1. Purpose

• The purpose of this regulation is to define the principles, scope, and procedures governing the review of research proposals by the Research Ethics Committee (hereinafter “the Committee”) of Asian Society for Sport Convergence Sciences (ASCS). In accordance with this regulation, when a researcher submits a request for the review of a research proposal to the Research Ethics Committee of ASCS, the proposal shall be subject to deliberation and review by the Committee prior to the commencement of the study. Such review shall encompass both the ethical legitimacy and the scientific validity of the proposed research. The ultimate purpose of this regulation is to safeguard the rights, safety, welfare, and confidentiality of research participants, to ensure integrity and accountability in the conduct of research, and to foster a responsible and ethical research culture.

2. Principles of Review

• The Research Ethics Committee (hereinafter “the Committee”) shall review and approve all research proposals prior to the initiation of research. In conducting such review, the Committee shall give the highest priority to the protection of the rights, safety, welfare, and confidentiality of research participants, while simultaneously evaluating the ethical legitimacy and scientific rigor of the proposed research in accordance with recognized IRB guidelines.

3. Scope of Review

• The Committee shall review research proposals falling under, but not limited to, the following categories:

• a. Research involving the direct collection of data from human participants, such as surveys, interviews, or behavioral observations;
• b. Research utilizing human-derived materials, biological specimens, or genetic information;
• c. Research involving the collection, processing, or analysis of personal or sensitive information;
• d. Research that may reasonably be expected to affect the rights, safety, or welfare of participants;
• e. Research involving vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities;
• f. Any other proposals deemed by the Committee to require ethical and scientific review.

4. Requirements for Approval

• A research proposal shall be approved only when the following conditions are satisfied:

• a. The objectives and methodology of the research are clearly defined, scientifically valid, and ethically sound;
• b. Adequate information is provided to participants, and voluntary, informed consent is appropriately obtained;
• c. Risks to participants are minimized, and the anticipated academic, social, or clinical benefits reasonably outweigh such risks;
• d. Proper safeguards are established to ensure the confidentiality and protection of personal data;
• e. The principal investigator and research team possess the necessary qualifications, expertise, and resources to conduct the research;
• f. The research complies with applicable domestic laws, international guidelines, and institutional research ethics policies.

5. Conditional Approval and Requests for Revision

• Where a proposal does not fully satisfy the requirements, the Committee may grant conditional approval subject to specific modifications, or request revision and supplementation prior to granting final approval.

6. Post-Approval Monitoring and Oversight

• a. The Committee shall retain the authority to conduct periodic or ad hoc monitoring of approved research to ensure ongoing compliance with ethical and scientific standards.
• b. In the event of serious adverse events, unanticipated risks, or ethical violations, researchers must immediately report to the Committee.
• c. The Committee may, where necessary, require modifications to the study, temporarily suspend the research, or order its termination.

7. Reporting Obligations

• a. Researchers shall report in advance to the Committee any significant amendments to the approved protocol, including changes to participant recruitment methods, informed consent documentation, or substantive alterations to research procedures.
• b. Upon completion of the study, researchers shall submit a final research report. The Committee may review such reports and, where necessary, request additional actions or clarifications.