WADA changes for 2007 revealed

World Anti- Doping Agency (WADA) is outruling the ban on some prohibited medicines in its 2007 prohibition list.

Alcohol will be fine for billiards players and chess mavens can use beta- blockers without fear but substances that work the same as masking agents are forbidden in 2007.

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Those are among the changes adopted by the World Anti- Doping Agency (WADA) to its 2007 prohibition list summarised in a release by the US Anti-Doping Agency in Colorado Springs on November 14, 2006.

While the cue-stick crew can drink all they like and the checkmates can keep their cool, WADA extended its reach by adding a term to masking agent that outlaws "other substances with similar biological effect".

That means that if a substance serves the same masking purpose as a banned substance, it also is banned even if not on the banned list.

Certain steroids also received a reprieve. Glucocorticosteroids used on skin, eye drops, eardrops, nasal sprays and mouth treatments will now be permitted without the filing of a therapeutic use exem.

A change for next year renders salbutamol levels above 1,000 ng/mL and clenbuterol ineligible for reduced sanctions because they are no longer considered specified substances.

Most sport supporters would need a medical dictionary to figure out the bulk of the changes such as salbutamol, salmeterol, terbutaline and formoterol being allowed by inhalation with a theraputic use filing.

Salbutamol levels above 1,000 ng/mL are doping violations even with a theraputic use filing unless athletes can prove it was caused by inhalation of salbutamol.

Several stimulants were added to the 2007 ban list including benzylpiperazine, 4-phenylpiracetam (carphedon) and tuaminoheptane.

Insulin is banned as a peptide hormone but theraputic use exemptions can be filed to allow it. A 'Vicks Vapor Inhaler' remains prohibited due to L-methamphetamine.

Substances on the monitoring list for 2007 are not considered banned and their discovery in the body will not be considered a doping violation.