Editorial Policies

Aims and Scope

The International Journal of Strength and Conditioning (IJSC) serves as a global platform for disseminating high-quality research and practical insights in the field of strength and conditioning. The journal is dedicated to advancing knowledge, fostering innovation, and bridging the gap between scientific research and practical application. Its aims and scope include:

Primary Objectives

  • Promote Excellence in Strength and Conditioning Research:
    Publish original research, reviews, and case studies that contribute to the understanding and practice of strength and conditioning.

  • Foster Practical Application:
    Highlight research with direct applicability to the training and performance of athletes, recreational populations, and clinical groups.

  • Encourage Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
    Accept submissions that intersect with related fields, such as biomechanics, exercise physiology, sports psychology, and rehabilitation.

  • Support Evidence-Based Practices:
    Provide practitioners with actionable insights grounded in rigorous scientific methodology.

Scope of the Journal

The journal welcomes submissions in the following areas, among others:

  • Strength and power development
  • Athletic performance enhancement
  • Injury prevention and rehabilitation
  • Exercise testing and monitoring
  • Training methodologies and periodization
  • Biomechanical and physiological analyses
  • Psychological strategies for performance
  • Special populations (e.g., youth, elderly, clinical)

Global Perspective

The journal encourages submissions from researchers and practitioners worldwide to ensure diverse perspectives and promote the global development of the strength and conditioning field.

Readership

The IJSC caters to a wide audience, including:

  • Researchers and academics in sports science
  • Strength and conditioning coaches
  • Athletic trainers and physical therapists
  • Sports psychologists
  • Educators and students in related disciplines

Alignment with Ethical and Editorial Standards

The IJSC operates in accordance with the ethical principles outlined in its Publication Ethics and Editorial Policies pages. All manuscripts undergo a rigorous peer review process to ensure quality and integrity.

Submission Guidelines

The International Journal of Strength and Conditioning (IJSC) is committed to facilitating a smooth and transparent submission process for authors. Submissions must adhere to the journal’s established guidelines to ensure efficient processing and alignment with publication standards.

Overview

Authors are required to prepare manuscripts in accordance with the journal’s submission standards, including formatting, structure, and ethical compliance. Detailed instructions are provided on the Author Guidelines page.

Key Requirements

  • Manuscripts must align with the journal’s scope and formatting requirements.
  • Ethical considerations, such as data availability and conflict of interest disclosure, must be addressed.
  • A data availability statement is required, in line with the journal’s Data Sharing and Availability policy.

Submission Portal

All submissions must be made through the IJSC’s online submission system:
https://journal.iusca.org/index.php/Journal/submit

Support for Authors

For detailed instructions on preparing and submitting your manuscript, please visit the Author Guidelines page. Authors are also encouraged to consult the journal’s Publication Ethics page for information on ethical standards.

Authorship and Contributor Roles

The International Journal of Strength and Conditioning (IJSC) follows established international guidelines to ensure fairness and transparency in the attribution of authorship and contributor roles. These policies align with the ICMJE Recommendations and the CRediT taxonomy to acknowledge the contributions of all individuals involved in the research and publication process.

Authorship Criteria

To qualify as an author, individuals must meet all the following criteria:

  1. Substantial Contributions: Participation in the conception, design, data collection, analysis, or interpretation of the work.
  2. Manuscript Preparation: Involvement in drafting or critically revising the manuscript for significant intellectual content.
  3. Approval: Approval of the final version of the manuscript to be published.
  4. Accountability: Agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work, including its accuracy and integrity.

Authors are responsible for ensuring that all listed authors meet these criteria and that no eligible contributors are omitted.

Contributor Roles (CRediT Taxonomy)

The journal encourages the use of the Contributor Roles Taxonomy (CRediT) to provide detailed attribution of individual contributions.

