Policies for Research Involving Vulnerable Populations

The Journal of Sport Science & Innovation (JOSSI) is dedicated to ensuring the highest ethical standards in research, particularly when it involves vulnerable populations. We define vulnerable populations as groups that may be at a higher risk of harm or exploitation, including but not limited to children, elderly individuals, people with disabilities, economically disadvantaged groups, and those with limited literacy.

Guidelines for Research Involving Vulnerable Populations:

1. Ethical Approval:

All research involving vulnerable populations must obtain prior approval from a recognized ethics committee or institutional review board (IRB). Researchers must provide evidence of this approval upon submission.

2. Informed Consent:

Researchers must obtain informed consent from participants or their legal guardians. This consent must be voluntary, informed, and documented. In cases where participants are unable to give consent, consent must be obtained from a legally authorized representative.

3. Assent from Children:

For research involving children, assent should be obtained in addition to the consent from parents or guardians. Assent means the child’s affirmative agreement to participate. Researchers should explain the research in age-appropriate language to ensure understanding.

4. Protection of Privacy and Confidentiality:

Researchers must implement measures to protect the privacy and confidentiality of vulnerable participants. Personal data should be anonymized or pseudonymized wherever possible.

5. Minimizing Harm and Risk:

The research design should prioritize the safety and well-being of participants. Any potential risks must be clearly communicated, and measures should be taken to minimize these risks.

6. Beneficence:

The principle of beneficence should guide the research, ensuring that the benefits of the research outweigh any potential risks to the participants. Researchers must ensure that participation in research does not result in harm or adverse consequences for vulnerable individuals.

7. Right to Withdraw:

Participants must be informed of their right to withdraw from the study at any time without any consequences. This should be communicated clearly and reinforced throughout the study.

8. Special Considerations:

Additional considerations should be given to the cultural, social, and economic contexts of the vulnerable populations to ensure that the research is conducted respectfully and ethically.

9. Transparency and Reporting:

Researchers must transparently report the ethical considerations and protections implemented in their study involving vulnerable populations. This information should be included in the methodology section of their manuscript.

10. Review and Compliance:

The editorial team of JOSSI will review all submissions involving vulnerable populations to ensure compliance with these guidelines. Manuscripts that do not adhere to these ethical standards will not be considered for publication.

By adhering to these guidelines, JOSSI aims to promote ethical research practices and safeguard the rights and well-being of vulnerable populations involved in sport science research.