Peer Review Policy
The Journal of Sport Sciences adopts a rigorous peer-review policy designed to ensure the quality, originality, and methodological soundness of the research it publishes, in accordance with the principles of academic integrity and publication ethics. All manuscripts submitted to the journal undergo organized screening and scientific evaluation procedures before a final decision is made.
First: Initial Editorial Screening
Upon submission, each manuscript is initially screened by the Editorial Board to ensure that it falls within the scope of the journal, complies with the author guidelines, includes all required files and information, and meets the basic standards of academic writing, structure, and publication ethics. Manuscripts are also checked for similarity using approved plagiarism-detection software before being sent for peer review. The Editorial Board may return the manuscript to the author for completion or initial formatting corrections. It may also reject a manuscript before peer review if it is outside the journal’s scope or does not meet the minimum scientific, ethical, or technical requirements.
Second: Type of Peer Review
The journal adopts a double-blind peer-review process whenever possible, in which the identities of the authors are not disclosed to the reviewers and the identities of the reviewers are not disclosed to the authors. This process is intended to promote impartiality, objectivity, and independence in the evaluation of submitted manuscripts.
Third: Selection of Reviewers
Reviewers are selected by the Editorial Board based on their expertise in the specific subject area of the manuscript, academic and research experience, independence, and absence of conflicts of interest. Manuscripts are normally sent to two specialized reviewers. If the reviewers’ reports differ substantially, or if anadditional scientific opinion is required, the manuscript may be sent to a third reviewer.
Fourth: Review Criteria
Reviewers evaluate manuscripts according to clear scientific criteria, including originality, significance of the research problem, soundness of methodology, appropriateness of tools and procedures, accuracy of statistical analysis, clarity of results and discussion, relevance and recency of references, adherence to research ethics, and the contribution of the manuscript to knowledge or practice in the fields of physical education and sport sciences.
Fifth: Editorial Decisions
After receiving the reviewers’ reports, the Editorial Board may make one of the following decisions:
1. Accept the manuscript for publication.
2. Accept the manuscript after minor revisions.
3.Request major revisions and, where necessary, resubmit the manuscript for further evaluation.
4.Reject the manuscript for scientific, methodological, ethical, or technical reasons.
A request for revision does not constitute final acceptance. Final acceptance depends on the author’s satisfactory response to the reviewers’ and Editorial Board’s comments.
Sixth: Responsibilities of Reviewers
Reviewers are expected to evaluate manuscripts objectively, accurately, and confidentially, and to provide clear and constructive scientific comments that help authors improve their work. Reviewers must avoid personal or unprofessional language, complete the review within the agreed timeframe, and inform the Editorial Board if there is any conflict of interest, lack of sufficient expertise, or inability to complete the review on time.
Seventh: Responsibilities of Authors During Peer Review
Authors are required to respond clearly and scientifically to the comments of reviewers and the Editorial Board. They must make the requested revisions or provide a well-justified scientific explanation when they do not agree with certain comments. Revised manuscripts should be accompanied by a detailed response explaining how each comment has been addressed.
Eighth: Confidentiality and Integrity
The journal treats all submitted manuscripts, review reports, and related correspondence as confidential. Information contained in unpublished manuscripts must not be used by reviewers, editors, or any party involved in the editorial process. The journal also takes appropriate action in cases of suspected plagiarism, duplicate publication, data manipulation, or any violation of research and publication ethics.
Ninth: Final Decision
The final decision regarding publication rests with the Editorial Board, based on the reviewers’ reports, the author’s compliance with journal guidelines, and the scientific, ethical, and technical quality of the manuscript. This policy aims to ensure the publication of rigorous research that contributes to the advancement of sport sciences and physical education and serves the academic and professional community.
