Why Researchers Choose Journal of Athletic Training for High-Impact Publications
The Journal of Athletic Training stands as a cornerstone in the field of sports science and health professions, particularly for those focused on athletic training. Established in 1966 by the National Athletic Trainers' Association, this peer-reviewed journal has evolved into a vital resource for researchers, clinicians, and educators. It publishes original research, clinical commentaries, and literature reviews that advance the understanding and practice of athletic training. With a commitment to open access since 2010, the journal ensures that high-quality scholarship reaches a global audience without barriers.
Researchers value the Journal of Athletic Training for its rigorous editorial standards and focus on evidence-based practices. Topics range from injury epidemiology and biomechanics to rehabilitation techniques and policy implications in sports health. The journal's interdisciplinary approach bridges sports medicine, exercise physiology, and public health, making it appealing to a diverse readership. Its impact is evident in citations across clinical and academic settings, supporting advancements in athlete care and training protocols.
For scholars in technical and career-oriented disciplines, publishing here offers opportunities to influence professional standards. The journal's emphasis on practical applications ensures that studies translate into real-world benefits, such as improved concussion management or performance enhancement strategies. As open access eliminates subscription fees, authors gain broader dissemination, increasing citation potential and career visibility.
Whether you're investigating emerging trends in athletic performance or evaluating training interventions, the Journal of Athletic Training provides a platform for impactful contributions. To explore related academic opportunities, visit our higher education jobs section for positions in sports science programs.
Overview & History
The Journal of Athletic Training was founded in 1966 as the official publication of the National Athletic Trainers' Association. Initially titled the Journal of the American Physical Therapy Association's sports section, it became independent to focus exclusively on athletic training. Over decades, it has grown from a quarterly to a bimonthly publication, reflecting the expanding scope of the profession.
Key milestones include the shift to full open access in 2010, which democratized access to research. The journal has published seminal works on topics like ACL injury prevention and heat illness protocols, shaping clinical guidelines. Today, it serves over 50,000 members of the NATA and a wider international audience, maintaining a reputation for excellence in sports health scholarship.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
The Journal of Athletic Training covers a broad spectrum within athletic training and related fields. It emphasizes research that informs clinical practice, education, and policy in sports and exercise settings.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Athletic Training | Core focus on prevention, assessment, and management of sports injuries. |
| Sports Medicine | Intersections with orthopedics, emergency care, and rehabilitation. |
| Exercise Physiology | Studies on performance optimization and physiological responses. |
| Public Health | Epidemiology of injuries and health promotion in athletes. |
| Education and Policy | Training curricula and professional standards in athletic care. |
Key Journal Metrics
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor (2022) | 2.937 | Clarivate Journal Citation Reports |
| CiteScore (2022) | 4.8 | Scopus |
| h-Index | 78 | Scopus |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 25% | Publisher data |
| Time to First Decision | 4-6 weeks | Journal guidelines |
Indexing and Abstracting
The Journal of Athletic Training is indexed in major databases, ensuring visibility and discoverability. It appears in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science (Science Citation Index Expanded), CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus. These listings facilitate citations and access for researchers worldwide. For more on academic resources, check our academic calendar for conference dates.
Publication Model and Fees
As a fully open-access journal sponsored by the NATA, the Journal of Athletic Training charges no article processing fees (APCs) for authors. This society-supported model promotes equitable access to publishing. Articles are published under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives license, allowing free distribution while protecting author rights. Hybrid options are not needed due to the full OA commitment.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Submissions are handled through the ScholarOne Manuscripts platform at the journal's official site. Authors must follow the journal's guidelines, including structured abstracts, ethical statements, and conflict of interest disclosures. Peer review is double-blind, with emphasis on methodological rigor and clinical relevance. Prepare your manuscript using AMA style for references.
- Register on ScholarOne.
- Upload files in Word or LaTeX.
- Include keywords from the athletic training taxonomy.
- Expect initial screening within 2 weeks.
For career advice on publishing, explore Rate My Professor reviews of faculty in sports programs.
Editorial Board Highlights
The editorial board comprises experts from leading institutions. Editor-in-Chief R. Terry Gerber, PhD, ATC, from Indiana State University, oversees content strategy. Associate editors specialize in areas like biomechanics (e.g., from University of Virginia) and epidemiology (e.g., from Ohio University). Their diverse backgrounds ensure balanced, high-quality reviews. Board members often contribute clinical commentaries, bridging research and practice.
Why Publish in Journal of Athletic Training?
Publishing in the Journal of Athletic Training offers researchers enhanced visibility due to its open-access model and strong indexing. The journal's focus on applied research aligns with career goals in academia and clinical settings, boosting CVs for tenure-track positions. With a solid impact factor, articles here attract citations from interdisciplinary fields, amplifying influence. Authors benefit from rapid dissemination and no publication costs, making it accessible for early-career scholars. Ultimately, it positions contributors as leaders in advancing athletic health standards.
Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Impact Factor | Access Model | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journal of Athletic Training | 2.937 | Open Access (No APC) | Athletic training and injury management |
| British Journal of Sports Medicine | 18.554 | Hybrid | Broad sports medicine |
| Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy | 4.479 | Hybrid | Rehabilitation and orthopedics |
| Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports | 4.372 | Hybrid | Exercise science and performance |
This comparison highlights the Journal of Athletic Training's unique value in specialized, cost-free open access.
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
- Align your study with the journal's scope, emphasizing clinical implications.
- Conduct a thorough literature review using PubMed and Scopus.
- Ensure statistical robustness and clear visualizations.
- Seek feedback from colleagues before submission.
- Highlight novelty in your cover letter.
For additional support in academic publishing, browse tenure-track faculty jobs to connect with peers.
