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A domain-specific peer-review checklist for sport science journals: Translating a conceptual framework into practice
Spyridon Plakias11. University of Thessaly , GR2026-08-01|page 172-181AbstractThe peer-review process plays a central role in ensuring the quality and credibility of scientific research; however, it remains characterized by variability, limited standardization, and a lack of domain-specific evaluation criteria. These limitations are particularly evident in sport science, a multidisciplinary field involving complex, context-dependent, and applied performance data. Although several guidelines for peer-review exist, they are often either generic or tailored to specific domains, limiting their applicability to sport science research. The aim of the present study was to develop a comprehensive, domain-specific reviewer checklist for sport science journals. Building on a previously proposed conceptual framework of publishable research, the checklist operationalizes key dimensions of manuscript evaluation into structured criteria, spanning editorial screening, conceptual foundation, methodological and analytical rigor, research transparency, scientific communication, and scientific and practical impact. In addition, the framework integrates both hierarchical and iterative elements of the peer-review process, conceptualizing manuscript evaluation as a cyclical process that begins and concludes with editorial decision-making. The proposed checklist provides a structured and contextually relevant tool to support reviewers in conducting more consistent and transparent evaluations, while assisting editors in decision-making and offering authors clearer expectations. Although not yet empirically validated, the proposed framework represents a step toward improving the quality, consistency, and contextual relevance of peer-review in sport science.
APA Citation StylePlakias, S. (2026). A domain-specific peer-review checklist for sport science journals: Translating a conceptual framework into practice. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 172-181. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v5i2.741 -
Reclaiming the value of qualitative analysis in sports performance research
Spyridon Plakias11. Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly , GR2026-03-03|page 1-6AbstractQuantitative metrics and technology-driven approaches have reshaped sports performance analysis (SPA), yet they risk overshadowing the equally vital contribution of qualitative methods. This opinion paper highlights the value of qualitative analysis in capturing the complexity, context, and meaning of player and team behaviors, elements that numbers alone cannot explain. Drawing on video-based evaluations, case studies, and narrative reconstructions, qualitative approaches provide insights into tactical, psychological, and interactional dimensions of performance that are indispensable for bridging the science–practice gap. By integrating qualitative and quantitative perspectives, SPA can achieve a more balanced and applicable paradigm, ensuring that scientific research remains relevant to real-world coaching and athlete development. This paper calls for a renewed recognition of qualitative methods as a central pillar of SPA and invites further scholarly contributions to this evolving discussion.
APA Citation StylePlakias, S. (2026). Reclaiming the value of qualitative analysis in sports performance research. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 1-6. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v5i1.672 -
Mislabeling latent variables in factor analysis applied to football playing style research: A commentary
Spyridon Plakias11. Department of Physical Education and Sports, University of Thessaly , GR2026-03-25|page 40-46AbstractThe application of exploratory factor analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) has become increasingly prevalent in football analytics, offering a robust framework for identifying and quantifying playing styles. By condensing a large set of performance indicators into factors, these techniques provide valuable insights into tactical patterns. However, a persistent challenge lies in the subjective labeling of these factors, which can lead to ambiguous or misleading interpretations. This commentary highlights the issue of mislabeling latent variables in football playing style research, drawing on examples from recent studies to illustrate how inaccurate labels can distort both theoretical understanding and practical applications. The implications of poor labeling extend beyond academic discourse, potentially affecting coaches and analysts who rely on data-driven insights for tactical planning. To address these challenges, we propose best practice recommendations emphasizing conceptual clarity, standardized terminology, and expert validation. Accurate and consistent factor labeling is essential to ensure the reliability, comparability, and practical relevance of findings in the evolving field of football performance analysis.
APA Citation StylePlakias, S. (2026). Mislabeling latent variables in factor analysis applied to football playing style research: A commentary. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 40-46. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v5i1.693 -
Development and validation of a table tennis serve skill assessment instrument for junior high school students: A psychometric approach
Muhammad Aliffajaruddin Alfani1, M. E. Winarno2, Siti Nurrochmah31. State University of Malang , ID2. State University of Malang , ID3. State University of Malang , ID2025-07-01|page 95-102AbstractBackground: The highest assessment weight in physical education lessons lies in psychomotor skills. In order to find out how far the competencies possessed by students, a clear and comprehensive assessment tool or instrument is needed.
Objectives: The research aims to develop a test instrument for forehand and backhand service skills in table tennis small ball games.
