Reviewer Guidelines

Peer Review Form ─ DOWNLOAD
 

Last Updated: April 2025

As InnovatioSports Journal, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of scientific integrity and publication ethics. Peer reviewers play a crucial role in this mission. This guide provides a clear and professional framework to support reviewers in delivering ethical, constructive, and high-quality evaluations.

1. OVERVIEW OF THE REVIEW PROCESS

Submission and Initial Screening

  • Submitted manuscripts are first evaluated by the editorial team for relevance and compliance with journal policies.

Assignment of Reviewers

  • Eligible manuscripts are assigned to at least two independent experts via a double-blind peer review system.

Evaluation and Feedback

  • Reviewers assess manuscripts based on scientific merit, originality, methodology, clarity, and ethical compliance.

  • Constructive feedback is expected, focusing on improvement and academic contribution.

Editorial Decision

  • Editors base their decision (accept, revise, reject) on reviewers’ comments and recommendations.

 Author Notification

  • The editorial decision and reviewer feedback are communicated to the authors. Revisions may be requested with a 15-day deadline.

2. REVIEW CRITERIA

Originality

  • Does the manuscript offer new findings or perspectives?

  • Does it contribute meaningfully to existing literature?

Methodology

  • Are the methods appropriate, valid, and well-documented?

  • Is the design sound and the analysis reproducible?

Results & Analysis

  • Are the results clearly presented and statistically supported?

  • Are data interpretation and conclusions logically aligned?

Structure & Language

  • Is the writing clear, precise, and scientifically appropriate?

  • Does the manuscript follow the journal’s formatting guidelines?

Use of Literature

  • Are references relevant, recent, and accurately cited?

  • Is the theoretical background sufficiently covered?

3. ETHICAL GUIDELINES FOR REVIEWERS

InnovatioSports Journal adheres to international standards (e.g., ICMJE, COPE). Reviewers are expected to:

Objectivity

  • Evaluate manuscripts impartially regardless of authors’ identities.

  • Decline to review if the topic is outside your expertise.

Confidentiality

  • Do not share manuscript content with others.

  • Do not use unpublished data for personal benefit.

  • If a colleague or trainee assists in the review, disclose this to the editor.

Conflict of Interest

  • Disclose any professional, financial, or personal conflict that may affect impartiality.

  • Common conflicts include:

    • Working at the same institution

    • Co-authoring with the author(s) in the recent past

    • Having direct competition on the same research topic

Constructive Feedback

  • Provide specific, respectful, and improvement-oriented comments.

  • Focus on scholarly merit, not personal opinions.

Scientific Integrity

  • Reviews should reflect scientific rigour and honesty.

  • Avoid AI tools unless explicitly permitted by the journal.

  • Respect the confidentiality of the peer review process.

4. SAMPLE REVIEW STRUCTURE

Reviewers may use the following structure for their reports:

  • Strengths of the manuscript

  • Weaknesses and areas of improvement

  • Specific suggestions (e.g., clarity, logic, data issues)

  • Final recommendation: Accept / Minor Revision / Major Revision / Reject

5. POST-REVIEW AND DATA SHARING

Post-Publication Dialogue

  • Authors are encouraged to respond to feedback and inquiries received after publication.

Data Retention

  • Authors are expected to retain research data for at least 10 years and provide it upon request if ethically and legally permissible.

Your professional contributions as a reviewer are vital to the advancement of science and the credibility of InnovatioSports Journal.

For questions or assistance: info@isjournal.org