Data and Research Materials Availability Policy

The Journal of Sport Sciences recognizes the importance of transparency and verifiability in scientific research. The journal encourages authors to organize, preserve, and, where appropriate, make available the data and research materials that support their findings, while respecting participants’ rights, privacy, and data  confidentiality.

First: Definition of Data and Research Materials

Data and research materials refer to any materials used by the authors to produce the findings of the study, including physical or physiological measurements, test results, questionnaires, scales, data collection tools, training programs, statistical tables, software codes, or any supporting files that help readers understand the study  or verify its results.

Second: Authors’ Responsibility

Authors are responsible for the accuracy, organization, and appropriate preservation of the data used in their research. Data should be available for review when requested by the Editorial Board or when needed to verify the validity of the findings, while fully complying with research ethics and the protection of  participants.

Third: Data Availability When Appropriate

The journal encourages authors to make non-confidential data and research materials available in suitable scientific or institutional repositories, or to provide them as supplementary files whenever possible. If the data cannot be made publicly available, authors should clearly explain the reason, such as restrictions related to participant privacy, health-data confidentiality, ethical approval,  intellectual property rights, or institutional regulations.

Fourth: Privacy and Sensitive Data Protection

For studies involving human participants or health-related, physical-performance, or psychological data, no data that may identify participants should be published. Personal information must be removed or anonymized before any data sharing, and authors must comply with the terms of the informed consent and  ethical approval granted for the study. Sensitive or personal data may only be shared if it has been sufficiently anonymized, is ethically and legally permitted, and does  not cause harm or violate participants’ rights.

Fifth: Data Availability Statement

The journal recommends including a clear data availability statement in the manuscript. Authors may use one of the following  statements depending on the nature of the study: “The data supporting the findings of this study are available from  the corresponding author upon reasonable request.”

Or

“The data supporting the findings of this study are not publicly available in order to protect participants’ privacy and data  confidentiality.”

Or

“All relevant data and research materials are included in the article  or its supplementary files.”

Sixth: Data Verification

The Editorial Board may request supporting data or research materials from authors when necessary to verify the results or address scientific or ethical concerns. Failure to provide the requested data without an acceptable justification may result in suspension of the review process, rejection of the manuscript, or appropriate editorial action if the issue is discovered after  publication.

Seventh: Research Tools and Materials

When authors use research tools, scales, questionnaires, training programs, or standardized tests, they must clearly state their source and method of use and obtain the necessary permissions if such materials are protected by intellectual property rights. Methods and procedures should be described in sufficient detail to allow proper  scientific understanding and evaluation of the study.

Eighth: Purpose of the Policy

This policy aims to promote transparency and trust in the research published by the Journal of Sport Sciences, enabling readers, reviewers, and researchers to understand the scientific basis of the findings while preserving participants’ privacy, authors’ rights, and  the integrity of the scholarly record.