Methods: The development of this instrument uses a research and development scheme, with predetermined steps (1) determining objectives, (2) analyzing literature, (3) developing specifications, (4) administering, (5) conducting tests, (6) analyzing data validity, reliability, and objectivity. The cluster sampling procedure was conducted on students aged 13-15 who met the inclusion criteria, involving junior high school students (n=80), consisting of 41 female students and 39 male students. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 11.0. The basis for decision-making is the Pearson correlation test. The analysis technique in the reliability test uses a test and retest external estimation approach.
Results: The forehand serve variable has a calculated r-value of 0.456> r-table 0.312, and the backhand serve variable obtained a calculated R-value of 0.352> r-table 0.312, so the table tennis skill instrument on that variable was declared valid. At the same time, the reliability test shows a value above 0.70; the instrument that has been prepared can be declared reliable.
Conclusions: The assessment instrument for forehand and backhand serve skills in table tennis games for junior high school students has met the validity and reliability criteria. This shows that the instrument is suitable for teachers as an objective and consistent measuring tool in evaluating basic table tennis skills in students. Recommendations for future studies are encouraged to expand the sample size and integrate digital features to enhance the scalability and objectivity of the assessment.
APA Citation StyleAlfani, M. A. , Winarno, M. E. , & Nurrochmah, S. (2025). Development and validation of a table tennis serve skill assessment instrument for junior high school students: A psychometric approach. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 95-102. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v4i2.525 -
Integrity in the age of AI: navigating authorship, accountability and ethical publishing
Yulingga Nanda Hanief11. State University of Malang , ID2026-04-03|page 106-112AbstractThe rapid emergence of generative artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the landscape of academic writing and scholarly publishing, offering both opportunities and ethical challenges. This editorial reflects on the growing implications of AI-assisted authorship, particularly regarding authorship, accountability, and research integrity. While AI tools can improve clarity and accessibility, their misuse raises concerns about the erosion of critical thinking and the reliability of scientific results.
A key issue highlighted in this discussion is the increasing incidence of false or unverifiable references generated through AI-assisted processes. These practices threaten the credibility of scholarly communication and increase the burden on editors and reviewers. In response, this editorial emphasizes the importance of responsible AI use, transparency in authorship, and rigorous source verification.
Furthermore, the article outlines the journal's commitment to maintaining high standards of quality and ethical publishing. This includes strengthening editorial policies, promoting integrity in manuscript preparation, and encouraging accountability among authors. The editorial also calls on the academic community to adopt responsible practices in the use of emerging technologies.
In line with international publishing standards, this editorial is designed to provide critical perspectives, articulate editorial responsibilities, and offer a forward-looking stance on ethical scientific communication. Ultimately, maintaining trust and credibility in the AI era requires a collective commitment to transparency, rigor, and integrity at every stage of the publication process.
APA Citation StyleHanief, Y. N. (2026). Integrity in the age of AI: navigating authorship, accountability and ethical publishing. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 106-112. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v5i1.720 -
Structural relationships between service quality, communication, motivation, and athlete satisfaction in basketball Indonesia
Fajar Gumilang H.M1, Agung Nugroho2, Rumpis Agus Sudarko3, Fauzi Fauzi4, Fajar Sriwahyuniati51. Yogyakarta State University , ID2. Yogyakarta State University , ID3. Yogyakarta State University , ID4. Yogyakarta State University , ID5. Yogyakarta State University , ID2026-04-09|page 113-124AbstractBackground: Many basketball clubs aim to enhance athlete satisfaction through service quality, communication, and motivation; however, empirical evidence validating these factors as measurable constructs remains limited.
Objectives: This study examines whether these variables function as latent constructs influencing athlete satisfaction and validates their measurement structure using confirmatory factor analysis.
Methods: This study used a quantitative survey and included 263 basketball athletes from various clubs in Sidoarjo, comprising 110 males and 153 females. The participant characteristics focused on players still in the developmental stage who had been actively participating in club training programs for 3 to 6 months, with educational levels ranging from junior high school to college. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using a valid and reliable Likert-scale questionnaire and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) via AMOS 22.
Results: The results demonstrate that service quality (β=0.337, ????=0.000) and communication (β=0.439, ????=0.000) significantly enhance motivation. Furthermore, motivation significantly affects athlete satisfaction (β = 0.582, ???? = 0.000). Crucially, the analysis confirms that motivation mediates the relationship between service quality (indirect effect=0.139) and communication (indirect effect=0.240) on satisfaction.
