Policies

1. Digital Preservation Policy

Padel Scientific Journal ensures the long-term archiving and permanent preservation of all published materials through LOCKSS, CLOCKSS, and the PKP Preservation Network (PKP PN). All scientific content is permanently deposited in Dehesa, the Institutional Repository of the Universidad de Extremadura (https://dehesa.unex.es/). Active preservation protocols include:

  • Automated, redundant server backups.

  • Secure archival storage in standardized, long-term formats (PDF/A).

  • Regular file integrity audits and persistent Crossref DOI linking.

2. Diamond Open Access Policy

Padel Scientific Journal is a Diamond Open Access journal. All published articles are immediately, freely, and permanently accessible online at no cost to readers or authors. The journal does not charge Article Processing Charges (APCs), submission fees, or publication costs. All editorial expenses are fully funded by the Universidad de Extremadura. Content is licensed under Creative Commons and complies with the BOAI definition of Open Access.

3. Editorial and Scientific Quality Standards

3.1. Publication Frequency, Volume, and Schedule

The journal operates on a regular semiannual publication schedule, releasing one annual volume comprising two regular issues per year:

  • Issue 1 (January – June): Published during the first semester of the calendar year.

  • Issue 2 (July – December): Published during the second semester of the calendar year.

All accepted manuscripts are processed under a continuous digital workflow within their corresponding semiannual period to guarantee timely dissemination.

3.2. Peer Review Process and Editorial Oversight

The journal enforces an independent, external double-blind peer review process structured as follows:

  • a) Editorial Triage: Within 1 to 3 weeks from initial submission, the Editorial Board evaluates scope alignment, scientific rigor, ethics compliance, and formatting standards to decide whether the manuscript qualifies for external peer review or desk rejection.

  • b) External Peer Review: Manuscripts passing triage are evaluated anonymously by at least two independent external reviewers unaffiliated with the host institution. The standard evaluation period is 4 to 8 weeks. In cases of conflicting recommendations, a third external reviewer is assigned.

  • c) Final Editorial Oversight: Final acceptance, revision, or rejection decisions rest solely with the Editor-in-Chief, based on the external peer reviewers' evaluations.

  • d) Publishing Language: Manuscripts are reviewed in Spanish or English and published in English with bilingual titles, abstracts, and keywords.

3.3. Scientific Quality of Content

All contributions must demonstrate methodological rigor, originality, and clear practical or theoretical transfer to the fields of padel and Sports Sciences, strictly adhering to IMRaD standards and data reproducibility.

4. Plagiarism Detection Policy

Padel Scientific Journal applies a zero-tolerance policy regarding plagiarism, self-plagiarism, and redundant publication:

  • All submitted manuscripts are systematically screened using Turnitin prior to initiating the peer review process.

  • Any suspected academic misconduct, data falsification, or authorship dispute is handled in accordance with the official flowcharts and guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

5. Gender Equality and Inclusion Policy

Padel Scientific Journal adheres to international standards of equality, diversity, and non-discrimination endorsed by the Universidad de Extremadura, COPE, and the European Association of Science Editors (EASE):

  • Editorial Board Balance: The journal actively fosters gender balance and international diversity across its Editorial Team, Scientific Advisory Board, and external reviewer pool.

  • Sex and Gender Equity in Research (SAGER Guidelines): Authors are strongly encouraged to report data disaggregated by sex or gender whenever applicable to sports science research, utilizing inclusive terminology and avoiding methodological gender bias in participant recruitment.

  • Non-Discrimination: Manuscript evaluation and acceptance rely strictly on scientific merit, originality, and methodological robustness, free from bias regarding authors' gender, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or institutional affiliation.