Authors' Guidelines

Authors' Guidelines

Manuscripts submitted to THE SHIELD - Research Journal of Physical Education & Sports Science must adhere to the following guidelines to ensure alignment with the journal's scope and ethical standards.

Manuscript Format

Title Page

  • Include: Manuscript title, author/co-author names, affiliations, and corresponding author’s contact details (email, phone).

Abstract

  • A non-structured summary (maximum 250 words) that outlines the research purpose, methodology, key findings, and significance.
  • Avoid abbreviations and technical jargon.

Keywords

  • Provide 4–6 keywords that reflect the manuscript’s focus (e.g., "athlete performance," "sports pedagogy," "exercise physiology").

Introduction

  • Contextualize the research within existing literature, clearly stating the study’s objectives and rationale.

Methodology

  • Describe research design, participants (e.g., athletes, coaches, institutions), data collection tools, and analytical methods.
  • For qualitative studies: Explain theoretical frameworks, sampling strategies, and data coding processes.
  • For experimental studies: Detail protocols, ethical approvals (e.g., institutional review board, athlete consent), and statistical methods.

Results

  • Present findings concisely with supporting tables/figures. Avoid duplicating data across text and visuals.
  • Report statistical significance (e.g., p-values, effect sizes) where applicable.

Discussion

  • Interpret results in the context of sports sciences literature. Address limitations and practical implications for physical education or sports practice.

Conclusion

  • Summarize key contributions to the field, avoiding unsupported claims.

Conflict of Interest

  • Declare any financial, institutional, or personal conflicts that may have affected the research.

Acknowledgements (Optional)

  • Recognize contributors (non-authors) or funding bodies.

Funding Disclosure

  • State funding sources (e.g., grants, institutions). If none, write: "No funding was received for this study."

References

  • Follow APA 7th edition style.
  • APA reference examples:
    • Journal Article: Smith, J., & Lee, R. (2023). Impact of high-intensity training on adolescent athletes. Journal of Sports Science, 15(2), 45–60. https://doi.org/10.xxxx
    • Book: Williams, P. (2020). Sports Sociology: Theory and Practice (2nd ed.). Academic Press.
    • Website: World Health Organization. (2022). Physical activity and health. https://www.who.int/health-topics/physical-activity

Manuscript Formatting

  • Font: Times New Roman, 12-point.
  • Spacing: Single-spaced throughout.
  • Units: Use SI units (metric system).
  • Abbreviations: Define at first use; avoid in titles/abstracts.
  • Tables/Figures:
    • Embed within the text and submit separately in editable formats (e.g., Word, Excel).
    • Include titles and permissions for identifiable human subjects.
  • Headings:
    • Level 1: Bold, left-aligned (e.g., Methodology).
    • Level 2: Italicized, left-aligned (e.g., Data Analysis).
  • Margins: 1 inch (all sides).
  • In-text Citations: (Author, Year) format (e.g., Smith, 2023).

Article Types

  • Original Research
    • Length: ≤3000 words.
    • Tables/Figures: ≤6.
  • Review Articles
    • Length: ≤4000 words.
    • Focus on synthesizing sports science and physical education literature (e.g., meta-analyses, systematic reviews).
  • Short Communications
    • Length: ≤1500 words.
    • Brief reports, case studies, or methodological innovations.
  • Commentaries/Editorials
    • Length: ≤1200 words.
    • Opinion pieces on emerging trends or policy issues in physical education/sports sciences.

Submission Requirements

  • Cover Letter:
    • Include manuscript title, article type, and statements confirming originality and exclusivity.
    • List all authors’ affiliations and roles.
  • Ethical Approval:
    • For human studies: Provide institutional ethics board approval and participant consent documentation.
  • Authors’ Declaration Form:
    • Signed by all authors (download from the journal website).

Post-Submission Process

  • Galley Proofs:
    • Authors review final proofs within 48 hours; minor revisions only.
  • Post-publication Corrections:
    • Submit formal requests for significant errors via the journal’s correction policy.