Complaints and Appeals Policy

The Journal of Sports Science Academy (JOSSA) is committed to addressing all complaints and appeals in a fair, transparent, and timely manner. This policy outlines the procedures for handling complaints related to published articles, editorial decisions, or any aspect of the publication process.

1. Complaint Submission

Complaints regarding published articles are accepted within 12 months from the first publication date. Authors or readers wishing to lodge a complaint must submit their concerns in writing to the editorial office via email at editor@ssajournal.com. Complaints must include:

  • A clear description of the issue.
  • Specific details (e.g., article title, DOI, publication date).
  • Supporting evidence, if applicable.

2. Appeals Against Editorial Decisions

Authors may appeal editorial decisions, including manuscript rejections or peer review comments. Appeals must be submitted via email within 30 days of the decision notification. The appeal must include a detailed explanation of the reasons for the appeal and any additional supporting information.

3. Complaint Categories

The Journal of Sports Science Academy (JOSSA) accepts complaints which fall within the following categories:

  • Ethical concerns (e.g., plagiarism, data manipulation).
  • Violations of copyright or intellectual property.
  • Factual inaccuracies or methodological flaws.
  • Unfair or biased peer review processes.

4. Review and Resolution Process

  • All complaints and appeals are initially reviewed by the editorial board to determine their validity and relevance.
  • Valid complaints are investigated thoroughly, with input from relevant parties (e.g., authors, reviewers, or external experts).
  • The complainant will receive an acknowledgment of their submission within 7 working days.
  • A final resolution or decision will be communicated within 30 working days, depending on the complexity of the issue.

5. Transparency and Follow-Up

  • The editorial office ensures that all complaints are handled confidentially and in accordance with ethical guidelines.
  • Complainants will be kept informed about the progress and outcome of their complaint or appeal.
  • If a resolution cannot be reached internally, the matter may be escalated to an independent advisory panel.
  • The Journal of Sports Science Academy (JOSSA) strives to uphold the highest ethical standards in academic publishing and ensures that all complaints and appeals are resolved in a manner that maintains the integrity of the journal and the scholarly community it serves.