Trials

NPBA U12 and U14 Easter Tournament Trials Information.


Trials will be held at the TSB Stadium, 1 Rogan Street, New Plymouth on:

πŸ“… Sunday 7th December 

  • U12 Boys & Girls 9am-10.30am (Players born 2015/16)
  • U14 Girls 10.45am-12.15pm (Players born 2013/14)
  • U14 Boys 10.45am – 12.45pm (Players born 2013/14)

πŸ“… Sunday 14th December 

  • U12 Boys & Girls 9am-10.30am
  • U14 Girls 10.45am-12.15pm
  • U14 Boys 10.45am – 12.45pm


We’re looking forward to seeing players showcase their skills, attitude, and teamwork!

To register for trials

Go to this link: https://membership.mygameday.app/regoform.cgi?formID=108800

Team code is 22954165


Please note that if you have not played in a NPBA tournament earlier in the year or been part of a school league, you will be prompted to pay the Basketball New Zealand / Basketball Taranaki levy of $5.00.  Information about the levy can be found here.

About the Selection Process

NPBA follows a clear Player Selection Policy designed to ensure every player has an equal opportunity to be selected based on merit, potential, and team balance.

Selections are guided by the following key principles:

  • Transparency: All players trial under the same conditions.
  • Merit-Based Selection: Players are evaluated on basketball ability, fitness, attitude, and how they contribute to overall team balance.
  • Independence: At least two independent selectors (not coaching the team) will assess players.
  • Development Focus: We’re committed to supporting player growth across both representative and development squads.

What Selectors Will Be Looking For

During trials, selectors will consider:

  • Trial attendance
  • Skill and ability (ball handling, shooting, defence, and basketball IQ)
  • Physical fitness and readiness
  • Attitude, teamwork, and coachability
  • Long-term potential, particularly for younger or developing players


Non-Attendance at Trials

If your child cannot attend one or both trial dates but would like to be considered for selection, please email manager_coordinator@newplymouthbasketball.co.nz with the reason. Valid reasons include tangihanga, funerals, or physical injury, and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Please note that non-attendance for other reasons may affect selection.


Notification of team selection

Players will be notified of selection outcomes by 22nd December.  Announcements will be made via email and on NPBA’s Facebook page.


Code of Conduct

If your child is selected to represent NPBA, both you as a Parent/Caregiver & the Player are expected to adhere to our Code of Conduct.  Please view both documents here: https://www.npba.nz/info/policies-and-documents


Other information

As a guide (based on previous years), we can expect to take the following number of teams.  This can vary, based on the number of registered players who trial.


U14 Boys – 4 teams of 10

U14 Girls – 2 teams of 10

U12 Boys – 4 teams of 10

U12 Girls – 2 teams of 10


Team Managers

Team Managers are an essential part of a team's success, both in the build-up to the tournament and throughout the competition itself. They play a key role in ensuring that teams are well-prepared, organised, and supported, so that players and coaches can focus on the game. You can find out more about being an NPBA Team Manager here.  To register your interest, please email Grant Lee: manager_coordinator@newplymouthbasketball.co.nz.


Tournament Fees

The cost to attend the Easter Tournament is usually between $600–$700, depending on whether a new player uniform is needed. While we work hard to keep costs consistent each year, increases in food, accommodation, and fuel may affect the final amount. Please treat the price above as a guide. Families should take this into account when deciding if their child will trial and potentially be selected, as fees are generally due before the team departs, unless prior arrangements have been made with our Treasurer.


Contact us

If your child is just starting their representative pathway with NPBA, we know you might have some unanswered questions about the trial process or heading away to a tournament. Please do not hesitate to contact us via email: admin@npba.nz.