Avoidance of Unethical Authorship Practices

The journal does not tolerate unethical authorship practices, including:

  • Guest Authorship: Inclusion of individuals who did not contribute significantly to the work.
  • Ghost Authorship: Exclusion of individuals who made substantial contributions.
  • Gift Authorship: Attribution of authorship as a courtesy or favor without meaningful involvement.

Changes to Authorship

Requests to add, remove, or rearrange authors after submission must include written consent from all authors, explaining the reason for the change. Such requests are subject to editorial approval.

Acknowledgment of Non-Author Contributions

Individuals who contributed to the research but do not meet the criteria for authorship (e.g., technical assistants, funding sources) must be acknowledged in a dedicated section of the manuscript.

Dispute Resolution

Authorship disputes should be resolved prior to submission. In cases where disputes arise post-submission, the journal may refer the matter to the authors’ institutions for investigation, following COPE guidelines.

Transparency and Accountability

All authors are required to disclose conflicts of interest and funding sources to ensure transparency. The journal is committed to upholding the principles of fair authorship attribution and fostering trust within the academic community.

Peer Review Process

The International Journal of Strength and Conditioning (IJSC) employs a transparent and constructive open peer review process to uphold the highest standards of scholarly integrity and quality. This process emphasizes accountability and collaboration between authors and reviewers.

Key Features of the Peer Review Process

  1. Open Peer Review Model:

    • Authors and reviewers are aware of each other’s identities, fostering a constructive and respectful dialogue.
    • This model promotes accountability and encourages detailed, evidence-based feedback.

  2. Reviewer Selection:

    • Manuscripts are reviewed by at least two subject-matter experts selected based on their expertise and absence of conflicts of interest.
    • Reviewers are provided with clear guidelines to ensure consistency and adherence to ethical standards.

  3. Reviewer Responsibilities:

    • Evaluate the manuscript’s originality, methodology, validity of findings, and relevance to the field.
    • Provide constructive feedback to improve the quality of the manuscript.
    • Adhere to the COPE Ethical Guidelines for Peer Reviewers, including confidentiality, impartiality, and timely completion of reviews.

  4. Timelines:

    • Reviewers are given 3–4 weeks to complete their assessments, ensuring thorough yet timely evaluations.

  5. Ethical Oversight:

    • Reviewers must disclose any conflicts of interest and recuse themselves if necessary.
    • Reports of plagiarism, ethical misconduct, or methodological concerns are escalated to the editorial team for investigation.

Transparency and Acknowledgment

  • Reviewer comments, alongside editorial decisions, are shared with authors to ensure transparency.
  • Exceptional reviewers may be publicly acknowledged or invited to join the journal’s editorial board.

For detailed guidelines, please refer to the journal’s Peer Review Policies.

Editorial Decision-Making

The International Journal of Strength and Conditioning (IJSC) ensures that editorial decisions are impartial, transparent, and based solely on the academic merit of submissions. The decision-making process integrates reviewer feedback with editorial expertise to maintain fairness and consistency.

Key Stages of Editorial Decision-Making

  1. Initial Editorial Screening:

    • The editorial team evaluates submitted manuscripts for adherence to the journal’s aims, scope, and formatting requirements.
    • Submissions that do not meet these criteria are returned to authors with feedback for improvement or declined.

  2. Consideration of Reviewer Reports:

    • Reviewers provide recommendations (accept, minor revision, major revision, or reject) based on the manuscript’s quality and relevance.
    • The editorial team reviews these reports to ensure alignment with the journal’s standards.

  3. Editorial Decision:

    • The editor makes the final decision on the manuscript, considering reviewer recommendations and additional factors such as ethical compliance.
    • Possible outcomes include:
      • Accept: Manuscript is ready for publication.
      • Minor Revision: Authors address minor issues before final acceptance.
      • Major Revision: Authors make substantial changes and resubmit for further review.
      • Reject: Manuscript is not suitable for publication.

  4. Communication with Authors:

    • Authors are informed of the decision and provided with anonymized reviewer comments to guide revisions or improve future submissions.
    • The editorial team ensures clarity and professionalism in all communications.

