Plagiarism Policy

1. Introduction

The Journal of Physical Literacy and Active Living (JPLAL) maintains a strict policy against plagiarism to ensure the originality and integrity of the scholarly works it publishes. JPLAL is committed to publishing original research and adhering to the highest standards of publication ethics. This policy outlines the journal's definition of plagiarism, procedures for its detection, and actions taken when plagiarism is identified. All authors submitting manuscripts to JPLAL must affirm that their work is original and does not contain plagiarized material.

2. Description

Plagiarism involves presenting another person's work, ideas, words, or data as one's own without proper attribution or permission. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Directly copying text, phrases, or substantial portions of another person's work without using quotation marks and appropriate citations.

  • Paraphrasing another person's work too closely without providing adequate attribution.

  • Using figures, tables, data, or research results from other sources without proper acknowledgment or permission where required.

  • Presenting ideas, theories, or interpretations developed by others as one's own original contributions.

  • Self-plagiarism, also known as redundant or overlapping publication, which involves reusing significant portions of one's previously published work without appropriate citation, disclosure, or justification.

Plagiarism constitutes a serious breach of academic and publication ethics and is unacceptable in any form. JPLAL expects all authors to acknowledge the work, ideas, and intellectual contributions of others appropriately.

3. Policy

  • Screening: All manuscripts submitted to JPLAL undergo plagiarism screening before entering the peer review process.

  • Tool: JPLAL utilizes Turnitin, a widely recognized text-similarity detection software, to screen submitted manuscripts for potential plagiarism.

  • Similarity Index: Manuscripts with an overall similarity index exceeding 20% will undergo further editorial scrutiny. However, JPLAL recognizes that similarity scores alone do not establish plagiarism and must be interpreted carefully in the context of the manuscript.

  • Exclusions from Similarity Check: Turnitin will be configured to exclude the reference list or bibliography and properly formatted direct quotations, where technically applicable, from the similarity calculation.

  • Consequences of Plagiarism:

    • Pre-publication: If plagiarism is confirmed in a submitted manuscript, JPLAL may reject the manuscript. The corresponding author will be notified of the findings. In cases of extensive or severe plagiarism, the journal may also notify the authors' affiliated institutions.

    • Post-publication: If plagiarism is suspected in a published article, JPLAL will conduct an appropriate investigation following established publication ethics procedures. If the findings establish grounds for retraction, the article will be retracted in accordance with COPE guidelines. The journal will publish a retraction notice and may notify the authors' affiliated institutions when appropriate.

    • Further Actions: JPLAL reserves the right to take additional measures proportional to the nature and severity of the misconduct, in accordance with applicable publication ethics standards.

4. Technicalities to Achieve and Materialize the Policies

  • Submission Screening: Upon receiving a manuscript submission, the JPLAL editorial office will use Turnitin to generate a similarity report before proceeding with the editorial evaluation and peer review process.

  • Report Evaluation: The editorial team will carefully examine the similarity report. A high similarity index does not automatically indicate plagiarism, and editorial judgment is essential. Editors will assess whether identified similarities constitute plagiarism or reflect legitimate textual overlap, such as commonly used terminology, standardized methodological descriptions, or properly cited material.

  • Author Responsibility: Authors are responsible for ensuring the originality of their submissions and appropriately acknowledging all sources. Authors must also obtain the necessary permissions for reproducing copyrighted materials when required.

  • Handling Suspected Cases: If plagiarism is suspected at any stage of the publication process, JPLAL will follow established ethical procedures, including relevant guidance and flowcharts issued by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). Authors will be given an opportunity to respond to allegations before an editorial decision is made.

  • Transparency: JPLAL is committed to maintaining transparency and fairness in its plagiarism-screening procedures. Authors seeking clarification regarding similarity reports or plagiarism assessments may contact the JPLAL editorial office.

  • Continuous Improvement: JPLAL will periodically review and update its plagiarism policy and related editorial procedures to ensure continued alignment with internationally recognized standards and best practices in scholarly publishing.

COPE Resources