The Journal of Sports Science Academy (JOSSA) recognizes the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in scientific research and supports their ethical, transparent, and responsible use. This policy outlines the principles governing how authors, reviewers, and editors may utilize AI-assisted tools within the publication process.
1. Guidelines for Authors Regarding AI Usage
1.1. Use for Writing Assistance and Language Support
Authors may use AI-based tools such as ChatGPT, Grammarly, or DeepL for language correction, translation, formatting suggestions, or limited content generation for technical support only. However, these tools must not be used to produce the core scientific contribution of the article.
1.2. Content Responsibility
Authors are fully responsible for the accuracy, scientific validity, ethical integrity, and originality of any content edited or generated using AI tools.
1.3. Disclosure Requirement
If AI-based tools are used in the preparation of the manuscript, authors must explicitly disclose this in a dedicated section at the end of the manuscript titled "AI Usage Statement". The tools used, their purpose, and the extent of their use should be clearly stated. A sample disclosure is provided below:
“In the preparation of this manuscript, the authors used ChatGPT (developed by OpenAI) for language editing purposes only. All scientific content was conceived and developed by the authors without AI assistance for data, analysis, or interpretation.”
1.4. Limitation of AI-Generated Content
AI-generated content must not constitute the main scientific argument or findings of the manuscript. Sections involving literature interpretation, original scientific discussion, critical analysis, and conclusions must be developed solely by the authors.
1.5. AI-Generated Visuals and Graphics
Visual content (e.g., illustrations, tables, diagrams) generated by AI-based tools like Midjourney, DALL·E, or Adobe Firefly may be used only for illustrative purposes. All such visuals must be based on scientific data, and the generation method and tools must be clearly acknowledged.
1.6. Use of AI in Data Analysis
AI-supported data analysis tools (e.g., AutoML platforms, Python-based models, SPSS AI extensions) may be used to facilitate statistical processes. The tools used and their versions must be disclosed, and all interpretation of results remains the responsibility of the authors.
2. Guidelines for Reviewers and Editors Regarding AI Usage
2.1. Peer Review Process
Reviewers may use AI tools to support grammar checking or language refinement in their reports. However, peer review comments must be based on human judgment and should not consist of or rely on AI-generated assessments.
2.2. Confidentiality Compliance
Reviewers and editors are strictly required to preserve the confidentiality of the double-blind peer review process. Manuscripts, figures, tables, and data must not be uploaded to any AI platform or cloud-based tool.
2.3. Editorial Assistance
Editors may use AI tools for editorial tasks such as proofreading and formatting assistance. However, editorial decisions must always be grounded in scientific evaluation and never based on AI-generated conclusions.
3. Ethical Misconduct and AI Usage in Scientific Publishing
3.1. AI-Related Plagiarism and Misconduct
Any use of AI tools for unethical purposes—such as fabrication of data, creation of fake citations, manipulative analyses, or large-scale content generation—is considered scientific misconduct. In such cases, manuscripts will be immediately rejected, and notifications may be made to affiliated institutions if necessary.
3.2. Detection and Monitoring
JOSSA reserves the right to use AI-detection software and tools to monitor the potential misuse of AI-generated content in submitted manuscripts.
3.3. Human Authorship and ORCID Compliance
To ensure transparency and accountability, authors must provide their ORCID iDs. Even when AI tools are used, it must be evident that the manuscript reflects significant human intellectual contribution.
4. Policy Updates and Implementation
This policy is subject to regular updates to reflect evolving developments in AI technologies. By submitting to JOSSA, authors, reviewers, and editors are deemed to have accepted and agreed to comply with this policy. Any breach will be handled according to the journal’s editorial and ethical standards.
e-ISSN: 3062-2883
Dear researchers and esteemed authors,
As the Journal of Sports Science Academy (JOSSA), we support the ethical, transparent, and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in scientific publishing. In line with this, our official "Artificial Intelligence Tools Usage Policy" has been enacted and is now in effect for all authors, reviewers, and editors.