  5. Revisions and Final Approval:

    • Revised manuscripts undergo further evaluation by the editorial team or original reviewers.
    • The editor makes the final determination on the manuscript’s acceptance.

Appeals Process

  • Authors who disagree with a decision may submit an appeal, including a detailed rebuttal to the reviewers’ and editor’s comments.
  • Appeals are reviewed impartially by the editor-in-chief or a designated senior editor.
  • Final decisions on appeals are communicated transparently and are binding.

Impartiality and Accountability

  • Editorial decisions are free from external influence, adhering to the principles outlined in the journal’s Publication Ethics.
  • Editors disclose any conflicts of interest and recuse themselves if necessary to maintain integrity.

Conflict of Interest

The International Journal of Strength and Conditioning (IJSC) is committed to maintaining transparency and integrity throughout the publication process by requiring the disclosure and proper management of potential conflicts of interest (COIs). These policies apply to all stakeholders, including authors, reviewers, and editors, to ensure that decisions are based solely on academic merit.

Author Responsibilities

  • Disclosure: Authors must declare any financial, personal, or professional relationships that could influence the research or its interpretation. This includes:
    • Funding sources or financial support.
    • Employment or affiliations that may affect objectivity.
    • Personal or professional relationships with other stakeholders in the publication process.
  • Manuscript Statement: A COI statement must be included in all submissions. For example:
    • “The authors declare no conflicts of interest.”
    • If conflicts exist, authors must detail their nature and relevance.

Reviewer Responsibilities

  • Disclosure: Reviewers must disclose any potential conflicts that could compromise their impartiality. Examples include:
    • Personal or professional relationships with the authors.
    • Competing interests in the research topic.
  • Recusal: Reviewers should decline invitations to review if they cannot provide an unbiased assessment.

Editorial Responsibilities

  • Disclosure and Recusal: Editors must disclose any conflicts of interest and recuse themselves from handling manuscripts where impartiality could be compromised.
  • Assignment of Alternate Editors: In cases of potential conflict, manuscripts are reassigned to an editor with no connection to the work or its authors.

Management and Transparency

  • Publication of Disclosures:

    • COI statements are included in all published articles for transparency.
    • If conflicts are identified after publication, appropriate actions, such as issuing a correction or editorial note, are taken to address the issue.

  • Ethical Oversight:

    • The journal adheres to the COPE Core Practices for managing conflicts of interest.
    • In serious cases, conflicts may be referred to institutional review boards or other regulatory bodies.

Consequences for Non-Disclosure

Failure to disclose conflicts of interest may result in:

  • Rejection of the manuscript.
  • Retraction of published work.
  • Reporting to the authors’ institution or funding agency.

Proactive Education and Guidance

  • The journal provides resources and examples to help authors, reviewers, and editors understand and navigate COI requirements.
  • Authors are encouraged to consult resources such as the ICMJE Recommendations for further guidance.

By enforcing robust COI policies, the IJSC ensures the credibility and impartiality of its publications, fostering trust among authors, reviewers, and readers.

Data Sharing and Availability

The International Journal of Strength and Conditioning (IJSC) promotes transparency and reproducibility in research by requiring authors to provide clear data availability statements and to share supporting data whenever possible. These policies align with best practices in open science and enhance the credibility and utility of published work.

Data Availability Statement

  • Mandatory Requirement:
    All submissions must include a data availability statement, specifying where and how the supporting data can be accessed. For example:

    • “The data supporting the findings of this study are available from [repository name] at [DOI or URL].”
    • If data cannot be shared due to ethical, legal, or proprietary restrictions, authors must provide a clear explanation.

  • Transparency in Limitations:
    Authors must disclose any limitations on data access and provide alternatives, such as summary datasets or access upon reasonable request.

Encouraging Open Data Practices

  • Public Data Repositories:
    Authors are encouraged to deposit datasets in trusted repositories, such as:

    • Dryad
    • Figshare
    • Institutional repositories or discipline-specific platforms.
    • Persistent identifiers (e.g., DOIs) should be provided for all deposited data.

