NRDP exists to identify and develop officials with the potential to referee at national/international level. The desirable pathway for the referee is to progress through NRDP and (upon graduating) to have achieved a level of knowledge and experience to be in contention for selection to the Under 20 National Junior Championships.

To be eligible for selection to the NRDP an official must:

- Be an active official with your local association, officiating a minimum of eight (8) games per month;

- Have attended the NBL1 Referee Conference in the year preceeding the NRDP intake and have passed the theory and fitness tests;

- Currently officiating senior representative basketball (NBL1 and/or QSL);

- Currently officiating junior representative basketball (BQJBC);

- Have demonstrated a professional and commendable attitude to their refereeing;

- Be aged between 18 and 29; and

- Currently graded as a State Grade referee.

Officials who are selected to NRDP will be required to attend regular monthly meetings of the group, attend and be involved with regular Training & Development sessions (such as Master Class), and continue to be available for State events.

NRDP members will also be expected to continue to officiate in senior and junior representative basketball, as well as being available for Junior State Championships in an officiating and/or referee coaching capacity. Throughout their involvement, NRDP members will officiate with and be mentored by senior NBL/WNBL officials to help gain additional experience and training throughout their involvement with the program.

NRDP members will be required to demonstrate superior rule knowledge of the game and will be instructed and assessed regularly in this area. NRDP members will also be expected to maintain a good level of physical fitness throughout their involvement.