Reasons given by elite sportspeople as to why accidental breaches of the doping regulations might occur
| Reason for accidental doping breach | Number of respondents expressing suggestion |
|---|---|
| OTC, Over the counter. | |
| Inadequate labelling/changes in product composition | 16 |
| Lack of knowledge | 16 |
| Human error/forgetfulness/learning difficulties | 13 |
| Laziness/failure to read advice/failure to check substance | 12 |
| Different composition of drugs in other countries | 8 |
| Naivety/risk taking | 4 |
| General practitioner error | 3 |
| Team doctor error | 3 |
| New to elite sport/inadequate advice at junior level | 2 |
| Don’t want to make a fuss over a simple OTC remedy | 2 |
| Athlete belief that minor illness needs OTC medication | 2 |
| Very complicated issue | 2 |
| Keen to get better and return to training | 2 |
| “Set ups” | 1 |
| Inability to quickly access team doctor | 1 |
| Coach error | 1 |
| Excuse for deliberate cheating | 1 |
| Changes in regulations | 1 |
| Underperforming because of illness will make testing less likely | 1 |
| Too ill to realise to check list | 1 |