  • Open Access Licensing:
    The journal recommends using open-access licenses, such as CC-BY, to facilitate reuse and collaboration while ensuring proper attribution.

Adherence to Reporting Standards

Authors must comply with relevant reporting guidelines for data transparency, including:

  • CONSORT for randomized controlled trials.
  • PRISMA for systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
  • STROBE for observational studies.

Reviewer and Editor Responsibilities

  • Evaluating Data Transparency:
    Reviewers and editors assess the adequacy of data availability statements and may request additional information if needed.
  • Ethical Considerations:
    Data must adhere to ethical standards, including anonymization of sensitive information and compliance with privacy regulations.

Support for Authors

  • Templates and Examples:
    The journal provides templates for data availability statements and links to resources for data deposition.
  • Flexibility for Sensitive Data:
    Authors dealing with sensitive or proprietary data can contact the editorial team for guidance on meeting transparency requirements.

Post-Publication Transparency

  • Linking to Data:
    Published articles include links to data repositories whenever possible.
  • Corrections and Updates:
    If errors in data availability statements are identified post-publication, corrections will be issued promptly.

By enforcing data sharing and availability policies, the IJSC supports reproducible research, fosters collaboration, and strengthens the impact of the studies it publishes.

Open Access and Licensing

The International Journal of Strength and Conditioning (IJSC) is dedicated to advancing the accessibility of research and ensuring equity in knowledge dissemination through its open access publishing model. This policy reflects the journal’s commitment to supporting global collaboration and innovation in the field of strength and conditioning.

Open Access Policy

  • Diamond Open Access Model:
    The IJSC operates under a diamond open access model, meaning there are no fees for authors (no article processing charges, APCs) or readers. All published articles are freely accessible upon publication.

  • Voluntary Article Processing Contributions (VAPC):
    Authors have the option to provide a voluntary article processing contribution (VAPC) to support the journal’s operations and continued commitment to diamond open access. VAPCs are entirely optional and do not influence the editorial process or publication decisions.

  • Global Accessibility:
    All research published by the IJSC is available to a worldwide audience without financial barriers, promoting equitable access to knowledge.

Licensing

  • Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0):
    All articles are licensed under CC BY 4.0, allowing for:

    • Free use, sharing, and adaptation of the work in any medium.
    • Proper attribution to the original authors and source.

  • Author Rights:
    Authors retain copyright of their work, granting the IJSC the right to publish and distribute under the CC BY 4.0 license.

Compliance and Preservation

  • Funder Compliance:
    The journal’s open access model complies with the mandates of major funding bodies and institutions that require open access publication.
    Authors are encouraged to ensure that their submissions meet specific funder requirements.

  • Digital Preservation:
    The IJSC participates in digital archiving initiatives such as LOCKSS and CLOCKSS to ensure the long-term preservation and accessibility of published content.

Benefits of Open Access

  • Wider Reach and Impact:
    Open access increases visibility, readership, and citation potential, allowing research to reach practitioners, researchers, and the general public without barriers.
  • Equity in Knowledge Sharing:
    Researchers from underfunded institutions and low- to middle-income countries can access high-quality research without financial constraints.

Support for Authors

  • Authors are encouraged to consider contributing a VAPC to support the journal’s diamond open access mission, though this is strictly optional.
  • The IJSC provides resources and guidance for understanding the benefits and requirements of open access publishing.

By adopting an open access model and flexible licensing, the IJSC fosters an inclusive and collaborative environment for researchers, practitioners, and readers worldwide, supporting the advancement of strength and conditioning science.

Handling Complaints and Appeals

The International Journal of Strength and Conditioning (IJSC) is committed to addressing complaints and appeals in a transparent, fair, and timely manner. These policies ensure that concerns are managed effectively, maintaining trust and accountability throughout the publication process.

