St Elizabeth Technical High (STETHS) head coach, Clive Ledgister, is urging the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) to partner with the Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) to improve the standard of play at the schoolboy level.

Speaking at the final of the rural area ISSA Grace Headley Cup, which was held at Chedwin Park in St Catherine, between the 28th-time finalists and first-time finalists Port Antonio, Ledgister explained that most schools are finding it difficult to participate and compete effectively and, as such, the JCA needs to get involved.

"The JCA needs to come on board with ISSA because cricket is an expensive sport and, given the state of the economy, most schools are finding it difficult to fund the sport," said Ledgister, who took over from Junior Bennett in 2007 and has guided the team to two consecutive titles. "The standard of high school cricket has fallen, but it is not only due to the performance of players, it is the way the sport is governed and administered, and the support it receives from key stakeholders."

The debate as to the declining standards of high school cricket has been hot on the lips of cricket lovers for years, with a number of problems identified and few solutions offered.

Ledgister, who represented STETHS and Jamaica at the youth level, said he has been in the system and knows first-hand what happens in rural- and urban-area schools.

"Some schools, especially new and upgraded schools, have little or no resources, in terms of gear, practice facilities and coaching, when compared to the more established high schools. This does little to motivate youngsters and encourage them to stay with the sport, and what we then see is a graduation of talented youngsters to other sports such as basketball, football and athletics. Another reason for the decline in standards is the lack of suitable, qualified and trained coaches. The JCA, through partnership with ISSA, should do more to get coaches or physical education teachers trained and qualified so that they can effectively guide young players.

"Only a few schools have such coaches . They should also try to find innovative ways to help schools pay coaches, as effective coaching is a full-time job and anything else will yield below-par performances," added Ledgister, whose team was in total control against Port Antonio as they carved their 22nd lien on the title.