South African Journal of Sports Medicine — Journal Profile & Submission Links

The South African Journal of Sports Medicine is a peer-reviewed journal that publishes original research articles, reviews, commentaries, letters and case studies on topics related to the disciplines represented by the South African Sports Medicine Association. One volume is published a year with articles added as they are ready for publication. These disciplines include sports medicine, biokinetics, physiotherapy, exercise and sports science, dietetics and psychology. Material that is particularly unique and relevant to South Africa and its inhabitants are given preference; however, any other material of general interest and relevance will also be considered. The peer review process is handled and recorded via an online editorial system. After a manuscript is submitted via the online system by a researcher, the Editor-in-Chief screens the manuscript and rejects unsuitable or poor-quality manuscripts at this point. Articles deemed appropriate for peer review are sent to 2 - 3 reviewers selected by the Editor-in-Chief and/or members of the editorial board. Reviewers are invited if they are experienced researchers with expertise in the manuscript's contents. Following acceptance to perform the review, the reviewers are furnished with a copy of the manuscript and the journal’s peer review guidelines, to which they are asked to adhere. The identity of the authors and their affiliation details are blanked out to ensure a blind review. Reviewers are asked to complete the review within 4 weeks. Reviewers submit their reports via the online editorial system with a recommendation on the readiness of the paper for publication. The editor collates the review reports and makes a decision on the status of the paper accordingly. Manuscripts may be: accepted (subject to minor or no revisions); declined; returned to the authors for revision (to address all reviewer comments in detail, with the possibility of resending for peer review depending on the nature of the reviewer comments); or invited for re-submission altogether. Authors are not made aware of the identity of a reviewer (double-blind approach) unless insisted upon by the reviewer for transparency. Members of the editorial board may be called upon to make additional recommendations. The Editor-in-Chief makes the final decision on whether to accept or reject all manuscripts.