A new junior rugby competition which rewards teams for their supporters' good behaviour has begun its first run at Diss.

The Under 10s Prima Tiger Cup, formulated by Rugby Union team Leicester Tigers, got underway at Diss RFC on Sunday with nine junior teams being put through their paces.

In an effort to encourage spectators to tone down their sideline commentaries, the competition awards points in four 'fair play' categories – coaches and management, players, parents and supporters, and overall ethos – alongside points for the match score.

The format, which has been approved by the RFU, means it is technically possible for the winning team to lose if the referee does not feel their level of 'fair play' is up to scratch.

Steven Baker, community rugby development officer at Leicester Tigers, said: 'It is about trying to create an equal playing field and equal opportunities, rather than the best teams going on to play each other. Everyone has the same amount of playing time, giving the kids the opportunity to play as much rugby as possible.'

Under 10s teams from Diss, Beccles, North Walsham, Swaffham, Wymondham, Holt, Southwold, Newmarket and Sudbury were the first to test out the new format.

The competition will be piloted in three more locations near the Tigers Academy in Leicestershire.