammate or relative must register using a different email address. Using another person's Event Pass will link your testing results to their name and profile. If you are unable to attend the Nike SPARQ Combine that you registered for, please use the un-register feature to release your spot to another athlete.

Q: I won't be able to attend the event I registered for can I use my Event Pass for a different Nike Football SPARQ Combine?

A: No. The Event Pass is link to that events check-in only and can't be used at any other Nike Football SPARQ Combine. A separate registration is required for each Nike Football SPARQ Combine. If you are unable to attend the Nike Football SPARQ Combine that you registered for, please use the-un-register feature to release your spot to another athlete.

Q: How do I un-register?

A: If you are unable to attend the NikeFootball SPARQ Combine you registered for, go to nikefootball.com and select the register for a Combine section. This will direct you to login to Nike. Once logged in, you will see Combines that you have registered for. Click the un-register button, and this will release your spot to another athlete.

Q: What are the testing protocols? Where can I get info onthe Kneeling Power Ball Toss and other tests?

A: Watch the tests on video here.

Q: How long does a Nike Football SPARQ Combine last?

A: Nike Football SPARQ Combines are ona first come, first serve basis policy so it depends on when you get there and get in line for registration. Once through the registration line it should take no more than an hour or so to complete testing.

Q: How do I get my official SPARQ Rating and results?

A: You will leave the combine withthese in hand. You will receive an email after the event with links to access your rating on ESPNHS.com.

Q: What do I need to bring to the Nike Football SPARQ Combine?

A: Cleats/running shoes to run in and workout gear. Take a look at the field-type beforehand to determine the best type of cleats/shoes you should run in. ESPNHS and Nike are not responsible for any lost or stolen items, so pack accordingly and note that you don't need to bring a lot to test.

Q: Can I wear track spikes to run the 40-yard dash?

A: No. Only football cleats and runningshoes are allowed.

Q: Will there be football-specific drills at the Nike Football SPARQ Combines?

A: No. A Nike Football SPARQ Combine is strictly for testing an athlete's athletic ability.

Q: I am a coach interested in volunteering, how do I go about this?

A: Email Michael White at michael.white@espn.com.

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