Conclusions: Theoretically, this study confirms motivation as a vital psychological mediator linking managerial inputs to athlete satisfaction. In practice, the findings demonstrate that while high-quality physical facilities provide a necessary structural foundation, they must be integrated with effective, supportive coaching communication to optimally ignite athletes' intrinsic drive and maximize their overall club experience.APA Citation StyleH.M, F. G. , Nugroho, A. , Sudarko, R. A. , Fauzi, F. , & Sriwahyuniati, F. (2026). Structural relationships between service quality, communication, motivation, and athlete satisfaction in basketball: Indonesia. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 113-124. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v5i1.691 -
Teaching personal and social responsibility: An analysis of TPSR-based behaviors in physical education
Rama Adha Septiana1, Tite Juliantine21. Indonesia University of Education , ID2. Indonesia University of Education , ID2025-12-30|page 332-343AbstractBackground: The rapid growth of online gaming among students has raised concerns regarding behavioral regulation, responsibility, and social interaction in educational contexts.
Objectives: This study aims to systematically review empirical research on the Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility (TPSR) model and student behavioral outcomes, and to explore its potential implications for online gaming and digital behavior contexts.
Methods: A literature review was conducted using SAGE Journals and Taylor & Francis Online databases, selected due to their strong coverage of peer-reviewed research relevant to physical education and pedagogy. The search covered publications from 2014 to 2024 using the keywords “TPSR” AND “student” AND “behavior” AND (“online game” OR “gaming”). Inclusion criteria were: (1) peer-reviewed international journal articles, (2) empirical or review studies addressing TPSR and student behavior, (3) student populations, and (4) publication within the last ten years. Articles that did not explicitly address TPSR-based behavioral outcomes were excluded. From 43 initial records, 4 articles met the inclusion criteria and were synthesized using narrative synthesis.
Results: The included studies primarily focused on TPSR implementation in physical education contexts, emphasizing behavioral responsibility, psychosocial mechanisms, and pedagogical approaches. Of the four studies, two employed quasi-experimental designs, one used survey methods, and one adopted a literature review approach. Overall, the findings indicate that TPSR-based learning is associated with improvements in personal and social responsibility, positive behavior regulation, and supportive learning climates, although direct evidence linking TPSR to online gaming behavior remains limited.
Conclusions: The findings suggest that TPSR offers a promising pedagogical framework for fostering responsible behavior and social regulation among students in the digital era.APA Citation StyleSeptiana, R. A. , & Juliantine, T. (2025). Teaching personal and social responsibility: An analysis of TPSR-based behaviors in physical education. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 332-343. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v4i3.647 -
Analyzing the promotion of social skills and values in physical education texts and programmes
Loubna Belabbes1, Omar Ben Rakaa2, Moulay Smail Hafidi Alaoui31. Mohammed-V University , MA2. Hassan II University of Casablanca , MA3. Mohammed-V University , MA2025-12-12|page 275-290AbstractBackground: Global education systems increasingly emphasize holistic development by integrating social skills and ethical values into curricula, with physical education playing a central role in shaping students' cognitive, emotional, and civic competencies.
Objectives: This study examines how educational programs and policy documents promote social skills (e.g., empathy, communication, collaboration, autonomy) and ethical principles, with particular attention to the contribution of physical education in fostering academic achievement and responsible citizenship.
Methods: A structured literature review was conducted, applying predefined eligibility criteria and guided by socio-emotional learning and self-determination theory. Forty-five academic and institutional texts (published between 2013 and 2023), including frameworks from UNESCO and the Moroccan Ministry of Education, as well as programs such as PATHS and Second Step, were analyzed across diverse linguistic and cultural contexts, with a primary focus on Morocco.
Results: Communication (11.11%; 5/45), autonomy (8.89%; 4/45), and cooperation (8.89%; 4/45) emerged as the most frequently emphasized competencies in both Moroccan and international curricula. Physical education was found to reinforce resilience, leadership, and collaborative skills, whereas empathy (4.44%; 2/45) remained underrepresented—reflecting the prevailing prioritization of technical rather than socio-emotional competencies. Implementation remains constrained by structural barriers, including limited resources and cultural misalignment, despite the legislative support of Morocco's framework law 51-17.
Conclusions: Embedding social skills within physical education supports students' holistic development. Achieving meaningful implementation requires: (1) short-term alignment of system-level policies and teacher training, and (2) long-term cultural adaptation of programs supported by measurable monitoring indicators.APA Citation StyleBelabbes, L. , Ben Rakaa, O. , & Alaoui, M. S. H. (2025). Analyzing the promotion of social skills and values in physical education texts and programmes. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 275-290. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v4i3.493












