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Therapeutic Use of Exemptions (TUEs)
Therapeutic Use of Exemptions (TUEs)
Athletes may have illnesses or conditions that require them to take medications or undergo procedures. If the medication or method to treat an illness or condition is prohibited as per the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) Prohibited List, a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) may give that Athlete the authorization to use that substance or method while competing without invoking an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) and applicable Sanction.
Except in a medical emergency, national and international level athletes must have an approved TUE in place BEFORE taking medication that contains a banned substance.
TUE Application Process – Who?
According to the ISTF Anti-Doping Regulations, the following Athletes shall be considered as International-Level Athletes:
- Athletes participating in the ISTF World Championships;
- Athletes included in ISTF Registered Testing Pool, Testing Pool and any other pool if established by ISTF.
TUE Application Process – What?
A TUE application will only be considered when submitted alongside the following medical file:
- A comprehensive medical history, including documentation from the original diagnosing physician(s) (where possible);
- The results of all examinations, laboratory investigations and imaging studies relevant to the application.
- TUE Application Form
Any TUE application that is not complete or legible will not be dealt with and will be returned for completion and re-submission.
To assist you and your doctor in providing the correct medical documentation, we suggest consulting the WADA’s Checklist for TUE applications for guidance and support, and Medical Information to Support the Decisions of TUECs for guidance on specific common medical conditions, treatments, substances, etc.
TUE Application Process – When and Where?
- Check if the required medication or method you intend to take, or use is prohibited as per the WADA’s Prohibited List.
- You may also use a ‘check your medication’ online tool like globalDRO (https://globaldro.com) or ask your National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO).
- Inform your physician(s) that you are an Athlete bound to anti-doping rules. You and your physician(s) should check the Prohibited List for the substance/method you are prescribed.
- Discuss non-prohibited alternatives if the substance/method is prohibited. If there are none, apply for a TUE.
- Contact the ISTF Anti-Doping Commission (istf@gmail.com) to determine your competition level and TUE application requirements.
- Apply for a TUE at least 30 days before your next competition – if it is determined that you are an International-Level Athlete.
AUTOMATIC RECOGNITION If you already have a TUE granted by your NADO:
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RETROACTIVE TUE If one of the exceptions on Retroactive TUEs apply: You may only apply retroactively for a TUE to the ISTF if: • You required emergency or urgent treatment of a medical condition. • There was insufficient time, opportunity or other exceptional circumstances that prevented you from submitting the TUE application, or having it evaluated, before getting tested. • You are a lower level athlete who is not under the jurisdiction of ISTF or NADO and were tested. • You tested positive after using a substance Out-of-Competition that is only prohibited In-Competition (for example glucocorticoids). |
- The ISTF TUE Committee (TUEC) shall render a decision as soon as possible, and usually within 21 days from the date of receipt of the complete TUE application, or request for recognition, unless in exceptional circumstances.
TUE Application Process – Why?
Using a prohibited substance or method without a TUE could result in an Anti-Doping Rule Violation. In case an application for a retroactive TUE is necessary following sample collection, you are strongly advised to have a medical file prepared and ready to submit for evaluation.
TUE Application Process – How?
ISTF encourages to submit TUE applications via ADAMS, together with the required medical information. If you do not have an ADAMS account yet, please contact us in our email (antidoping.istf@gmail.com).
Otherwise, please download the TUE Application Form, and once duly completed and signed, send it together with the required medical file to our email. Your TUE application must be submitted in legible capital letters or typing.
TUE Application Process
RENEWAL OF TUE
Each TUE has a specific duration, at the end of which it expires automatically. Should you need to continue to use the prohibited substance or method, it is your responsibility to submit a new application for a TUE with updated medical information ahead of the expiry date, so that there is sufficient time for a decision to be made prior to the expiry of the current TUE.
CONTACT INFORMATION
If you have a doubt as regards to which organization you should apply for a TUE, or as to the recognition process, or any other question about TUEs, please contact the ISTF Anti-Doping Commission (antidoping.istf@gmail.com).
USEFUL LINKS & DOCUMENTS
WADA International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE)
WADA Q&A on the Prohibited List
WADA Checklists for TUE Applications
WADA Guidelines for the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE)
WADA Anti-Doping Education and Learning (ADEL)
