Journal Sport Science, Health and Tourism of Mandalika (JONTAK) is committed to maintaining an accurate, trustworthy, and transparent scholarly record. When material problems are identified in a published article, the journal will take proportionate editorial action to alert readers and, where appropriate, correct or retract the publication.

This policy applies to research in sport science, physical education, health, recreation, tourism, and related fields. It is informed by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines on retractions and expressions of concern, and by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) recommendations on corrections and version control.

1. Purpose and Scope

JONTAK may issue a correction, an expression of concern, or a retraction when information published in the journal requires an official post-publication notice. The choice of action depends on the nature, severity, evidence, and implications of the problem, not solely on whether an honest error or misconduct is suspected.

The primary objective is to protect readers and the integrity of the scholarly literature rather than to punish authors. Matters involving reasonable differences of scholarly interpretation may instead be addressed through post-publication discussion or correspondence.

2. Corrections to Published Articles

A correction is appropriate when a published article contains a substantive error or omission that should be rectified but does not invalidate its principal findings, interpretations, or conclusions. Examples include incorrect numerical values, mislabeled tables or figures, mistakes in analyses that leave the main conclusions reliable, or material errors in author or disclosure information.

The journal will publish a clearly identified correction notice explaining the error and the change, citing the original article, and providing a direct link to it. If the article file is updated, the revision date and changes must be indicated, earlier versions retained or obtainable, and readers directed to the current version. Silent replacement of the published record is not permitted.

3. Retraction of Published Articles

Retraction may be warranted when reliable evidence shows that an article is so seriously flawed that its central findings or conclusions cannot be relied upon. Such problems may arise from major methodological or analytical errors, fabricated or falsified data, seriously misleading images, substantial plagiarism, or other significant research or publication integrity breaches. Serious duplicate publication or unethical research may also justify retraction after case-specific assessment.

A retraction can follow honest error as well as misconduct; it is not a determination of individual culpability. The Editor-in-Chief, or an independent editor when a conflict of interest exists, is responsible for the final editorial decision in accordance with applicable COPE guidance. Author agreement is sought but is not a prerequisite when the evidence justifies retraction.

4. Expressions of Concern

JONTAK may issue an expression of concern when substantial and credible questions have been raised about a publication but the evidence is not yet sufficient to warrant retraction, or an investigation or request for information is expected to remain unresolved for a significant period. The notice alerts readers without presenting unproven allegations as established facts.

An expression of concern must identify the affected article, state the reasons for concern in neutral language, and be freely accessible. It may be followed by a correction, retraction, or further notice when additional evidence becomes available; in some cases, it may remain the final public outcome if the concerns cannot be conclusively resolved.

5. Reporting and Editorial Assessment

Authors, readers, reviewers, institutions, and other parties may report an apparent error or integrity concern through the official editorial contact listed on the JONTAK website. Reports should identify the article by title and DOI or URL, describe the concern, and provide supporting information where possible. Credible reports will be considered regardless of whether the reporter asks to remain confidential.

The editorial office will assess the information fairly, may request original data or explanations, and may seek independent expert advice. The journal will distinguish correctable mistakes from unresolved concerns and issues serious enough to require retraction. Allegations of possible misconduct will also be handled under JONTAK's Allegations of Research Misconduct policy and relevant COPE procedures.

6. Author Communication and Institutional Cooperation

Before a final decision, the journal will normally inform the corresponding author and relevant co-authors of the concern and provide a reasonable opportunity to respond. Editors may consult the authors' institution, research integrity office, funder, or other appropriate authority when investigation of research conduct is required. Institutional findings will be considered without surrendering the journal's responsibility for editorial decisions.

Editors or other decision-makers with a relevant conflict of interest must not handle the case. Confidential information will be shared only as reasonably needed for evaluation, while notices intended for readers will provide sufficient explanation of the editorial outcome without unnecessary personal accusations.

7. Publication, Linking, and Preservation of Notices

Corrections, expressions of concern, and retractions will be issued as clearly labeled, publicly accessible notices identifying the original article and explaining the reason for the action. Each notice should cite and link to the affected article; the article landing page and available full-text versions should link back to the notice. Notices will include dates and bibliographic details sufficient for readers and indexing services to identify the record.

A retracted article will ordinarily remain accessible for the historical scholarly record, with a prominent RETRACTED label or watermark where technically feasible. Removal of content will be considered only in exceptional circumstances involving legal obligations, privacy, or serious harm; a bibliographic record and explanatory notice should be retained whenever possible. Relevant metadata will be updated where the platform and registration services support it.

8. Timeliness, Appeals, and Recordkeeping

The editorial office will act without unnecessary delay once adequate evidence supports a correction or retraction. Where serious concerns remain unresolved for an extended period, an expression of concern may be used to warn readers while a fair assessment continues. Decisions are based on documented evidence and the need for a reliable record, not on the seniority or reputation of those involved.

Authors or other affected parties may submit a written, evidence-based request for reconsideration. Where feasible, an editor independent of the original decision will assess the request. JONTAK will preserve appropriate records of communications, evidence, decisions, and issued notices, consistent with applicable confidentiality requirements and its publication ethics procedures.