Complaints

The journal welcomes constructive feedback and is prepared to address complaints related to:

  • Alleged unethical practices (e.g., conflicts of interest, plagiarism).
  • Editorial decisions, including delays or perceived bias.
  • Peer review conduct or reviewer feedback.
  • Post-publication issues such as errors or omissions.

How to Submit a Complaint:

  • Complaints should be directed to the editorial office via the journal’s contact email, providing detailed information and supporting evidence where applicable.
  • All complaints are acknowledged within five working days.

Resolution Process:

  1. Initial Review:
    Complaints are reviewed by the editorial team to determine validity and scope.
  2. Investigation:
    If necessary, the issue is escalated to senior editors or the editor-in-chief for a thorough investigation.
  3. Response:
    A formal response, including actions taken or justifications for decisions, is provided within 30 days (or longer for complex cases).
  4. Escalation:
    If the complainant is dissatisfied, the matter may be referred to an independent advisory body or COPE for further review.

Appeals

Authors who disagree with editorial decisions (e.g., rejection of a manuscript) have the right to appeal.

Appeal Process:

  1. Submission of Appeal:
    • Appeals must be submitted in writing and include a detailed rebuttal addressing reviewer and editor comments.
    • Additional supporting evidence or revised manuscript sections may be included.
  2. Independent Review:
    • Appeals are reviewed by the editor-in-chief or a designated senior editor who was not involved in the original decision.
    • In some cases, the manuscript may be sent for further peer review.
  3. Final Decision:
    • The outcome of the appeal is communicated to the author within 30 days of receipt.
    • All appeal decisions are final and binding.

Ethical Oversight

Continuous Improvement

Feedback from complaints and appeals is used to improve journal policies and processes. The IJSC values constructive criticism as an opportunity to enhance its operations and uphold its commitment to academic excellence.

Diversity and Inclusion

The International Journal of Strength and Conditioning (IJSC) is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and diverse scholarly environment that values free inquiry, intellectual diversity, and respectful dialogue. This commitment reflects the journal’s adherence to the principles of the Heterodox Academy and supports the advancement of strength and conditioning research and practice worldwide.

Commitment to Diversity and Intellectual Freedom

  1. Merit-Based Evaluation:
    Manuscripts are evaluated solely on their scientific rigor, methodological quality, and relevance to the journal’s scope, irrespective of the authors’ gender, ethnicity, nationality, institutional affiliation, or other personal characteristics.

  2. Encouraging Diverse Submissions:

    • The journal actively encourages contributions from underrepresented groups and authors from diverse geographic, cultural, and professional backgrounds.
    • Submissions that challenge conventional paradigms or present novel perspectives are welcomed to enrich academic discourse.

  3. Promoting Free Inquiry:

    • The IJSC values and protects intellectual diversity, promoting open discussion of differing views in a respectful and constructive manner.
    • Controversial topics are evaluated impartially, ensuring that academic merit is the sole criterion for editorial decisions.

  4. Inclusive Representation:

    • The editorial board is composed of members from a wide array of disciplines, geographic regions, and professional experiences, reflecting the journal’s global scope.
    • Efforts are made to include reviewers and contributors from traditionally underrepresented populations.

Guiding Principles

  • Equity in Peer Review:

    • Reviewers are trained to recognize and mitigate potential biases, ensuring fairness and objectivity.
    • The journal’s open peer review model promotes transparency and accountability.

  • Global Accessibility:

    • As a diamond open access journal, the IJSC provides free access to its content, removing financial barriers for researchers and practitioners worldwide.
    • Special efforts are made to engage with authors from low- and middle-income countries.

  • Respectful Discourse:

    • The journal fosters an environment where diverse perspectives are shared respectfully. Disagreements are encouraged as part of academic dialogue, provided they adhere to principles of mutual respect and integrity.

Monitoring and Accountability

  • Tracking Progress:
    Metrics on geographic and demographic diversity of contributors are reviewed regularly to ensure inclusivity goals are met.
  • Stakeholder Engagement:
    Feedback from authors, reviewers, and readers is used to refine diversity and inclusion practices and identify opportunities for improvement.

