THERAPEUTIC USE EXEMPTIONS (TUE's)
A TUE is a certificate granted by an anti-doping organization (IPSF for international-level athletes, NADO for national-level athletes and MEO for athletes participating in an MEO
event. The certificate is for a set prohibited substance, in certain dosages, with a limited period of validity. An application for a TUE must be based on a documented medical condition and diagnosis and the TUE will only be granted under strict criteria laid out in the International Standard of TUEs.
Athletes must absolutely avoid taking a medication with a prohibited substance without a valid TUE.
The presence of a prohibited substance or its metabolites or markers in an athlete’s sample without a valid TUE is an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV), as are the use or attempted use of a prohibited substance or a prohibited method, possession, administration or attempted administration.
Athletes must therefore consult the Prohibited List with their prescribing physician before taking a medication to ensure that no prohibited substance is contained in the medication needed.
An International-Level Athlete whose illness or condition requires treatment with a prohibited substance or method must apply to the IPSF for a TUE following the IPSF’s strict TUE application process, aspplications can be made using the ADAMS system or by application form to the IPSF. IPSF consider international level athletes to be those athletes who are competing in the World Championship in thie chosed Competition.
Each TUE application will be carefully evaluated by the IPSF’s Therapeutic Use Exemption Committee (pending) and will only be granted in accordance with the International Standard for TUEs and the criteria laid out in article 4 of this standard. If the TUE is granted, the athlete will then be permitted to use the medication during the period of validity of the TUE without committing an Anti-Doping Rules Violation (ADRV).
Regardless of whether a TUE has been granted or not, athletes should always declare on the doping control forms filled out during sample collection any medications and supplements taken within the seven days prior to sample collection, and any blood transfusions in the three months prior for blood samples.
International-Level Athletes who already have a TUE granted by the NADO are automatically recognised by the IPSF, athletes should contact anti-doping@polesports.org with their TUE notification.
WADA’s role in the TUE process is two-fold. First, the Agency, through its TUEC, has the right to monitor and review any TUE granted by an ADO and, following such review, to
reverse any decision. Second, an athlete who submits a TUE application to an ADO (IF or NADO) and is denied a TUE, can ask WADA to review the decision. If WADA determines that denial of the TUE did not comply with the ISTUE, the Agency can reverse the decision. WADA itself does not accept TUE applications from athletes.
National-Level Athletes are to apply to their National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADO) for a TUE – list of NADOs.
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