Overview:

Anti-doping – softball player (W) tested positive for prohibited substance Salbutamol in a concentration higher than that permitted under the Prohibited List in sample taken from him in competition – provisionally suspended without opposition – admitted violation of Sports Anti-Doping Rules 2016 (SADR) Rule 2.1 and asked to be heard as to sanction – said positive test due to incorrect use of Ventolin inhaler which led to “over-puffing” – unintentional use of specified substance – standard period of ineligibility two years under SADR Rule 10.2.2 – accepted W could establish no significant fault or negligence in seeking a reduction of the two year period under SADR Rule 10.5.1.1 –Tribunal assessed appropriate sanction having regard to degree of fault – strict obligations on athletes under the Code – Tribunal decided appropriate period of ineligibility was 1 month – low level fault – genuine therapeutic use, unintentional over-puffing due to incorrect technique, co-operation with DFS as mitigating factors – however failure to take steps to check medication with DFS.