Ethical Alignment

The journal’s diversity and inclusion practices align with its broader Publication Ethics policies, ensuring consistency and integrity across all aspects of its operations.

By adhering to the principles of diversity, intellectual freedom, and inclusivity, the IJSC fosters a vibrant, global academic community that advances knowledge and innovation in strength and conditioning.

Retractions, Corrections, and Clarifications

The International Journal of Strength and Conditioning (IJSC) is committed to maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the academic record. Clear policies and procedures are in place for handling retractions, corrections, and clarifications to address errors or ethical concerns that may arise post-publication. These policies align with the COPE Retraction Guidelines.

Definitions and Scenarios

  1. Retractions:

    • Issued when there are serious issues that invalidate the findings or conclusions of the research, such as:
      • Plagiarism.
      • Fabrication or falsification of data.
      • Major ethical violations.
    • Retractions are clearly marked in the journal and linked to the original article.

  2. Corrections:

    • Applied when errors are identified that do not compromise the validity of the findings, such as:
      • Minor methodological inaccuracies.
      • Typographical or formatting mistakes.
      • Missing or incorrect citations.
    • Corrections are published as an addendum to the original article.

  3. Clarifications or Expressions of Concern:

    • Issued when concerns about a publication are raised but require further investigation.
    • These are clearly noted alongside the original publication until a final decision is made.

Procedures

  1. Reporting Issues:

    • Errors or ethical concerns can be reported by authors, readers, reviewers, or editors.
    • Reports should be submitted to the editorial office with supporting evidence.

  2. Initial Assessment:

    • The editorial team conducts a preliminary review to determine whether the concern is valid and warrants further investigation.

  3. Investigation:

    • If necessary, the issue is escalated to a dedicated committee, external reviewers, or the authors’ institution for a comprehensive investigation.

  4. Decision and Action:

    • Based on the findings, the journal decides whether a retraction, correction, or clarification is required.
    • Authors are informed and given an opportunity to respond before final action is taken.

  5. Publication of Outcomes:

    • Retractions, corrections, and clarifications are published promptly and linked to the original article for transparency.
    • Statements provide a clear explanation of the issue, the investigation, and the resulting action.

Transparency and Accountability

  • The journal ensures that all amendments to the academic record are clearly communicated and accessible.
  • Retractions, corrections, and clarifications are listed in a dedicated section of the journal for easy reference.

Ethical Oversight

Proactive Prevention

  • The IJSC minimizes errors and ethical concerns through:
    • Rigorous peer review.
    • Ethical training for authors and reviewers.
    • Encouragement of transparency in data reporting and methodology.

By adhering to these policies, the IJSC ensures the reliability and credibility of the research it publishes, maintaining trust within the academic and professional community.

Post-Publication Policies

The International Journal of Strength and Conditioning (IJSC) recognizes that scholarly communication continues beyond the initial publication of research. Post-publication policies are designed to address errors, foster dialogue, and maintain the accuracy and integrity of the academic record.

Post-Publication Commentary

  • Constructive Engagement:
    Authors, readers, and researchers are encouraged to provide constructive feedback on published articles.

    • Feedback may include letters to the editor, critiques, or commentary highlighting new perspectives or findings.
    • Submissions must adhere to professional and ethical standards, focusing on evidence-based discussion.

  • Publication of Responses:
    Author responses to post-publication commentary are welcomed and may be published to promote an open and respectful academic dialogue.

Post-Publication Disputes

  1. Reporting Concerns:

    • Ethical or methodological concerns about a published article can be submitted to the editorial office.
    • Complaints should include detailed evidence and references to specific issues within the publication.

  2. Investigation Process:

    • The editorial team reviews reported concerns and may consult reviewers, authors, or external experts.
    • If necessary, disputes are escalated to the authors’ institution or an independent advisory body.

