Special Issue Policy
The Journal of Sports Science Academy (JOSSA) publishes special issues that focus on specific topics and contribute to current academic discussions in the field of sports sciences. These special issues include original studies prepared in alignment with the journal's aims and scope and aim to deepen the knowledge base in the relevant field. The topics featured in special issues are determined in accordance with the journal's scientific stance and its vision of fostering interdisciplinary contributions.
The number of special issues is determined based upon the journal's publication schedule, the needs of the field, and incoming proposals. Each special issue is planned to include no more than 15 articles (excluding editorial articles), ensuring the quality of the published work and maintaining the journal's standards.
1. Special Issue Proposals
Special issue proposals can be submitted to the JOSSA Editorial Office through the following two methods:
1.1. Editorial Board Proposals: Proposals prepared by members of the Editorial Board.
1.2. Researcher Proposals: Proposals directly submitted to the Editorial Office by independent researchers.
All submitted proposals are reviewed in detail by the Editorial Board. The evaluation focuses on the alignment of the proposal with the journal's scope, its adherence to academic standards, and its potential scientific value. The final decision is made by the Editorial Board, which is also responsible for appointing guest editors to manage the special issue.
2. Special Issue Process
The preparation and publication of special issues in JOSSA follow these steps:
2.1. Preparation of the Call for Papers: Guest editors prepare a call for papers that includes the title, theme, scope, and deadlines for submissions.
The call for papers also specifies submission details, such as word limits for proposals and the submission address.
2.2. Submission of Proposals: Proposals are sent to the journal's email address (e.g., editor@ssajournal.com).
2.3. Preliminary Review: Submitted proposals are reviewed by the guest editors, and the results are shared with authors within the timeframe specified in the call for papers.
2.4. Submission of Full Manuscripts: Proposals that pass the preliminary review are invited to be submitted as full manuscripts through the journal’s system.
2.5. Peer Review Process: A double-blind peer review process is applied, and decisions on acceptance or rejection are made based on referee reports.
2.6. Publication Preparation: Accepted manuscripts are finalized for publication by the Editorial Office.
3. Responsibilities of Guest Editors and Ethical Principles
JOSSA's Ethical Principles and Publication Policies apply to all processes involving special issues. Guest editors are expected to adhere to these policies.
3.1. Content Alignment: Guest editors must ensure that the articles included in the special issue align with the journal's aims and scope.
3.2. Citation Policies: Authors must not be compelled to include irrelevant citations to the special issue or other journals.
3.3. Confidentiality: The content of submitted manuscripts must remain confidential throughout the process.
3.4. Conflict of Interest: Any conflicts of interest must be handled in accordance with the journal’s relevant policies.
3.5. Contribution Limits: Guest editors' own contributions must not exceed 25% of the articles published in the special issue (excluding editorial articles).
4. Peer Review Process
All submissions to special issues are evaluated under JOSSA’s Peer Review Policy. The double-blind peer review process ensures academic impartiality and guarantees the quality of published works.