  3. Outcomes:

    • If concerns are substantiated, appropriate actions such as corrections, retractions, or clarifications are implemented.
    • Authors and complainants are informed of the outcome transparently and promptly.

Encouraging Updates and Addenda

  • Updating Research:
    Authors are encouraged to submit updates or addenda if new findings or relevant data emerge post-publication.

    • Updates are linked to the original article and clearly marked as additional content.
    • These submissions are subject to peer review and editorial approval.

  • Correcting Errors:
    Minor errors discovered post-publication can be corrected through an erratum or corrigendum, published alongside the original article.

Post-Publication Peer Review

  • For significant or controversial articles, the journal may facilitate additional post-publication peer review.
  • This ensures continued scrutiny and engagement with high-impact research while maintaining academic rigor.

Transparency and Accessibility

  • Publicly Accessible Amendments:
    All post-publication corrections, updates, and retractions are linked to the original article for transparency.
  • Permanent Archiving:
    The journal ensures that all post-publication actions are archived and available for future reference.

Ethical Oversight

By implementing robust post-publication policies, the IJSC fosters an ongoing, dynamic exchange of ideas and ensures the reliability and relevance of the academic record.

Adherence to External Standards

The International Journal of Strength and Conditioning (IJSC) ensures its policies and practices align with internationally recognized standards and ethical guidelines, providing a foundation of trust, accountability, and credibility in its operations.

Commitment to International Guidelines

  1. COPE Core Practices:
    The journal adheres to the COPE Core Practices for ethical publishing, ensuring consistency in handling misconduct, authorship disputes, and conflicts of interest.

  2. ICMJE Recommendations:
    The IJSC follows the ICMJE Recommendations for authorship criteria, contributor roles, and manuscript preparation.

  3. Reporting Guidelines:
    Authors are required to comply with established standards for transparent and accurate reporting, including:

    • CONSORT for randomized controlled trials.
    • PRISMA for systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
    • STROBE for observational studies.

Alignment with Ethical Standards

  • Heterodox Academy Principles:
    The journal supports the principles of the Heterodox Academy, fostering intellectual diversity and respectful dialogue in scholarly discourse.

  • Data Integrity:
    The IJSC promotes data sharing and transparency in compliance with FAIR Principles for findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable data.

  • Plagiarism Detection:
    The journal uses plagiarism detection tools such as Turnitin to ensure originality and compliance with ethical standards.

Educational Resources

  • Guidance for Stakeholders:
    Authors, reviewers, and editors are provided with resources and training materials to understand and adhere to these standards.

  • Transparency in Policies:
    Links to all external guidelines are provided within the journal’s Publication Ethics and Editorial Policies pages.

Regular Policy Updates

  • The IJSC regularly reviews updates from organizations like COPE, ICMJE, and others to ensure its policies remain current and aligned with global best practices.
  • Changes to journal policies are communicated transparently to authors, reviewers, and readers.

Global Relevance

By adhering to international standards, the IJSC ensures its practices are globally recognized and respected, fostering a trustworthy and inclusive platform for strength and conditioning research.

Indexing and Discoverability

The International Journal of Strength and Conditioning (IJSC) is committed to ensuring that its research is widely accessible and discoverable by indexing its content in reputable academic and professional databases. This approach enhances the visibility, credibility, and impact of the journal’s publications while supporting its mission to advance knowledge in the field of strength and conditioning.

Current Indexing

The IJSC is indexed in the following trusted databases and repositories:

  • DOAJ: Listed in the Directory of Open Access Journals, reflecting compliance with high-quality, open access publishing standards.
  • Google Scholar: Fully discoverable in Google Scholar, ensuring visibility among researchers and practitioners worldwide.
  • ROAD: Recognized by the Directory of Open Access Scholarly Resources (ROAD), demonstrating adherence to open access principles.
  • CROSSREF: Provides Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) for all articles, ensuring persistent and reliable links to published content.
  • ZDB: Indexed in the German Union Catalog of Serials (Zeitschriftendatenbank, ZDB), expanding access across academic libraries.
  • WIKIDATA: Included in Wikidata, enhancing discoverability through linked data and collaborative knowledge bases.
  • SUDOC: Listed in the French university system’s catalog, SUDOC, supporting academic access across France.
  • OPENALEX: Indexed in OpenAlex, a comprehensive index of scholarly publications and metadata.
  • EZB: Recognized by the Electronic Journals Library (EZB), providing academic institutions with access to journal metadata.
  • FATCAT: Indexed in FATCAT, an open catalog of scholarly articles and related metadata.

Benefits of Indexing

  • Enhanced Visibility: Indexed articles are more easily discoverable by global researchers, practitioners, and students, increasing readership and citation potential.
  • Credibility and Trust: Inclusion in established databases reflects the journal’s commitment to quality, transparency, and ethical publishing standards.
  • Global Reach: Indexing ensures that the IJSC’s content is accessible across various platforms, geographic regions, and academic networks.

Commitment to Expanding Indexing

The IJSC continuously works to expand its indexing footprint to further enhance its visibility and impact.

Indexing Standards

To meet the rigorous standards of indexing platforms, the IJSC adheres to:

  • Ethical and transparent peer review processes.
  • High-quality, original, and impactful research.
  • Comprehensive metadata and DOI assignment through CROSSREF.

Integration with Open Access

As a diamond open access journal, the IJSC ensures all indexed articles are freely available, removing financial and institutional barriers to access. The journal’s indexing policies align with its broader mission of promoting equity and knowledge sharing.

Future Goals

The IJSC remains committed to increasing its global presence by continuously refining its publishing practices and collaborating with additional indexing platforms, ensuring that its research reaches the widest possible audience.

Operations and Management

The International Journal of Strength and Conditioning (IJSC) is operated by the International Universities Strength and Conditioning Association (IUSCA). As a non-profit organization, the IUSCA is dedicated to advancing research and education in strength and conditioning through its journal and related initiatives.

Transparency in Operations

  • The IJSC is fully managed by the IUSCA, a recognized entity in the academic and professional strength and conditioning community.
  • The journal’s editorial independence is maintained through its dedicated editorial board, which operates free from external influence.

Governance

  • The journal’s operations are overseen by the editor-in-chief and supported by an independent editorial board comprising experts in strength and conditioning.
  • Day-to-day management, including manuscript processing and communications, is handled by the IUSCA’s administrative team.

Funding and Sustainability

  • The IJSC operates under a diamond open access model, funded by the IUSCA, supporting institutions, and by optional voluntary article processing contributions (VAPC) from authors.

Ethical Oversight

Ownership and management practices are aligned with the COPE Core Practices to ensure transparency and integrity in all operations.

Preprints Policy

The International Journal of Strength and Conditioning (IJSC) supports the dissemination of research through preprints and welcomes submissions that have been previously posted on recognized preprint servers.

What Are Preprints?

A preprint is a version of a research manuscript made publicly available prior to formal peer review and publication in a journal. Preprints facilitate the rapid sharing of research and allow for early feedback from the academic community.

IJSC Preprint Policy

  1. Submission of Preprints:

    • Manuscripts previously posted on preprint servers (e.g., arXiv, bioRxiv) are eligible for submission, provided they have not been published in another journal.
    • Authors must disclose any preprint versions at the time of submission and provide the preprint server link.

  2. Citing Preprints:

    • Authors may cite preprints in their manuscripts as long as they are clearly identified as such in the references.

  3. Preprint Server Listing:

    • Once accepted, authors may update the preprint version with a link to the published article, ensuring proper citation and acknowledgment of the IJSC.

  4. Benefits of Preprints:

    • Facilitates rapid dissemination of research.
    • Encourages collaboration and feedback prior to formal peer review.
    • Increases visibility and citation potential.

Ethical Considerations

  • Preprints must adhere to ethical standards, including proper authorship attribution, data transparency, and conflict of interest disclosure.